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The Method
How hard will you fight for the one you love?
Frank and Linda's marriage is falling apart. When old friends tell them about an "unconventional therapy retreat" called The Method, they jump at the chance to attend.
Dr. Kaspar's Lone Loon Lodge is a secluded resort deep in the Montana wilds. The staff is friendly. The other couple joining them is intense. But when a death occurs events quickly spiral out of control, leaving Linda and Frank unable to trust anyone but each other.
Nothing is what it seems, and only one thing is certain: Love Is Pain.
- Kindle Scout Winner 2017 -
Frank and Linda's marriage is falling apart. When old friends tell them about an "unconventional therapy retreat" called The Method, they jump at the chance to attend.
Dr. Kaspar's Lone Loon Lodge is a secluded resort deep in the Montana wilds. The staff is friendly. The other couple joining them is intense. But when a death occurs events quickly spiral out of control, leaving Linda and Frank unable to trust anyone but each other.
Nothing is what it seems, and only one thing is certain: Love Is Pain.
- Kindle Scout Winner 2017 -
Paperback
First published June 6, 2017
101 people are currently reading
837 people want to read
About the author
Duncan Ralston
79 books2,043 followers**CVLT: Lonely Motel Book 3 out now!!!**
**Sequel to the hit novel PUZZLE HOUSE coming Winter 2026**
Author of the cult smash-hit Woom and Ghostland and more than 15 other books that aren't the cult smash-hit Woom or Ghostland. His debut collection was blurbed positively by the legendary Jack Ketchum. His vampire novel, Pedo Island Bloodbath, was nominated for a 2024 Splatterpunk Award for Best Novel. His horror-thriller Ghostland will soon be a board game from Crystal Lake Publishing.
For 10 FREE dark fiction short stories/novellas including the prequel to GHOSTLAND, "The Moving House," signed copies of Woom, bookplates and merch, please visit www.duncanralston.com.
Photo © Josh Silver 2015
**Sequel to the hit novel PUZZLE HOUSE coming Winter 2026**
Author of the cult smash-hit Woom and Ghostland and more than 15 other books that aren't the cult smash-hit Woom or Ghostland. His debut collection was blurbed positively by the legendary Jack Ketchum. His vampire novel, Pedo Island Bloodbath, was nominated for a 2024 Splatterpunk Award for Best Novel. His horror-thriller Ghostland will soon be a board game from Crystal Lake Publishing.
For 10 FREE dark fiction short stories/novellas including the prequel to GHOSTLAND, "The Moving House," signed copies of Woom, bookplates and merch, please visit www.duncanralston.com.
Photo © Josh Silver 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
April 3, 2018
This is a really good book. It is a psychological thriller with so many twists and turns and then it turns you upside down as if you are on a reading roller coaster. I didn't have any expectations before reading this story, so what a great surprise. I would hate when I had to stop reading and couldn't wait to resume where I had left off. What a great feeling it is when that happens to me, I wish all my books could make me feel this way!
This book is very well written and is edited well. I will definitely read more books by this author. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy a real adrenaline rush while sitting on the edge of your seat
Warning! There is some sex, bad language (not too much) and a lot of violence. This book is not for a sensitive reader but (DELICIOUS) in a sick way for all other readers.
I rated this book a terrific 4 1/2 🌟🌟🌟🌟⭐ stars!!
This book is very well written and is edited well. I will definitely read more books by this author. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy a real adrenaline rush while sitting on the edge of your seat
Warning! There is some sex, bad language (not too much) and a lot of violence. This book is not for a sensitive reader but (DELICIOUS) in a sick way for all other readers.
I rated this book a terrific 4 1/2 🌟🌟🌟🌟⭐ stars!!
February 25, 2020
This was one crazy ride into psychological and torturous terror!
Frank and Linda are having marriage problems to the point where they might end up in divorce. When their friends tell them about a lodge/retreat out in the wilderness that will help them get their marriage back on track, they decide to check it out to save their marriage.
The Lone Loon Lodge located in the deep woods of Montana seems to be the perfect retreat with Dr. Kaspar running the show. The only thing is Frank and Linda have separate rooms and they are made to sign some documents not too long after they arrive (of course they don't read the fine print which later in the book becomes clear that you should always read the fine print before you sign anything) and they start to get settled into the lodge.
Frank and Linda soon realize that something is off kilter about the retreat as there are militia men with dogs and all-terrain vehicles that protect the property. When Frank and Linda find out the retreat is not really a retreat, but something else, they try to escape, but things don't always go as planned. Terror seeps into their bones and minds when they find out there really is no escape. Frank and Linda have to decide how far they would go to protect each other and if they can both endure the horror that they have to go through to stay alive.
The book from the beginning starts off quick and the more I became involved in the story, the more I couldn't put the book down. This is one twisted, fast paced, torturous, gory ride into the mind of author, Duncan Ralston!
I would consider this book survival horror at its best as it kept me glued to my kindle into the wee hours of the morning! I would look at my clock and see that it was 1:00 in the morning. I would tell myself "just one more chapter" and the next thing I know it is near 2:30 in the morning!
Any book that keeps me up half the night every night for near a week is definitely going to be a five star read!
Frank and Linda are having marriage problems to the point where they might end up in divorce. When their friends tell them about a lodge/retreat out in the wilderness that will help them get their marriage back on track, they decide to check it out to save their marriage.
The Lone Loon Lodge located in the deep woods of Montana seems to be the perfect retreat with Dr. Kaspar running the show. The only thing is Frank and Linda have separate rooms and they are made to sign some documents not too long after they arrive (of course they don't read the fine print which later in the book becomes clear that you should always read the fine print before you sign anything) and they start to get settled into the lodge.
Frank and Linda soon realize that something is off kilter about the retreat as there are militia men with dogs and all-terrain vehicles that protect the property. When Frank and Linda find out the retreat is not really a retreat, but something else, they try to escape, but things don't always go as planned. Terror seeps into their bones and minds when they find out there really is no escape. Frank and Linda have to decide how far they would go to protect each other and if they can both endure the horror that they have to go through to stay alive.
The book from the beginning starts off quick and the more I became involved in the story, the more I couldn't put the book down. This is one twisted, fast paced, torturous, gory ride into the mind of author, Duncan Ralston!
I would consider this book survival horror at its best as it kept me glued to my kindle into the wee hours of the morning! I would look at my clock and see that it was 1:00 in the morning. I would tell myself "just one more chapter" and the next thing I know it is near 2:30 in the morning!
Any book that keeps me up half the night every night for near a week is definitely going to be a five star read!
May 22, 2017
The Method by Duncan Ralston is a book I won with the Kindle Scout program. It is a good intense story that keeps you reading. It is a little spooky,what is real or staged? There is a murder, lots of tension with other guests, and soon the couple of the story is trying to survive when they came to this hide-a-away to get their marriage back together.
June 23, 2017
"He can write anything, any genre, and make it superb. He can write characters like you have known them all your life. He can put words on paper that completely suck you in and have you sitting with blinkers on as you read so that you hear and see nothing around you while you read. He is that good."
See here for the full review:
The Method
See here for the full review:
The Method
January 31, 2018
Wow! This was not at all what I expected. At first it seemed like our troubled couple, Linda and Frank, were on this amazing retreat to get better that may or may not require some extreme hiking or survival. However, there were quite a bit of twists and turns and this “Method” kind of blows you out of the water! Be ready for quite a few surprises as this book takes you down a few paths you won’t be anticipating. The writing itself between the characters is the type of stuff I love. Definitely felt like I was reading something from Bryan Smith but not as extreme. However, I felt that Duncan is more than capable to go there and his other book collaborated with Matt Shaw certainly shows that. I will keep an eye out for other books by Duncan, as I feel he is someone to reckon with. Can’t wait to read another!
May 23, 2018
Marriage on the rocks?
Lost that spark in your relationship?
Need to rekindle the ole flame?
Never fear. Dr. Kapser’s Lone Loon Lodges couple’s retreat will heal your ailing spirits and make you feel like you’ve fallen in love all over again.
Well…
Maybe, not exactly like that. But, hey, love is messy sometimes.
A quick and crazy one from the quick and crazy mind of Duncan Ralston.
“I was given this free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
Lost that spark in your relationship?
Need to rekindle the ole flame?
Never fear. Dr. Kapser’s Lone Loon Lodges couple’s retreat will heal your ailing spirits and make you feel like you’ve fallen in love all over again.
Well…
Maybe, not exactly like that. But, hey, love is messy sometimes.
A quick and crazy one from the quick and crazy mind of Duncan Ralston.
“I was given this free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
September 19, 2017
Duncan Ralston's The Method is a brutal exploration of a relationship falling apart; Linda and Frank's last gasp effort to save their marriage; a weekend getaway at Lone Loon Lodge to undergo The Method — whatever that is. Recommended to them by mutual friends who were experiencing similar issues, but who are now closer than ever, it seemed like a good idea. What could go wrong?
Full review: https://culturedvultures.com/method-d...
Full review: https://culturedvultures.com/method-d...
January 11, 2020
First book of the year completed, and it's a strong one by Duncan Ralston. The Method sees a failing couple head off to a remote resort for a new brand of marriage counseling. Of course, they get far more than they bargained for. An action-packed thriller - recommended.
September 25, 2018
"How can the mind separate fantasy from reality when the facts are lies and the fiction is true?"
First, let me say I loved the premise of Duncan Ralston's novel. A couple on the brink of separation decide to try a program called "The Method" at an exclusive and high-end couple's retreat. As part of the program, they waive much more of their rights than they might fully understand, setting up a huge mind-twist of a story where you're never quite sure what's real and what's just a part of their experimental treatment.
The main characters certainly have their flaws, and clearly have a history that makes them sympathetic. And while, as you might expect, their love is slowly rekindled through the trials they face, this novel takes them to the very edge of the line you think will never be crossed, then drags them (and you) into the dark territory far beyond.
With moments that will have you questioning not only the characters' reality but your own, this was a fun and fast read and one I'd highly recommend to fans of psychological thrillers and horror.
First, let me say I loved the premise of Duncan Ralston's novel. A couple on the brink of separation decide to try a program called "The Method" at an exclusive and high-end couple's retreat. As part of the program, they waive much more of their rights than they might fully understand, setting up a huge mind-twist of a story where you're never quite sure what's real and what's just a part of their experimental treatment.
The main characters certainly have their flaws, and clearly have a history that makes them sympathetic. And while, as you might expect, their love is slowly rekindled through the trials they face, this novel takes them to the very edge of the line you think will never be crossed, then drags them (and you) into the dark territory far beyond.
With moments that will have you questioning not only the characters' reality but your own, this was a fun and fast read and one I'd highly recommend to fans of psychological thrillers and horror.
June 13, 2017
The Method is AWESOME!!
The Method will make you not to want to go on any remote get a ways! From start to finish, this story will hold you to the very end. A very surprising end!!
The Method will make you not to want to go on any remote get a ways! From start to finish, this story will hold you to the very end. A very surprising end!!
June 15, 2017
Full review posted soon :)
May 13, 2017
Duncan Ralston's latest offering The Method, is an uncomfortable, twisting journey, where nothing is quite what it seems. As always Duncan gives a brilliantly written story, with a dialogue so tight and unforced, with tangible characters. It's a spooky tale of paranoia, where the reader simply can't fathom what's real and what's staged.
One of my favourite writers, who never, ever, fails to deliver original, and solid stories.
One of my favourite writers, who never, ever, fails to deliver original, and solid stories.
May 8, 2018
Great novel that moves at the pace of a movie, making 300 pages feel like 100. Fun characters with a great look at marriage and the possibilities of divorce due to confusion and despair. Lots of action and turns on the plot line. I loved every minute of reading The Method.
July 12, 2017
The Method is an unconventional couples therapy retreat that Frank and Linda hear about from some friends who attended. The treatment saved their relationship. Frank and Linda decide this might be what they need to reconnect and save their marriage. The treatment is expensive and as it turns out, not just financially so.
The setting is a remote lodge in the middle of the Montana wilderness. Surrounded by forests and a lake, it’s isolated and picturesque. Phones and other distractions are taken away for the weekend so they can focus on themselves and each other. A walk in the woods changes everything for them. A murder and the arrival of a local militia put them in a desperate battle for survival, and they are forced to trust and rely on each other.
Much of the book focuses on the failing relationship of Frank and Linda, so we get to know a good deal about them and have insight into their troubles. They truly are taking the last step before breaking up. The author gives us a relationship that feels real and characters that we empathize with and care about. There is one other couple attending The Method who are a little off. As the reader, you’re questioning whether they are part of The Method or not.
The book starts with a bang and then we’re taken back to preceding events. This is a great hook to draw you in. The story builds steadily and really picks up to a breakneck pace for the final third. We’re sold a few red herrings along the way – what you expect the focus of the book to be shifts into something quite different.
The militia antagonists are particularly relevant today with nationalism, localism, and government mistrust rampant. Sarge, the leader of the militia, offers more of a character than the brutes who follow his lead. They fall into more of the hillbilly lunatic stereotype. Unfortunately for Frank and Linda, a one armed militia man named Colby is one of the lunatics. He’s violent, sadistic and, fair warning, we do see a significant torture situation.
The climax of the story is gripping and once again, expectations are flipped. This is a book that would be hurt by spoilers so I’m not going to go into further detail. What really makes the book is the strong characterizations, and Duncan Ralston shows us that as the cover states, Love is Pain.
The setting is a remote lodge in the middle of the Montana wilderness. Surrounded by forests and a lake, it’s isolated and picturesque. Phones and other distractions are taken away for the weekend so they can focus on themselves and each other. A walk in the woods changes everything for them. A murder and the arrival of a local militia put them in a desperate battle for survival, and they are forced to trust and rely on each other.
Much of the book focuses on the failing relationship of Frank and Linda, so we get to know a good deal about them and have insight into their troubles. They truly are taking the last step before breaking up. The author gives us a relationship that feels real and characters that we empathize with and care about. There is one other couple attending The Method who are a little off. As the reader, you’re questioning whether they are part of The Method or not.
The book starts with a bang and then we’re taken back to preceding events. This is a great hook to draw you in. The story builds steadily and really picks up to a breakneck pace for the final third. We’re sold a few red herrings along the way – what you expect the focus of the book to be shifts into something quite different.
The militia antagonists are particularly relevant today with nationalism, localism, and government mistrust rampant. Sarge, the leader of the militia, offers more of a character than the brutes who follow his lead. They fall into more of the hillbilly lunatic stereotype. Unfortunately for Frank and Linda, a one armed militia man named Colby is one of the lunatics. He’s violent, sadistic and, fair warning, we do see a significant torture situation.
The climax of the story is gripping and once again, expectations are flipped. This is a book that would be hurt by spoilers so I’m not going to go into further detail. What really makes the book is the strong characterizations, and Duncan Ralston shows us that as the cover states, Love is Pain.
June 4, 2018
Duncan Ralston never disappoints. THE METHOD is a perfect psychological thriller. Sadistic, messing with the reader as much as the characters he has so lovingly created. I loved it.
February 27, 2020
Linda and frank go out for a rock climbing trip with their friends. They find that their friend’s relationship is stronger than ever after a marriage retreat. The only thing that’s suspicious is that they are both covered in bruises. What did they do? Linda and frank are curious. Their friends talk about “the method” an unconventional therapy. Linda and frank’s relationship is on the rocks right now so they are desperate to try anything. This book was just great! Duncan ralston killing it again! I read this book as a soap opera/ trash tv in the beginning. There were some great laughs and some “oh snap” moments. You can expect to have some blood and torture in this read. There are some very heart wrenching scenes. The only issue I had was that the ending was slightly predictable but a enjoyable read. 4/5 🌟 review for me.
July 12, 2019
Taut, character driven mind-bender
I've recently started reading Duncan Ralston's books, and I am happy I have. The Method was a great story, twisty and action-packed. Had me guessing until the very end. I burned through it because I had to know what happened next. Recommended.
I've recently started reading Duncan Ralston's books, and I am happy I have. The Method was a great story, twisty and action-packed. Had me guessing until the very end. I burned through it because I had to know what happened next. Recommended.
July 3, 2017
“Marriage problems? I’d recommend divorce before rerolling in ‘The Method’”
A few months back I nominated ‘The Method’ for possible publication for a new venture by Amazon called ‘Kindle Scout’ where by reading previews and a voting system readers can help choose which books will be published on kindle. As Duncan is both well known in the horror community, and has an entertaining online presence, I was not surprised ‘The Method’ was picked up for publication. Because I voted for this book, I received a free copy prior to release. This was a nice touch from Amazon.
Since Ralston appeared on the horror scene a few years ago his popularity has grown pretty quickly and I think that ‘The Method’ will most definitely increase his reach. In my old age, I’ve turned into a bit of a wuss, so I generally avoid the ‘extreme horror’ banner he sometimes writes under, but have enjoyed ‘Harbringer’ and some of his other shorter work. However, I’m pleased to say that ‘The Method’ shows that Ralston is most definitely widening his range and stretching his versatility as a writer. This work has elements of horror, but is also a very decent thriller which doesn’t rely on gore, violence or shock value to tell a story that moves at a fair old lick.
I whizzed through this page-turner of a novel which cleverly revealed its secrets very slowly. I expected the ending to be somewhat of a disappointment or anti-climax, but it bobbed and weaved right to the end. Any hard-core Ralston gore hounds out there should not be put-off either as there are still a couple of pretty graphic scenes, one with a bear-trap which will have you wincing, and a pretty elongated torture scene which was unpleasant for the psychological effect, as much as the fact that it pulled few punches.
Linda and Frank have been having marital problems, nothing too serious, but after meeting up with old friends Dillon and Trevor are convinced to go on a weekend retreat (which is very pricy) which the other couple assure them will help them with their marriage. Dillon and Trevor try very hard to get Linda and Frank to sign up (DON’T DO IT GUYS!) and of course they do…. There are early warning signs.... such as why are Dillon and Trevor covered in bruises? All they’ll say is that it was “a very intense experience” and they really weren’t lying…..
I don’t want to give too much of the plot away, but the couple arrive at the remote retreat and have their mobile phones confiscated and soon realise they are being monitored through secret cameras in their room before meeting another strange couple. Realising they have signed contracts without reading the small print Duncan Ralston takes us on an entertaining, journey which has a good few twists, plot jumps, introducing a range of nasty characters, but where nothing is what it seems. Sure it gets a bit far-fetched, but it is never dull.
‘The Method’ is not a long novel and it was fun company for a few hours. More often than not you know where most novels are heading, but I think Ralston particularly enjoys throwing curveballs at the reader. ‘The Method’ deserves to be a success on Kindle Scout and will hopefully find the author some new readers in the thriller end of the market as well as horror.
Tony Jones
July 29, 2017
This is a highly enjoyable thriller from an author who knows his craft. The setup of the story is fairly straightforward, a couple who decides to go on an out of the way, retreat for couples trying to mend their relationship. From that point on, the story takes on a life of its own.
I have read a number of Ralston's books and with each successive one he manages to show me something a little different. Far from the dark supernatural of Salvage or the grossness of Woom, he has woven together a brilliantly layered story here that constantly had me guessing wrong.
The descriptions in this are great and the characters are complex. Ralston manages to capture the intensity of their situation as well as the emotions of a failing marriage and even that if dealing with a terminal illness. There is external pressure and wonderful characterization, two essentials for great fiction.
Give it a whirl.
I have read a number of Ralston's books and with each successive one he manages to show me something a little different. Far from the dark supernatural of Salvage or the grossness of Woom, he has woven together a brilliantly layered story here that constantly had me guessing wrong.
The descriptions in this are great and the characters are complex. Ralston manages to capture the intensity of their situation as well as the emotions of a failing marriage and even that if dealing with a terminal illness. There is external pressure and wonderful characterization, two essentials for great fiction.
Give it a whirl.
June 5, 2017
The ending of The Method was predictable, but it had some unpredictable twists along the way. I didn't find the book as suspenseful as I would have liked as I had a nagging feeling about some of the plot. It got a bit bizarre in parts, but I still wanted to finish to piece all the bits together.
I was confused with the first chapter of the book as it started with a bang, then chapter 2 seemed to come out of the blue in a completely different location and time. This would have been easier to understand if chapter 2 made it clear we had gone back in time. We picked up the scene from chapter much later in the one book.
I was confused with the first chapter of the book as it started with a bang, then chapter 2 seemed to come out of the blue in a completely different location and time. This would have been easier to understand if chapter 2 made it clear we had gone back in time. We picked up the scene from chapter much later in the one book.
June 15, 2017
Another amazing read from Duncan Ralston. The Method is a fast paced and insane. Is it predictable? Yes and no. I found myself going back and forth asking myself "what is really going on here."
Frank and Linda have had a difficult last few years, and as I learned why, I drew closer to these characters. Not much more can be said without giving too much away. The journey is intense, at times cruel and simply hard to put down.
I loved his first novel Salvage so much, that I already think it'll be his masterpiece. However if Duncan can continue to write stories at such a high quality the sky is the limit for him.
Frank and Linda have had a difficult last few years, and as I learned why, I drew closer to these characters. Not much more can be said without giving too much away. The journey is intense, at times cruel and simply hard to put down.
I loved his first novel Salvage so much, that I already think it'll be his masterpiece. However if Duncan can continue to write stories at such a high quality the sky is the limit for him.
May 6, 2020
Fast. Furious. And utterly gripping.
The Method by Duncan Ralston is fast, furious and utterly gripping. The prose and pacing read like a dream and the story is just the tension building nightmare you want in a book that claims to be a twisted psychological horror-thriller. I was rooting for Linda and Frank to the very end.
Got through this in just over a day. Duncan Ralston has found a new fan. Excellent book. 5/5.
The Method by Duncan Ralston is fast, furious and utterly gripping. The prose and pacing read like a dream and the story is just the tension building nightmare you want in a book that claims to be a twisted psychological horror-thriller. I was rooting for Linda and Frank to the very end.
Got through this in just over a day. Duncan Ralston has found a new fan. Excellent book. 5/5.
February 6, 2018
OMG!! I was NOT expecting this book to be all that great, I don't know why, but it was freaking amazing!!
It's full of suspense, that will keep you turning the page, it will keep you on the edge of your seat, there are sooo many twists and surprises in the story to keep you up at night reading.
It actually kinda freaked me out a little bit!!
It's full of suspense, that will keep you turning the page, it will keep you on the edge of your seat, there are sooo many twists and surprises in the story to keep you up at night reading.
It actually kinda freaked me out a little bit!!
July 22, 2017
Wow
Awesome book! Unique plot, full of suspense, drama, mystery, and action. It kept me guessing until the end. I will be following this author.
Awesome book! Unique plot, full of suspense, drama, mystery, and action. It kept me guessing until the end. I will be following this author.
September 13, 2017
I was excited to finally receive "The Method" after reading the excerpt and nominating it for publication via Kindle Scout. I'm a fan of Ralston's work, especially his ability to meld genres, and this book didn't disappoint! The story follows Frank and Linda, a married couple on the rocks, who agree to attend a radical marriage therapy session on the recommendation of their friends. Frank and Linda have no idea just how radical The Method actually is. This thriller is full of suspense, conspiracies, sexual tension, gory action, and twists up until the very end. The tag line "Love is Pain," is brutally and beautifully depicted. The most compelling aspect of "The Method" is not the intricately snaking plot or the perfect pacing, but the way that Ralston managed to so realistically capture the complex dynamic of marriage. You keenly feel their bitterness, longing, regret, lust, compassion, rage... and you hope they can survive.
October 4, 2017
Up until about I was about 80% through I was enjoying the story and I think if the author had gone with the obvious plot line (which I'm not sure how to reference without spoilers) it would have been an okay read but instead of just being kind of "out there" he went way WAY out there to the point where suspension of disbelief simply wasn't possible for me anymore. When I roll my eyes and mutter "really?!" while reading a book you know you've lost me.
June 29, 2017
Short Take: DOH!!! Ya got me!!
So I snagged a copy of this one recently, and I’ll be honest: I didn’t expect to like it very much. From what I had seen of some of the author’s other work, he’s an extreme horror kind of guy, and although I’m not bothered overmuch by the occasional gory scene, it’s not something I really seek out. I tend to go more for psychological horror - the thing that just might be hanging out in the closet always affects me more than the dripping decapitated head.
But I found the concept intriguing. As someone who’s pretty familiar with the various ways that marriages and long-term relationships can die, I wanted to see if the author could effectively make me believe in this couple. Could he really show how it feels from the inside when partners start drifting and stop connecting, and could Mr. Ralston make me care if they ever got it together?
More importantly, could he freak me out quite a bit while doing so?
The answer, my friends, is yes, yes, and oh hell yes.
We meet Frank and Linda Moffatt when they are on a walk in the woods, bickering in the way that married couples frequently do. On the surface, they are arguing about directions, and if they are lost, but underneath, the conflict is about everything that’s wrong in their marriage. So walking, fighting, and BAM! Something so awful happens that I seriously wanted to cover my eyes while reading, which is a skill I have yet to master.
From there, the story jumps backward to where Frank and Linda first hear about The Method, a super-exclusive couples’ retreat where friends of theirs were able to save their marriage. We see them check into the Lone Loon Lodge (a uniquely perfect name, given future events), and meet the only other couple there, Neville and Teri.
Although some strange things happen in the lodge, possibly orchestrated by the mysterious Dr. Kaspar, the story really takes off when Frank and Linda take that walk. And oh, my beloved nerdlings, what a horrific walk it becomes.
I won’t reveal any of the specifics of the story from this point, but I will say that this section of the story is nearly where The Method lost me. The plot seemed to go from an interesting psychological thriller with well-rounded characters into, well, a sophomoric and mostly dumbed-down horror movie that I’ve seen roughly eleventy billion variations of in my life. I actually remarked to a friend that “this book had better have a KILLER ending after putting me through this.” And so I kept reading, even though I wasn’t really feeling it, since I’m a sucker who’s always willing to hope that there is an ending somewhere out there that is awesome enough to make up for a meh rest of the book, although I mostly don’t believe they exist.
Let me just say, I may have found such a unicorn here. The reveals in the final quarter of The Method come fast and hard, and although I anticipated a couple of them, there were still plenty that I didn’t see coming. Which isn’t to say that it was necessarily a 100% perfect ending. Although everything was explained, and it all came together in a way that didn’t seem to leave any loose ends hanging, and it did so in a brilliantly unexpected way, I found it just a teeny bit on the side of “too much”.
Obviously, it’s hard to explain what I didn’t totally love about the ending without giving away the ending, so I’m going to say that there are a lot of moving parts, and although I could believe that a certain number of them could function as they are meant to, it’s a stretch to say that all of them would. Overall though, it’s a heck of a lot of fun, and if you’re willing to suspend your disbelief (and let’s face it, if you’re reading this, you’re a horror fan, so OF COURSE you’re willing to make that jump), Duncan Ralston is a guy to watch. His characters and dialogue are great, and he definitely has a feel for pacing and setting.
The Nerd’s Rating: FOUR HAPPY NEURONS (and a nice dip in a cold lake. It’s sweltering out there today!)
So I snagged a copy of this one recently, and I’ll be honest: I didn’t expect to like it very much. From what I had seen of some of the author’s other work, he’s an extreme horror kind of guy, and although I’m not bothered overmuch by the occasional gory scene, it’s not something I really seek out. I tend to go more for psychological horror - the thing that just might be hanging out in the closet always affects me more than the dripping decapitated head.
But I found the concept intriguing. As someone who’s pretty familiar with the various ways that marriages and long-term relationships can die, I wanted to see if the author could effectively make me believe in this couple. Could he really show how it feels from the inside when partners start drifting and stop connecting, and could Mr. Ralston make me care if they ever got it together?
More importantly, could he freak me out quite a bit while doing so?
The answer, my friends, is yes, yes, and oh hell yes.
We meet Frank and Linda Moffatt when they are on a walk in the woods, bickering in the way that married couples frequently do. On the surface, they are arguing about directions, and if they are lost, but underneath, the conflict is about everything that’s wrong in their marriage. So walking, fighting, and BAM! Something so awful happens that I seriously wanted to cover my eyes while reading, which is a skill I have yet to master.
From there, the story jumps backward to where Frank and Linda first hear about The Method, a super-exclusive couples’ retreat where friends of theirs were able to save their marriage. We see them check into the Lone Loon Lodge (a uniquely perfect name, given future events), and meet the only other couple there, Neville and Teri.
Although some strange things happen in the lodge, possibly orchestrated by the mysterious Dr. Kaspar, the story really takes off when Frank and Linda take that walk. And oh, my beloved nerdlings, what a horrific walk it becomes.
I won’t reveal any of the specifics of the story from this point, but I will say that this section of the story is nearly where The Method lost me. The plot seemed to go from an interesting psychological thriller with well-rounded characters into, well, a sophomoric and mostly dumbed-down horror movie that I’ve seen roughly eleventy billion variations of in my life. I actually remarked to a friend that “this book had better have a KILLER ending after putting me through this.” And so I kept reading, even though I wasn’t really feeling it, since I’m a sucker who’s always willing to hope that there is an ending somewhere out there that is awesome enough to make up for a meh rest of the book, although I mostly don’t believe they exist.
Let me just say, I may have found such a unicorn here. The reveals in the final quarter of The Method come fast and hard, and although I anticipated a couple of them, there were still plenty that I didn’t see coming. Which isn’t to say that it was necessarily a 100% perfect ending. Although everything was explained, and it all came together in a way that didn’t seem to leave any loose ends hanging, and it did so in a brilliantly unexpected way, I found it just a teeny bit on the side of “too much”.
Obviously, it’s hard to explain what I didn’t totally love about the ending without giving away the ending, so I’m going to say that there are a lot of moving parts, and although I could believe that a certain number of them could function as they are meant to, it’s a stretch to say that all of them would. Overall though, it’s a heck of a lot of fun, and if you’re willing to suspend your disbelief (and let’s face it, if you’re reading this, you’re a horror fan, so OF COURSE you’re willing to make that jump), Duncan Ralston is a guy to watch. His characters and dialogue are great, and he definitely has a feel for pacing and setting.
The Nerd’s Rating: FOUR HAPPY NEURONS (and a nice dip in a cold lake. It’s sweltering out there today!)
June 16, 2017
A psychological thriller of 312 pages, The Method by Duncan Ralston is available through Kindle Unlimited for free reading. I nominated this book for selection through the Kindle Scout Program. The novel was selected so I received it at no cost and it appears on the Amazon site as a verified purchase. And then there is the remaining option of purchasing it for USD 2.99. It is a clever story with lots of twists and turns revealed through the muddled minds and thinking of the characters. The reader is invited to go along and try to keep up. It is a quick, one-session reading experience with almost no sex BUT lots of physical violence. And readers can argue over the definitions of mental agony Frank and Linda encounter.
Frank and Linda knew they were made or each other. They had dated for six years before marriage. After only one year into a three-year marriage, Linda entered a lengthy and painful battle with cancer. Although victorious in battle, Linda was a changed person; one that was difficult for Frank to accept. Their marriage was falling apart through a combination of ennui and misunderstanding. Frank and Linda accepted an invitation from good friends Trevor and Dillon to go rock climbing, an extreme sport the unhappy couple had enjoyed before Linda's cancer but an activity they had allowed to lapse. It was good to see Trevor and Dillon back together because Frank and Linda knew they had been on the verge of divorce. Now Dillon and Trevor were the picture of a perfect loving family. Linda had questions about how this had come about. Seemingly reluctant to talk about it, Trevor finally mentioned that he would send Frank the contact information about a retreat that helped married couples heal. Neither Trevor nor Dillon would answer questions directly and Linda had many. Her friends had several bruises which they said were a result of a motorcycle accident. But despite the unfortunate accident, Trevor and Dillon assured their friends that the Method worked.
Arriving at the retreat located (naturally) in a wooded hilly area, Frank and Linda had to immediately give up their phones and submit to strict rules. Linda's phone was a part of her so there was resistance. Frank liked his alcohol and marijuana but would not be allowed his hobbies at the retreat. The couple was housed in separate rooms which surprised them. Linda was also surprised and angry to discover the hidden cameras in her room. Complaints to Alex, a concierge, were ineffective as he pointed out to the couple that they had signed a contract and the cameras were a listed condition.
The Method was effective because of the limited number of patients per treatment session. When Neville and Terry showed up at the retreat, the maximum number of two couples per treatment session was reached and the games, the Method, could begin. The two couples would not become friends although the stunning Terry tried to develop a sexual relationship with Frank. Linda could fantasize about the handsome Neville but fantasies not realized weren't really cheating. When the television in Linda's room turned on automatically, Linda found that Frank' fantasies were further along on the path to realization than her innocent fantasies. It sees that during the retreat client weaknesses were revealed or provoked.
There have been many well documented studies about how far everyday, normal people will go in the commission of cruel and sadistic behavior as they choose between morality and survival. This novel will appeal to readers with this interest. Readers who like to read about clever deception and deceit will like this novel. Depictions of extreme physical violence make this unsuitable for only those who find horror novels objectionable. The Method would interest most young adult (YA) readers I know. The characters of Frank and Linda are well developed. The development of all other characters takes a back seat to the story line that questions reality at almost every turn.
Frank and Linda knew they were made or each other. They had dated for six years before marriage. After only one year into a three-year marriage, Linda entered a lengthy and painful battle with cancer. Although victorious in battle, Linda was a changed person; one that was difficult for Frank to accept. Their marriage was falling apart through a combination of ennui and misunderstanding. Frank and Linda accepted an invitation from good friends Trevor and Dillon to go rock climbing, an extreme sport the unhappy couple had enjoyed before Linda's cancer but an activity they had allowed to lapse. It was good to see Trevor and Dillon back together because Frank and Linda knew they had been on the verge of divorce. Now Dillon and Trevor were the picture of a perfect loving family. Linda had questions about how this had come about. Seemingly reluctant to talk about it, Trevor finally mentioned that he would send Frank the contact information about a retreat that helped married couples heal. Neither Trevor nor Dillon would answer questions directly and Linda had many. Her friends had several bruises which they said were a result of a motorcycle accident. But despite the unfortunate accident, Trevor and Dillon assured their friends that the Method worked.
Arriving at the retreat located (naturally) in a wooded hilly area, Frank and Linda had to immediately give up their phones and submit to strict rules. Linda's phone was a part of her so there was resistance. Frank liked his alcohol and marijuana but would not be allowed his hobbies at the retreat. The couple was housed in separate rooms which surprised them. Linda was also surprised and angry to discover the hidden cameras in her room. Complaints to Alex, a concierge, were ineffective as he pointed out to the couple that they had signed a contract and the cameras were a listed condition.
The Method was effective because of the limited number of patients per treatment session. When Neville and Terry showed up at the retreat, the maximum number of two couples per treatment session was reached and the games, the Method, could begin. The two couples would not become friends although the stunning Terry tried to develop a sexual relationship with Frank. Linda could fantasize about the handsome Neville but fantasies not realized weren't really cheating. When the television in Linda's room turned on automatically, Linda found that Frank' fantasies were further along on the path to realization than her innocent fantasies. It sees that during the retreat client weaknesses were revealed or provoked.
There have been many well documented studies about how far everyday, normal people will go in the commission of cruel and sadistic behavior as they choose between morality and survival. This novel will appeal to readers with this interest. Readers who like to read about clever deception and deceit will like this novel. Depictions of extreme physical violence make this unsuitable for only those who find horror novels objectionable. The Method would interest most young adult (YA) readers I know. The characters of Frank and Linda are well developed. The development of all other characters takes a back seat to the story line that questions reality at almost every turn.
March 19, 2019
This might finally be the book that’s made me like thrillers. It’s reminiscent of all of the big players like Gone Girl and Girl on the Train, but it also has an indie flair that sets it apart and actually made it worth reading for me. The only thing that really came close is We Are Lucifer by Amy McLean, but I think this one edges it out and it’s the only real thriller that I can think of that I’d recommend.
The premise here is that a married couple goes off to a secluded lodge for an unconventional form of therapy called The Method. I don’t want to give away too much about what that actually involves because that’s kind of the point of the novel, but I will say that the two main characters didn’t check what they were signing and so it means that they’re in for a rough ride.
I also liked that there were plenty of twists and turns, which are pretty much a must for a novel like this, but that they didn’t follow the most obvious paths and so the book kept on surprising me. In fact, it’s one of the few thrillers that I’ve read that could probably hold up to a re-read, purely because there was something a little more to the backstory than there are in most thriller novels of the type.
All in all, there’s a lot to like about this book and very little not to like. If thrillers are your genre then you’d be crazy to miss out on this one, while if you like to support indies then this one is easily in the top 10%. Go ahead and grab yourself a copy.
The premise here is that a married couple goes off to a secluded lodge for an unconventional form of therapy called The Method. I don’t want to give away too much about what that actually involves because that’s kind of the point of the novel, but I will say that the two main characters didn’t check what they were signing and so it means that they’re in for a rough ride.
I also liked that there were plenty of twists and turns, which are pretty much a must for a novel like this, but that they didn’t follow the most obvious paths and so the book kept on surprising me. In fact, it’s one of the few thrillers that I’ve read that could probably hold up to a re-read, purely because there was something a little more to the backstory than there are in most thriller novels of the type.
All in all, there’s a lot to like about this book and very little not to like. If thrillers are your genre then you’d be crazy to miss out on this one, while if you like to support indies then this one is easily in the top 10%. Go ahead and grab yourself a copy.
June 9, 2017
I truly enjoyed this story. While I can see the horror elements to this story I wasn't scared or really even creeper out while reading. There were some cringe moments but nothing that really made me jump. I felt the pacing of the story and the character development was great and did not leave me wanting. However, the ending was a bit predictable and the author kind of gave it away.
The Method is an extreme form of marriage counseling that leaves the couple in a constant state of bewilderment, paranoia and fear. They are constantly questioning what is happening and who or what is real. As I was reading I felt for the characters and while I could somewhat guess what was happening I still was devouring the pages to find out.
I did receive a copy of this after nominating rating it on kindle scout.
The Method is an extreme form of marriage counseling that leaves the couple in a constant state of bewilderment, paranoia and fear. They are constantly questioning what is happening and who or what is real. As I was reading I felt for the characters and while I could somewhat guess what was happening I still was devouring the pages to find out.
I did receive a copy of this after nominating rating it on kindle scout.
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