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Johnny Elf
In a small God-fearing town in Georgia, a young librarian is found dead close to a carnival. All eyes fall on Thomas, a freak show oddity, found covered in her blood, with a note implicating him clenched in her hand.
The locals demand swift justice, leaving his best friend and fellow oddity entertainer, Jack, racing against the clock, desperate to prove his friend’s innocence. All Jack wants is to free Thomas, quit the show, and lead lives not defined by their abnormalities.
But the further he digs, the closer he comes to the shocking truth: no one is innocent in Haven, and
some are willing to kill to keep their secrets buried.
The locals demand swift justice, leaving his best friend and fellow oddity entertainer, Jack, racing against the clock, desperate to prove his friend’s innocence. All Jack wants is to free Thomas, quit the show, and lead lives not defined by their abnormalities.
But the further he digs, the closer he comes to the shocking truth: no one is innocent in Haven, and
some are willing to kill to keep their secrets buried.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2021
About the author
Elizabeth Bell
7 books28 followersElizabeth Bell
Elizabeth Bell, is a self published author of horror, thriller and romance. Currently working on a thriller novel. She intends to touch on sci fi one day as well.
As a child, Elizabeth was silent until it was discovered she was deaf. Eventually, she loss 60% of her hearing despite surgeries to try to correct the hearing loss.. It was the silence that drove her to the written word, which she loved. She used that to unleash her imagination and fill the long and lonely hours.
Currently on Amazon;
The Hostage
The Oni
Falcon Ridge
Johnny Elf
The Glue that Binds
Grave Thoughts ( Poems)
Elizabeth also writes under the name of Rene Moore.
Razorback Hollow
Enchanted quest
Heart of an Executioner (In editing mode )
As well as several free novellas on prolific
Elizabeth Bell, is a self published author of horror, thriller and romance. Currently working on a thriller novel. She intends to touch on sci fi one day as well.
As a child, Elizabeth was silent until it was discovered she was deaf. Eventually, she loss 60% of her hearing despite surgeries to try to correct the hearing loss.. It was the silence that drove her to the written word, which she loved. She used that to unleash her imagination and fill the long and lonely hours.
Currently on Amazon;
The Hostage
The Oni
Falcon Ridge
Johnny Elf
The Glue that Binds
Grave Thoughts ( Poems)
Elizabeth also writes under the name of Rene Moore.
Razorback Hollow
Enchanted quest
Heart of an Executioner (In editing mode )
As well as several free novellas on prolific
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 31, 2022
Ohhh this book will have you absolutely hooked no doubt about it, I couldn't stop reading it when I'd started !
We start off at a carnival in a god fearing town in Georgia , everything seems pretty normal for the acts there but one day a young librarian is found dead close to the carnival and the finger points to Tommy . Johnny is best friends with Tommy and knows he couldn't possibly have done it but he needs to work out how to prove it ! We follow Johnny as he tries to clear his friends name but isn't prepared for what he uncovers.
I am so glad I picked this book to read it is one that I will not forget , it is so well written that you get completely wrapped up in not just the storyline but the characters too. I loved finding out more about them and I found myself invested in them, not just the main characters , as each character had their own bit to add too it. An amazing read!
We start off at a carnival in a god fearing town in Georgia , everything seems pretty normal for the acts there but one day a young librarian is found dead close to the carnival and the finger points to Tommy . Johnny is best friends with Tommy and knows he couldn't possibly have done it but he needs to work out how to prove it ! We follow Johnny as he tries to clear his friends name but isn't prepared for what he uncovers.
I am so glad I picked this book to read it is one that I will not forget , it is so well written that you get completely wrapped up in not just the storyline but the characters too. I loved finding out more about them and I found myself invested in them, not just the main characters , as each character had their own bit to add too it. An amazing read!
April 12, 2021
Aw, geez. I just finished this, and the ending had me welling up. I'm not a big crier, but this one got me.
I received a copy from Voracious Readers Only and am voluntarily leaving a review. I picked this up because of my long-standing interest in sideshows (I even did my master's dissertation on representations of "freaks" in modern western culture). I think the author gave an accurate and balanced portrayal of sideshows and their performers, not simply showing them as unfortunate souls with little to no agency, but as capable, fully realized individuals in close knit community with their own culture. People have this idea that sideshow performers are just there to be looked at, passively, in a completely submissive position, but that's not really the case. They are looking back at the rubes, too. There was a great scene that showcased this. The author vividly illustrated what it's like for performers at work- the good, the bad, the ugly and the comical.
The characters were interesting and authentic. The mystery was straightforward, fast moving, and, unfortunately, all too believable. No spoilers, but it was pretty upsetting. Ok, very upsetting. Terrible things are going on in Haven, and when one townsperson dies before getting the chance to blow the whistle, the town quickly finds a scapegoat in one of the outsiders. Things proceed exactly as you would expect- with widespread corruption and a whole lot of violence.
I had a hard time putting it down, and when I had to, I couldn't stop thinking about it. There was a lot of "but we didn't know that it was about to get much worse" segues, which actually kind of worked, because they ratcheted up the tension and had me seriously concerned about how it was all going to end. I've never wanted to skip to the back of a book do badly. But I didn't want to spoil it for myself. I'm glad I didn't, but like I said at the start, gosh, the ending hit me hard.
I'm glad I got the chance to read this one.
I received a copy from Voracious Readers Only and am voluntarily leaving a review. I picked this up because of my long-standing interest in sideshows (I even did my master's dissertation on representations of "freaks" in modern western culture). I think the author gave an accurate and balanced portrayal of sideshows and their performers, not simply showing them as unfortunate souls with little to no agency, but as capable, fully realized individuals in close knit community with their own culture. People have this idea that sideshow performers are just there to be looked at, passively, in a completely submissive position, but that's not really the case. They are looking back at the rubes, too. There was a great scene that showcased this. The author vividly illustrated what it's like for performers at work- the good, the bad, the ugly and the comical.
The characters were interesting and authentic. The mystery was straightforward, fast moving, and, unfortunately, all too believable. No spoilers, but it was pretty upsetting. Ok, very upsetting. Terrible things are going on in Haven, and when one townsperson dies before getting the chance to blow the whistle, the town quickly finds a scapegoat in one of the outsiders. Things proceed exactly as you would expect- with widespread corruption and a whole lot of violence.
I had a hard time putting it down, and when I had to, I couldn't stop thinking about it. There was a lot of "but we didn't know that it was about to get much worse" segues, which actually kind of worked, because they ratcheted up the tension and had me seriously concerned about how it was all going to end. I've never wanted to skip to the back of a book do badly. But I didn't want to spoil it for myself. I'm glad I didn't, but like I said at the start, gosh, the ending hit me hard.
I'm glad I got the chance to read this one.
May 6, 2021
Johnny Elf
Damn, this book hit me hard in the feels. Happiness, despair, excitement, all the emotions were around when I read this book.
Johnny Elf and his best friend, Tommy, work for Charles Bell Entertainment, a traveling carnival, as sideshow oddities. They are used to the starting, jeering, and rude comments during their circuit tour, but none of them expected to be accused of murder; yet that is what happens in Haven, Georgia. When a young librarian is found sexually assaulted and murdered, Tommy is blamed for the crime. Johnny knows Tommy could not possibly have committed such a crime, but the question is, how will he prove it?
Okay, so I wasn’t completely prepared for this book when I got it from Voracious Readers. I love a great murder / thriller, so this was right up my alley. I didn’t expect, however, to get so invested in the story, and in Tommy and Johnny. These two were my favourite characters, but I found all of them to be wonderfully created with (sometimes unfortunate) genuine reactions. I appreciated that the author didn’t shy away from how insensitive some people can be – this gave the book a deep sense of realism at the portrayal of how some performers are treated. The plot moved at a quick pace, but it never felt rushed, and I liked how things didn’t just ‘fall into place’ for the protagonists. Every ‘hitch’ they encountered felt sadly, realistic, and there were definitely moments I had no idea how it would all turn out. Overall though, an absolutely excellent read and definitely recommended.
Thank you Voracious Readers and Elizabeth Bell for my copy!
Damn, this book hit me hard in the feels. Happiness, despair, excitement, all the emotions were around when I read this book.
Johnny Elf and his best friend, Tommy, work for Charles Bell Entertainment, a traveling carnival, as sideshow oddities. They are used to the starting, jeering, and rude comments during their circuit tour, but none of them expected to be accused of murder; yet that is what happens in Haven, Georgia. When a young librarian is found sexually assaulted and murdered, Tommy is blamed for the crime. Johnny knows Tommy could not possibly have committed such a crime, but the question is, how will he prove it?
Okay, so I wasn’t completely prepared for this book when I got it from Voracious Readers. I love a great murder / thriller, so this was right up my alley. I didn’t expect, however, to get so invested in the story, and in Tommy and Johnny. These two were my favourite characters, but I found all of them to be wonderfully created with (sometimes unfortunate) genuine reactions. I appreciated that the author didn’t shy away from how insensitive some people can be – this gave the book a deep sense of realism at the portrayal of how some performers are treated. The plot moved at a quick pace, but it never felt rushed, and I liked how things didn’t just ‘fall into place’ for the protagonists. Every ‘hitch’ they encountered felt sadly, realistic, and there were definitely moments I had no idea how it would all turn out. Overall though, an absolutely excellent read and definitely recommended.
Thank you Voracious Readers and Elizabeth Bell for my copy!
March 5, 2022
There’s so much I want to say about this book but I won’t. I don’t want to ruin any of the storyline by giving away spoilers. What I will say is that when I was about quarter of the way through, I was unsure if I could carry on reading. My heart was already shattering with the possibilities of where the story would lead. So glad I kept reading though because I did not see the the plot twist coming. I just wish wish wish the ending was different for one character. But then he expected it didn’t he.
An amazing piece or writing by a very talented author showing horrors of what can, and does, go on in the world today. I would set as 10 stars if I could. Cannot wait to read more.
An amazing piece or writing by a very talented author showing horrors of what can, and does, go on in the world today. I would set as 10 stars if I could. Cannot wait to read more.
April 20, 2021
This was a good read. Very realistic. The character developement is quite strong. It is graphic enough to be a problem for some folks but not like reading a Patricia Cornwell novel.
There are a few typos but nothing drastic.
I do recommend this one. I received an advance review copy and leave the review of my own accord.
There are a few typos but nothing drastic.
I do recommend this one. I received an advance review copy and leave the review of my own accord.
April 17, 2021
I didnt know what to expect when I started reading this book but it was so amazing. I was entranced and enthralled it was amazing. What character developments, the ending was really good - was going to say something but that would spoil it.
Johnny and Tommy are brilliant characters in their own unique way. What a town they visited it on their circut.
I loved the way in the beginning there were little teasers on what is coming.
This is a must read.
I was given an advance copy by voracious readers and the author but the review is entirely my own.
Johnny and Tommy are brilliant characters in their own unique way. What a town they visited it on their circut.
I loved the way in the beginning there were little teasers on what is coming.
This is a must read.
I was given an advance copy by voracious readers and the author but the review is entirely my own.
February 9, 2021
This book is an amazing thriller! I just fished reading it and I can’t get it out of my head. It has suspense, tension, is well written and I would recommend it to thriller and suspense lovers!
Through its pages, while trying to solve the murder case of a woman, who the prime suspect is one of the performers of the carnival that just came to the town, the author gives us awareness of a number of issues and I highly appreciate that.
I received a free ARC copy of this book but that did not affect my review in any way.
Through its pages, while trying to solve the murder case of a woman, who the prime suspect is one of the performers of the carnival that just came to the town, the author gives us awareness of a number of issues and I highly appreciate that.
I received a free ARC copy of this book but that did not affect my review in any way.
December 2, 2021
Recieved a copy of this from voracious readers and was very impressed by this book, well written and interesting and not at all predictable. I liked that the lead characters disability is dealt with compassionately and with candour and the honesty about the ways people who are different are treated made this story that much more interesting. The ways that people react to disabilities were very diverse and the whole idea of a freak show at a carnival was not something I had ever encountered in fiction before. While not the kind of book that I would usually pick up sometimes it is good to expand your horizons and this story is one that makes you stop and think how easy it is to exploit the weak and vulnerable and that you cant tell a monster just by looking at them. One of the best books I have read this year.
May 30, 2021
Not having read this author before though this did get my attention the story did. In Georgia it is and since I live there it also added to the interest. Having read and seen alot on freakshows and oddities with them also knowing that is not acceptable today. Some take it as a job for pay or that is mostly what is all that can be gotten at times. Thomas by appearances has committed a murder, but his friend Jack wants to prove them all wrong with the two of them leaving then. What he does do though is uncover secrets and truth that is mind boggling also. Turn the pages for yourself to see what goes on there.
February 22, 2022
Great character development. The storyline definitely pulls you in right away and it is hard to put down. Definitely a unique perspective to read from the view of someone in a carnival "freak" show but still very relatable to anyone who has been bullied for being different.
I did feel like the ending felt more rushed than the rest of the book and found myself wishing the last 50 pages were spread out over 100 pages or so and had more detail.
I really enjoyed the author's note at the end in regards to those living with deformities and the realities if human trafficking.
I did feel like the ending felt more rushed than the rest of the book and found myself wishing the last 50 pages were spread out over 100 pages or so and had more detail.
I really enjoyed the author's note at the end in regards to those living with deformities and the realities if human trafficking.
April 18, 2022
This book is brilliant, not at all what I was expecting.
I had to read this in one go, as I couldn’t put it down. I needed to know what was going to happen next.
There are plenty of twists and turns in the plot to keep you hooked and the characters are refreshing.
I can’t recommend this book enough and I look forward to reading more from Elizabeth Bell.
I received a free copy of this book via Voracious Readers.
I had to read this in one go, as I couldn’t put it down. I needed to know what was going to happen next.
There are plenty of twists and turns in the plot to keep you hooked and the characters are refreshing.
I can’t recommend this book enough and I look forward to reading more from Elizabeth Bell.
I received a free copy of this book via Voracious Readers.
December 17, 2021
I received a complimentary copy of this book from voracious readers only.
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish, very well written and I went through all the emotions throughout the story. Looking forward to reading more from the author 😊
I absolutely loved this book from start to finish, very well written and I went through all the emotions throughout the story. Looking forward to reading more from the author 😊
April 12, 2022
Wow this was a great read with great developed characters. It was sometimes hard to read, heart break and Plot Twist! Really a fun crazy ride. You won't be disappointed and an easy gripping read. I received this free from Voracious Readers. I am reviewing this with my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews