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The Gouge
"I haven't forgotten what you did!"
Carson Bates left Cypress Creek to hide from his dark and troubled past—his father was the serial killer known as “The Man in the Woods”. Twenty-two years later, a simple text message reveals that his secrets have caught up with him.
The freshly slain bodies of two teenage girls have been discovered in the woods of Cypress Creek. The methods in which the girls were killed is identical to the ones that were found nearly twenty-two years earlier. Now retired, the detective who worked the first case has long suspected that Carson Bates knew more than what he revealed in interrogation. When Carson returns to Cypress Creek to finally face his past, it’s soon clear that Carson isn’t the only person in that small-town that is harboring dark secrets about that night in the woods.
Carson Bates left Cypress Creek to hide from his dark and troubled past—his father was the serial killer known as “The Man in the Woods”. Twenty-two years later, a simple text message reveals that his secrets have caught up with him.
The freshly slain bodies of two teenage girls have been discovered in the woods of Cypress Creek. The methods in which the girls were killed is identical to the ones that were found nearly twenty-two years earlier. Now retired, the detective who worked the first case has long suspected that Carson Bates knew more than what he revealed in interrogation. When Carson returns to Cypress Creek to finally face his past, it’s soon clear that Carson isn’t the only person in that small-town that is harboring dark secrets about that night in the woods.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2021
11 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 4, 2021
This was a superb crime thriller that I really enjoyed! Carson Bates left the small town he grew up in for a fresh start in another small farming town, eager for a fresh start away from any connection with his past and his serial killer father, “The Man in the Woods.” But two decades later, the killings have started up again, and Carson’s dad is locked in jail. Is it a case of copycat killings? Or did the police have the wrong person from the start? This was a great serial killer thriller—tightly paced with just the right amount of detail. I loved the building sense of tension in creepy scenes in the woods, and as we progressed through the investigation. Politics are at play in the investigation and it’s hard to know who to trust. My favorite thing about this novel was the way the backstories of the small-town characters were woven in, with more getting revealed as the story went on. Some great twists at the end I hadn’t seen coming!
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
July 13, 2021
Will keep you guessing
I will say this about MH David’s creepy thriller — The Gouge — it had me guessing until the very end.
And, if I’m being honest, I ultimately guessed wrong.
David does a nice job of casting potential guilt for the brutal killings happening in sleepy Cypress Creek on several different players. But who among the suspects knew enough about the 22-year-old murders to duplicate them today?
I won’t give away any spoilers, but if you can name the killer before the last few pages you are a better detective than me.
I will say this about MH David’s creepy thriller — The Gouge — it had me guessing until the very end.
And, if I’m being honest, I ultimately guessed wrong.
David does a nice job of casting potential guilt for the brutal killings happening in sleepy Cypress Creek on several different players. But who among the suspects knew enough about the 22-year-old murders to duplicate them today?
I won’t give away any spoilers, but if you can name the killer before the last few pages you are a better detective than me.
September 5, 2021
I hadn't read a mystery/thriller in a long time. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this one.
When you think you've figured it all out, you realize that you haven't. Because in this story, everyone is hiding something. There are a few totally unexpected plot twist that keep you turning the pages, anxious to solve the mystery.
But more than just a thoughtfully crafted plot, this is an extremely well written book altogether. The HOW is as good as the WHAT. The way and pace in which the author provides you the necessary details and background stories of the characters is masterfully thought through. I will definitely read his next book!
When you think you've figured it all out, you realize that you haven't. Because in this story, everyone is hiding something. There are a few totally unexpected plot twist that keep you turning the pages, anxious to solve the mystery.
But more than just a thoughtfully crafted plot, this is an extremely well written book altogether. The HOW is as good as the WHAT. The way and pace in which the author provides you the necessary details and background stories of the characters is masterfully thought through. I will definitely read his next book!
June 9, 2022
Fantastic read
I was hooked from the first page to the last. The interweaving narrative is brilliantly written, the characters relatable & intriguing & the constant build of suspense is downright amazing - when you end a book with a satisfied smile, you know it’s a good one! I honestly didn’t know which way the story was going to go but the little hints & clues were timed perfectly, leaving me desperate to keep reading to find out. Every single character had depth & purpose, but the need to learn Carson & Sloan’s hidden secrets were a focal point for me. The Gouge will go down as one of my favourite reads & I’ll be buying the paperback to add to my collection without a doubt. Highly recommend!
I was hooked from the first page to the last. The interweaving narrative is brilliantly written, the characters relatable & intriguing & the constant build of suspense is downright amazing - when you end a book with a satisfied smile, you know it’s a good one! I honestly didn’t know which way the story was going to go but the little hints & clues were timed perfectly, leaving me desperate to keep reading to find out. Every single character had depth & purpose, but the need to learn Carson & Sloan’s hidden secrets were a focal point for me. The Gouge will go down as one of my favourite reads & I’ll be buying the paperback to add to my collection without a doubt. Highly recommend!
August 17, 2021
The Gouge is an exciting, gripping and fantastic crime novel. Every chapter introduces another level of suspense. You are going to want to read it in one sitting…it’s just that good. The character development is out of this world. Carson and Sloan are an incredible pairing. Both hold devastating secrets that could potentially destroy them. They both have done some pretty bad things, but the author’s brilliant writing finds you completely sympathetic and forgiving. The ancillary characters are so well crafted that their stories seamlessly build up to an absolutely spectacular ending. Don’t think twice about reading this book. The author is definitely one to watch. I can’t wait to read his next book!
November 4, 2021
I read this book through October and it was pretty perfect for the Halloween season. A very well written book, rich characters, and with cliff hangers that kept me reading into it more. Even when I had things to do, I found myself putting some of those things aside just so I could read a couple more paragraphs into the next chapter. I had to know! Just trying to put things together, figuring out everyone's dirt, and attempting to solve the crime myself was really fun.
This is a great story if you love a good murder mystery. I even learned a little bit about woodworking! Check it out!
This is a great story if you love a good murder mystery. I even learned a little bit about woodworking! Check it out!
September 26, 2021
Oh how I loved this book! The excitement and mystery start from the first page. There are teens being murdered in this small town, seemingly by the same serial killer from 20 years earlier. The only problem is, he was supposedly already locked up for life. Did they have the wrong man, was there a copy cat or was there an accomplice that slipped through their fingers that was picking up where they left off? Wonderful cast of characters that you bond with and hope that things aren't as they seem for them. The mystery was well laid out and the clues delivered in good time without giving the end away. Keeps you guessing and wondering who done it! I read this book in record time, couldn't put it down...I just had to know what would happen next. Can't wait to see what this author puts out next, it will be a must read for me.
December 19, 2021
One thing is very clear to me after reading MH David's debut novel: this author is exceptionally skilled at crafting and managing a tale with outstanding pacing and multiple character perspectives!
The murder mysteries at the core of this novel span generations, and the families involved both feel and show the impacts in ways that anyone who has lived in a smaller community where a tragedy has struck will recognize and resonate with. As other reviewers have noted, the outcome of this whodunit remains unclear until the very end, and it is compelling and well done enough to leave most readers satisfied.
I didn't have any major quibbles with the book. Overall, it is well written and captivating (I finished it in a weekend, so...). The only reason I'm offering 4 stars instead of 5 is that I left this book feeling it was very, very good, but that it somehow didn't quite reach its full potential. All the elements of a uniquely great story were there, but just didn't quite come together in the end, from my point of view.
All that said, 4/5 stars is my way of telling you that this is a VERY GOOD book, and that you should read it. If you like murder mysteries with a small-town feel, you definitely won't be disappointed.
The murder mysteries at the core of this novel span generations, and the families involved both feel and show the impacts in ways that anyone who has lived in a smaller community where a tragedy has struck will recognize and resonate with. As other reviewers have noted, the outcome of this whodunit remains unclear until the very end, and it is compelling and well done enough to leave most readers satisfied.
I didn't have any major quibbles with the book. Overall, it is well written and captivating (I finished it in a weekend, so...). The only reason I'm offering 4 stars instead of 5 is that I left this book feeling it was very, very good, but that it somehow didn't quite reach its full potential. All the elements of a uniquely great story were there, but just didn't quite come together in the end, from my point of view.
All that said, 4/5 stars is my way of telling you that this is a VERY GOOD book, and that you should read it. If you like murder mysteries with a small-town feel, you definitely won't be disappointed.
February 19, 2022
The Gouge delivers everything you want in a modern crime thriller! You have murders many years apart that aren’t connected yet somehow are connected. You have old and new police, old and new victims, and of course old and new suspects. With plenty of twists and turns you won’t be able to put it down! An ending you won’t see coming.
August 9, 2023
(3.5 rounded up to 4 stars)
I enjoyed the mystery of this crime thriller. It constantly kept you guessing with its twists and turns, but I feel like some of the plot could be tightened to make it flow better and there were some grammar issues that got annoying.
I enjoyed the mystery of this crime thriller. It constantly kept you guessing with its twists and turns, but I feel like some of the plot could be tightened to make it flow better and there were some grammar issues that got annoying.
July 24, 2021
If I could give this book more than just 5 stars I would. Gripping from the start. Excellent story with characters you can really relate to. I read it in a day. If you like crime thrillers you will love this.
June 22, 2021
Cleverly written and keeps you guessing. Characters are well rounded and there was a surprise for me as I did not guess who the killer was.
September 27, 2021
I received a paperback copy of ‘The Gouge’ by MH David after a competition win on the authors twitter page. Originally, he was going to post a copy he already owned but due to the postage cost from the USA to the UK, he decided to purchase another copy from UK Amazon to send to me. I am very grateful for the extra effort the author went to, to fulfil the competition win.
This book is set in Cypress Creek, where over twenty years ago there was a serial killer at large in the woods killing teenagers and leaving their bodies in a shocking state.
The serial killer has been behind bars for two decades, but suddenly two more teenagers are found dead in the woods, killed in an identical way to the previous murder victims. Is it a copycat killer, or is there an innocent man in prison?
Carson Bates has a dark and troubled past and has moved away from Cypress Hill to start a new life, when news of the new murders starts to spread in the media, he returns to confront his past. What secrets will be unleashed?
Carl Yeager was on the original case twenty-two years ago and comes out of retirement to consult on the case. Were there mistakes made in the original case? And did he put the correct man behind bars?
I really enjoyed reading this book, as it had the right amount of tension and gripping storyline to keep you interested throughout. I read this in one day, which for me at the moment is unusual.
The characters all seemed genuine, and I could imagine this being portrayed on the screen as a series or a film. I especially like Carl Yeager’s character with his determined mind.
I couldn’t find anything to fault in this book as it is brilliantly written, and I would love to read anything else that MH David releases in the future.
Overall, a brilliant, tense thriller/horror which will keep you gripped the whole way through.
This book is set in Cypress Creek, where over twenty years ago there was a serial killer at large in the woods killing teenagers and leaving their bodies in a shocking state.
The serial killer has been behind bars for two decades, but suddenly two more teenagers are found dead in the woods, killed in an identical way to the previous murder victims. Is it a copycat killer, or is there an innocent man in prison?
Carson Bates has a dark and troubled past and has moved away from Cypress Hill to start a new life, when news of the new murders starts to spread in the media, he returns to confront his past. What secrets will be unleashed?
Carl Yeager was on the original case twenty-two years ago and comes out of retirement to consult on the case. Were there mistakes made in the original case? And did he put the correct man behind bars?
I really enjoyed reading this book, as it had the right amount of tension and gripping storyline to keep you interested throughout. I read this in one day, which for me at the moment is unusual.
The characters all seemed genuine, and I could imagine this being portrayed on the screen as a series or a film. I especially like Carl Yeager’s character with his determined mind.
I couldn’t find anything to fault in this book as it is brilliantly written, and I would love to read anything else that MH David releases in the future.
Overall, a brilliant, tense thriller/horror which will keep you gripped the whole way through.
March 21, 2025
I absolutely loved this thriller about Carson, his wife and her family, and his father who was arrested after killing a few people twenty-two years prior.
When murders start happening again twenty-two years later, Carson returns to Cypress Creek to hopefully find out what's going on. Eventually he decides to talk to his father who's imprisoned, having not seen him all these years. He has mixed feelings towards a father who had been loving towards him but who had also killed young men.
Danger lurks when more murders occur, someone goes missing, and Carson's life is threatened.
I loved the twists and turns, the secrecy, mystery, authenticity and suspense that kept me up until late into the night. So well worth the read.
When murders start happening again twenty-two years later, Carson returns to Cypress Creek to hopefully find out what's going on. Eventually he decides to talk to his father who's imprisoned, having not seen him all these years. He has mixed feelings towards a father who had been loving towards him but who had also killed young men.
Danger lurks when more murders occur, someone goes missing, and Carson's life is threatened.
I loved the twists and turns, the secrecy, mystery, authenticity and suspense that kept me up until late into the night. So well worth the read.
August 19, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. The story line was intriguing, and it kept me wondering about "who done it" all the way up to the very end! I just couldn't guess who really did it, so once it was revealed it was a surprise. I loved that each character was so well fleshed out so that you knew who they were as a person, what their motivations were, and why. My only con was the author's excessive overuse of characters' names, when the majority of the time he or she pronouns would've sufficed. There were a few minor typos sprinkled throughout the book, but not a lot, and they didn't detract from the story. I liked how every part of the plot was wrapped up, and I enjoyed the ending. Well done!
September 7, 2024
The Gouge by M.H. David is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into dark secrets and the haunting legacy of a serial killer. Carson Bates, son of the notorious "Man in the Woods," returns to his hometown of Cypress Creek after receiving a chilling text. Two teenage girls have been murdered in a manner identical to his father’s victims from over two decades ago. As Carson confronts his past, the suspense builds, revealing that many in Cypress Creek are hiding sinister truths. With its tense atmosphere and well-paced narrative, this book will captivate fans of crime and mystery thrillers.
October 14, 2025
This brilliant thriller kept me guessing until the very last page! Carson Bates has tried everything to escape his old life in Cypress Creek, where his father, known as the "Man in the Woods," murdered several people 22 years ago. But all these years later, more bodies have turned up, murdered in the same way The Man in the Woods' victims were, and Carson is thrown right back into it. Is it a copycat killer, or did the police catch the wrong man?
I loved the different POVs throughout the story and the flashbacks to the past, as they really kept me wondering what would happen next. The twists also really surprised me. This was my first read by M.H. David but I am looking forward to reading more of his work - The Blue Hole is on my TBR! I would definitely recommend if you're looking for a thriller you won't be able to put down!
I loved the different POVs throughout the story and the flashbacks to the past, as they really kept me wondering what would happen next. The twists also really surprised me. This was my first read by M.H. David but I am looking forward to reading more of his work - The Blue Hole is on my TBR! I would definitely recommend if you're looking for a thriller you won't be able to put down!
November 23, 2024
An intriguing story that held my interest from start to finish!
I loved the creepiness, the tension, and the twists. It's a rare story that's as unpredictable as this one, and it has an addictive quality to it that kept me reading late into the night. I've read both the author's books and I will definitely pick up future works.
I loved the creepiness, the tension, and the twists. It's a rare story that's as unpredictable as this one, and it has an addictive quality to it that kept me reading late into the night. I've read both the author's books and I will definitely pick up future works.
August 13, 2025
The Gouge is a chilling, fast-paced thriller that grips from the first page. Carson Bates’ return to Cypress Creek is as haunting as it is suspenseful, unraveling layers of buried secrets and past horrors. The tension builds with every chapter, keeping you guessing until the shocking end. A dark, riveting read for true crime and mystery lovers.
April 10, 2023
atmospheric and intriguing
It took me a moment to get into this one, but I’m glad I persevered - if you like your stories with strong characters and some nice twists and turns then this slow burn small town revenge crime thriller might be just right for you.
It took me a moment to get into this one, but I’m glad I persevered - if you like your stories with strong characters and some nice twists and turns then this slow burn small town revenge crime thriller might be just right for you.
July 6, 2023
Good plot
I really enjoyed this story, the character development and storyline were intriguing and well thought out. The overall enjoyment was somewhat dampened by several inconsistencies in spelling and grammar. The wrap up was thorough, but abrupt.
I really enjoyed this story, the character development and storyline were intriguing and well thought out. The overall enjoyment was somewhat dampened by several inconsistencies in spelling and grammar. The wrap up was thorough, but abrupt.
April 19, 2022
Good thriller
Good thriller, interesting characters with secrets of their own, twists and turns, taking on a suspenseful journey. Hard to put down.
Good thriller, interesting characters with secrets of their own, twists and turns, taking on a suspenseful journey. Hard to put down.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews