Old Lady Ketchel's Revenge

The Slaughter Minnesota Horror Series #1

by Chris Bliersbach

No one truly escapes their childhood unscathed. Especially if you grew up in Slaughter, Minnesota, in the 1960s and crossed Old Lady Ketchel’s path.
All the kids at Slaughter Elementary had the sense to steer clear of Old Lady Ketchel’s place. Everyone except for Bobby Briars. And for his folly, Bobby and his parents mysteriously disappeared.
You see, Hagatha Ketchel had a bone to pick. Not just with foolish kids like Bobby Briars, but with the entire town of Slaughter. Not that anyone knew why or dared approach her to try to extinguish her wrath.
The Briars’ home stood vacant for a long time. Until one day, Ms. Karen Garber, a perky 23-year old woman, bought the house and moved from the Twin Cities to be Slaughter Elementary’s new 7th-grade teacher. Then things really began to spin out of control. Despite Ms. Garber’s best intentions, chaos and destruction always seemed to follow her.
Was Ms. Garber cursed for having bought the Briars’ house? Was Old Lady Ketchel’s vendetta behind all the bedlam? And could the residents of Slaughter survive the onslaught?
Old Lady Ketchel’s Revenge is the first book in the Slaughter Minnesota horror series. For those readers who grew up near that one scary house that they didn’t dare pass or that strange neighbor they always tried to avoid.
Buy your copy now, before Old Lady Ketchel seeks revenge on you!

Genres: Horror

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 8, 2021

About the author

Chris Bliersbach grew up in Minnesota and now lives in Nevada, where he’s still learning how winter is supposed to work. After 38 years in healthcare, he finally gave in to the urge to write thrillers—apparently swapping one high-stress profession for another. Since 2019, he’s published 23 books across four fast-paced, occasionally disturbing series.

His Table for Four medical thrillers explore a miracle cure for Alzheimer’s with deeply unfortunate side effects, inspired in part by his parents’ battle with the disease. A portion of the proceeds is donated to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America—because some stories should help in real life, too.

The Aja Minor series follows a troubled teen with psychic abilities who catches the attention of the FBI and uses her “curse” to hunt sexual predators. It’s equal parts crime thriller, emotional wrecking ball, and justice served. Proceeds support the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

Chris also writes occult horror in Slaughter, Minnesota, where Old Lady Ketchel terrorizes the town (and absolutely hates children), and serial-killer suspense in The Metronome Man, featuring a murderer who keeps better time than most drummers.

He’s also written a romance novel and two poetry collections—because even thriller writers have feelings. When he’s not writing, he’s walking his dogs and wondering why his characters never listen to him.

Reviews

[MadameD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story 5/5
Narration 5/5

I had fun, with Old Lady Ketchel!!!

Be careful, she is very resentful.

👵🏻👵🏻👵🏻👵🏻👵🏻

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe even 3.5 ⭐️

First of all, you can definitely tell that it was written by a man, especially in the beginning.
I don’t expect much from a book written by a man (except Stephen King who is indeed a King), but I enjoyed it for what it was.

The storyline was very interesting, especially with the switch between different views. I had to force myself to stop reading, too invested to just stop. The concept of this old lady out on revenge is really intriguing!

I might even read the next book…

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Destiny Pifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are beyond words to describe how good this book was. Yes, there are a few typos but I was so invested in the story that I didn't even mind them. The story centers around a very evil old woman named Hagatha Ketchel who is intent on destroying the lives around her in the small town of Slaughter. There are bits and pieces of her past tossed in to give you an idea of what led her down this dark path and why she despises those people. Added in is a new schoolteacher in town who finds herself having to deal with the old lady and her wrath. There are two more books in this series which include the second one that is solely about Hagatha and why she is so evil even to her own family. I highly recommend this book because it's one that is hard to put down.

[Debra Delulio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hesitant to read this book since I don't choose "horror" stories ever! However, the synopsis was intriguing, and I decided to give it a try. Knowing I could stop reading if the story became too gruesome for me, and that would be that. There was a good amount of suspense to keep me reading, some well-placed humor and even romance that created a very balanced theme throughout the book. Ending with the need to read the next in the series.

[Joan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Chris Bliersbach and Bookfunnel

Wow, Hell has No FURY as a woman scorned is given a deeper meaning in this story.

In the town of Slaughter, Minnesota, a prominent family is slowly meeting the end of their family bloodline thru freak accidents. I really liked the revenge that Old Mrs. Ketchel takes upon a prominent town family.

Supernatural
Dysfunctional Family Dynamics
Pinch of Spice

[Susan Gromis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good story and very entertaining. However, two flaws cause me to grade it only 3 stars instead of 4.
It is a cliffhanger, which forces the reader to purchase the next book in order to find out what happens. There were quite a few misuses of words, all homonyms, so if the book was read aloud from voice to print, they would not have been caught.
The horror in the story was well done - some additional editing would easily give this 4-4.5.

[Marcus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Start

This is a horror story with an ironic sense of humor. There are times when you will laugh, gasp, and become very thoughtful. It is revenge being played out with the long game. Revenge that has been stretched out over time. Characters were very throughout, actions justified, and events were sometimes predictable, but most times not.

[Misty Feccia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing read! I love the paranormal aspect and the story line was well thought out.
The characters were relatable.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and I read the full trilogy one right after the other. I set a time for reading every day/night and went over every time. I think I spent more time reading than sleeping!

[Christina Burrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by Chris Bliersbach and I enjoyed it!!! I love a good thriller with lots of suspense!!! A great start to a new series!!! I look forward to reading more by this author!!! Read and enjoy!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nichole1980hotmail.Com · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book

I have to say this book is not like anything I’ve read. I really enjoyed the book but the end just didn’t have that twist of suspense that makes you want to go find book 2. I will go find book 2 but just to check the reviews.

[Tammy Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great thinking book

Thus book grabbed me from page 1. Its got a lot of mystery in it and who done it. You can picture the characters as you are reading it and it makes you wonder could this ever really happen. Looking forward to the next boom in this series

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well done audiobook. What I liked most is the story and the no kid or person left behind revenge of Hagatha. She is on a revenge trip like no other, I would not like to be on her naughty list.

[Dixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

good plot and great characters too much hopping back and forth but honestly don't know how else it could have been handled enjoyed and bought the others in the series

[Becky Hedge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting story. Enjoyed reading it. I would recommend this book.

[Daniel C · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. Very meh.

[Noreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic read

[Kimberley H · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was engaging and different but became a bit monotonous as time went on. The ending leaves one hanging so to find any resolution, more reading is required.