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Picker's Bleed
Deep in the woods at Picker’s Bleed there’s a fairy-tale cottage, where witches lived and demons lurk.
When Hannah and Jake manage to buy the dilapidated house deep in the English countryside, they think they’ve found their dream home, but their dream becomes a nightmare when Hannah discovers the house’s dark past won’t stay dead.
Ensnared by witchcraft and betrayed by those she turns to for help, Hannah finds herself dragged into the realm of the dead, caught in a battle to break an ancient curse and save her soul from eternal damnation.
When Hannah and Jake manage to buy the dilapidated house deep in the English countryside, they think they’ve found their dream home, but their dream becomes a nightmare when Hannah discovers the house’s dark past won’t stay dead.
Ensnared by witchcraft and betrayed by those she turns to for help, Hannah finds herself dragged into the realm of the dead, caught in a battle to break an ancient curse and save her soul from eternal damnation.
- GenresHorror
278 pages, Paperback
Published September 13, 2021
1 person is currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Mark R. Faulkner
6 books19 followersMark is a British horror author, who in 2011, published Flux. This was rapidly followed up by The Dark Stone, and the novella, Infested.
Picker's Bleed was published in September 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 7, 2021
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Hannah and Jake want to believe the charming old cottage buried deep in the woods - Picker’s Bleed - will be everything they’ve ever dreamed of having: A secluded slice of heaven to fix up how they like.
But their dream turns toward nightmare the longer they remain in their new home. First are the constant headaches Jake suffers as well as his insomnia. He sees and hears … things .. that are disturbing and unexplainable. Hannah, however, feels as if she’s come home and delights in her new surroundings.
But when the nearby townspeople let them know an old witch - Ella - lived there 500 years ago, and no one has done so successfully since, both Hannah and Jake begin to question their reality.
I really enjoyed this book. The author has crafted an intricate horror novel with creepy twists, turns, and demons.
When I began reading the book late one night, I hadn’t intended to read very far. Imagine my surprise when I found myself at 25 percent in and had to force myself to put down my Kindle.
The only critiques I would make are that I wish there had been more backstory to both Ella the witch and Vincent and his crew. I would have loved to have known more about Ella, maybe through a longer prologue. I also would have liked to have known more about Vincent and his odd friends. They played quite a large part in the plot, but I’m still not clear who they were and what they have been doing for years in the village.
Overall, however, a nice, concise horror read.
Hannah and Jake want to believe the charming old cottage buried deep in the woods - Picker’s Bleed - will be everything they’ve ever dreamed of having: A secluded slice of heaven to fix up how they like.
But their dream turns toward nightmare the longer they remain in their new home. First are the constant headaches Jake suffers as well as his insomnia. He sees and hears … things .. that are disturbing and unexplainable. Hannah, however, feels as if she’s come home and delights in her new surroundings.
But when the nearby townspeople let them know an old witch - Ella - lived there 500 years ago, and no one has done so successfully since, both Hannah and Jake begin to question their reality.
I really enjoyed this book. The author has crafted an intricate horror novel with creepy twists, turns, and demons.
When I began reading the book late one night, I hadn’t intended to read very far. Imagine my surprise when I found myself at 25 percent in and had to force myself to put down my Kindle.
The only critiques I would make are that I wish there had been more backstory to both Ella the witch and Vincent and his crew. I would have loved to have known more about Ella, maybe through a longer prologue. I also would have liked to have known more about Vincent and his odd friends. They played quite a large part in the plot, but I’m still not clear who they were and what they have been doing for years in the village.
Overall, however, a nice, concise horror read.
July 30, 2021
Jake and Hannah have longed to live in a quiet secluded countryside. When they find a listing that seems perfect for them, they do wonder why there are no pictures of the inside, and assume it's because it needs lots of work. It's not until far too late that it becomes apparent that just maybe there were no pictures of the inside because nobody dared to stay in there long enough to take any photos.
Terrible things have happened and will happen in Picker's Bleed. With the arrival of Hannah a sleeping evil will awaken. Some of the villagers may also have nefarious plans for the new residents.
This was a graphic and gory tale of witchcraft and possession. Expect betrayals, dark and evocative prose, copious amounts of blood, multiple deaths and mutilations. In short, it has all the elements of a great horror novel complete with storms to create a most spooky atmosphere.
I received an advance copy for review.
Terrible things have happened and will happen in Picker's Bleed. With the arrival of Hannah a sleeping evil will awaken. Some of the villagers may also have nefarious plans for the new residents.
This was a graphic and gory tale of witchcraft and possession. Expect betrayals, dark and evocative prose, copious amounts of blood, multiple deaths and mutilations. In short, it has all the elements of a great horror novel complete with storms to create a most spooky atmosphere.
I received an advance copy for review.
July 16, 2021
This is a well written book with strong characters in Hannah and Jake. The author does a fantastic job pulling you into the story and had me glued to the pages right to the end. He brings his story to life with his detailed and descriptive scenes as he brings a spine tingling tale of age old curses and dark magic. He adds in a great cast of supporting characters and delivers a terrific read. Loved and highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
September 24, 2021
A good horror. I love a witch story and I found this to be an easy read, it sucked me in very quickly.
March 6, 2022
Haunted house stories are my jam and Picker’s Bleed was no exception. I was interested from start to finish. Hannah and Jake just want to live in a secluded house where no one will bother them, but Picker’s Bleed is a little more secluded than they bargained for.
From the get go we know that Hannah loves the house and Jake doesn’t, but we don’t know why Hannah isn’t having the same experiences as Jake until she meets Vincent Mandeville.
I found the plot to be intriguing, the atmosphere was absolutely spooky and absorbing, and the characters threw me for a loop. I loved pretty much everything about this book and look forward to reading more from this author!
Thanks to BookSirens for giving me a copy of this book to review.
From the get go we know that Hannah loves the house and Jake doesn’t, but we don’t know why Hannah isn’t having the same experiences as Jake until she meets Vincent Mandeville.
I found the plot to be intriguing, the atmosphere was absolutely spooky and absorbing, and the characters threw me for a loop. I loved pretty much everything about this book and look forward to reading more from this author!
Thanks to BookSirens for giving me a copy of this book to review.
July 29, 2021
Jake and Hannah buy a run-down old cottage in the middle of nowhere. From the very beginning, strange and foreboding things kick in, storms that trap them in the house, sounds of children crying, Jake's intense headaches, a strange cold wind from the cellar, a bedroom painted completely black - windows and all. Of course there's an old tale about a witch who used to live in this cottage. And of course there's still a bit of evil lingering about.
This story reminded me very strongly of James Herbert's 'The Magic Cottage'. In fact, it reminded me so much of that book that for the first half or so of this book I was worried that this was actually just a slightly rewritten version of the original. Finally the story takes a turn onto its own road of originality, though (phew!). The story itself is pretty good. It's your basic witch-ghost-cursed area- portal to the other side and something evil has come through kind of deal.
I felt like it took an awfully long time to get going, though. The first half lacked the action that made me want to race through the book. This does pick up in the second half. My other complaint is that the writing seems amateurish at times (for instance: comparing the air to a 'slushy'), there's an abundant overuse of commas, and question marks pop up at bizarre times.
A good basic story. Writing that needs polishing. Some really gross parts (male readers, beware, boy bits are going to suffer). Altogether I give it 3/5 stars. The potential is there. This was not one of those knock-your-socks-off-it's-so-good stories, but it was good. I'd read more from Mark R. Faulkner just to see if his writing gets a little more finesse over time. He's got the imagination to come up with some seriously good stuff. Time will tell.
This story reminded me very strongly of James Herbert's 'The Magic Cottage'. In fact, it reminded me so much of that book that for the first half or so of this book I was worried that this was actually just a slightly rewritten version of the original. Finally the story takes a turn onto its own road of originality, though (phew!). The story itself is pretty good. It's your basic witch-ghost-cursed area- portal to the other side and something evil has come through kind of deal.
I felt like it took an awfully long time to get going, though. The first half lacked the action that made me want to race through the book. This does pick up in the second half. My other complaint is that the writing seems amateurish at times (for instance: comparing the air to a 'slushy'), there's an abundant overuse of commas, and question marks pop up at bizarre times.
A good basic story. Writing that needs polishing. Some really gross parts (male readers, beware, boy bits are going to suffer). Altogether I give it 3/5 stars. The potential is there. This was not one of those knock-your-socks-off-it's-so-good stories, but it was good. I'd read more from Mark R. Faulkner just to see if his writing gets a little more finesse over time. He's got the imagination to come up with some seriously good stuff. Time will tell.
August 2, 2021
In many ways this felt like a cosy witch story set in the picturesque English countryside. The book opens with a scene of a witch being persecuted centuries before and then it transitions into the present day, where a couple purchases a charming old cottage located in the woods. Creepy, unexplainable events begin happening and the couple soon realises there is something not quite right about their new home. They begin delving into the history of the house and the witch who once lived there in an effort to find out why the house is cursed.
I will always be a sucker for a witch story, especially a historical one set in the woods. The couple, Jake and Hannah were developed well but I do wish more would have been explored in their back stories. There were plenty of creepy moments throughout and a sense of palpable dread which was built steadily throughout. Towards the end the book seems to turn into a gore fest though so don't go into this expecting it to be a quiet and cosy haunted house story.
I enjoyed reading about the witch's story and would have loved to see this touched on more but this was simply my personal preference. As a whole it was an enjoyable, quick read. If you love witchy horror and haunted house stories I recommend picking this one up.
Thank you to Book Sirens, the author and Infested Books for the opportunity to read and review this book in advance.
I will always be a sucker for a witch story, especially a historical one set in the woods. The couple, Jake and Hannah were developed well but I do wish more would have been explored in their back stories. There were plenty of creepy moments throughout and a sense of palpable dread which was built steadily throughout. Towards the end the book seems to turn into a gore fest though so don't go into this expecting it to be a quiet and cosy haunted house story.
I enjoyed reading about the witch's story and would have loved to see this touched on more but this was simply my personal preference. As a whole it was an enjoyable, quick read. If you love witchy horror and haunted house stories I recommend picking this one up.
Thank you to Book Sirens, the author and Infested Books for the opportunity to read and review this book in advance.
June 16, 2021
Also reviewed on www.curiosityboughtthebook.com
Hannah and Jake buy an old house in the middle of the woods. The pair always wanted a house that was cut off from the rest of the bustle of life, but Jake isn’t so sure if living in the middle of nowhere is right for him. Yet, Hannah insists it is her dream house and they end up purchasing it.
As soon as they move in things start getting weird, and when Jake leaves for a tour with his band everything turns into a nightmare for both Hannah and him.
Picker’s Bleed is a well written story about the dark side of magic and long ago curses. I have always loved books in the realm of witchcraft, but they mostly don’t scare me anymore. Mark R. Faulkner, on the other hand, has a good way of sneaking up on you and making you pull your blanket up over your nose! There are a few scenes that sent shivers down my spine and made me check the corners in my bedroom. Really good story, with lots of fantastic characters in it.
Thanks to the author for the review copy!
Hannah and Jake buy an old house in the middle of the woods. The pair always wanted a house that was cut off from the rest of the bustle of life, but Jake isn’t so sure if living in the middle of nowhere is right for him. Yet, Hannah insists it is her dream house and they end up purchasing it.
As soon as they move in things start getting weird, and when Jake leaves for a tour with his band everything turns into a nightmare for both Hannah and him.
Picker’s Bleed is a well written story about the dark side of magic and long ago curses. I have always loved books in the realm of witchcraft, but they mostly don’t scare me anymore. Mark R. Faulkner, on the other hand, has a good way of sneaking up on you and making you pull your blanket up over your nose! There are a few scenes that sent shivers down my spine and made me check the corners in my bedroom. Really good story, with lots of fantastic characters in it.
Thanks to the author for the review copy!
July 13, 2021
Up there with the likes of Stephen King and Dean Koontz.
It's been quite a while since I have read a Horror novel that has actually lived up to it's genre. Picker's Bleed is that and more.
A young couple's dream home soon becomes their waking nightmare when they discover that their cottage is home to an unspeakable entity of the darkest kind. Hannah learns first hand that some of those who profess to want to help her, actually plan the exact opposite.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of Picker's Bleed through BookSirens and have chosen to leave a review.
It's been quite a while since I have read a Horror novel that has actually lived up to it's genre. Picker's Bleed is that and more.
A young couple's dream home soon becomes their waking nightmare when they discover that their cottage is home to an unspeakable entity of the darkest kind. Hannah learns first hand that some of those who profess to want to help her, actually plan the exact opposite.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of Picker's Bleed through BookSirens and have chosen to leave a review.
October 12, 2021
I think this was an interesting book. I think the author did a very good job writing the chapters and world and I was drawn into the story. It was a great horror novel That lived up to being a horror novel. Its a story and a witch and it was thrilling. I would suggest this to anyone looking for a good horror novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 7, 2022
I received a copy of Pickers Bleed for free thanks to Book Sirens!
Picker's Bleed is quite enjoyable! It's a little bit different of a horror book than I've read recently, because it's all about a witch's curse on a house that a young couple moves into.
Truthfully, I got a little confused about what was real and what wasn't at the end-- but honestly, I didn't mind overall. I was super wrapped up into the story, and really cared about the characters.
It's a fun, little read.
Picker's Bleed is quite enjoyable! It's a little bit different of a horror book than I've read recently, because it's all about a witch's curse on a house that a young couple moves into.
Truthfully, I got a little confused about what was real and what wasn't at the end-- but honestly, I didn't mind overall. I was super wrapped up into the story, and really cared about the characters.
It's a fun, little read.
November 20, 2021
When I chose this novel, I thought it was going to be a bit predictable considering that it seemed to be dealing with a long time curse placed by a witch. But I was pleasantly surprised with all the twists and turns which turned this into a very intriguing story which kept me reading right up to the very last page.
The characters are all well developed and unique along with the small village and surrounding area. This also helped move the story along which was very descriptive and produced vivid images in my mind as I read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters are all well developed and unique along with the small village and surrounding area. This also helped move the story along which was very descriptive and produced vivid images in my mind as I read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 26, 2021
Hannah and Jake buy a dilapidated cottage deep in the woods with the intention of fixing it up and making it the home of their dreams. But almost immediately Jake experiences strange phenomena and can sense a dark presence lurking inside. Have Hannah and Jake made the biggest mistake of their lives by moving to Picker's Bleed?
Oooh I loved this book! Witchcraft and demons galore, it was an excellent story with two very likeable protagonists — you can't help but hope all will come good in the end. There are some great plot twists which kept me eagerly turning pages. Whilst the book does contain some gory scenes, it was more of a 'cosy' horror story which, in my opinion, worked very well indeed.
The plot moved along at a good pace without any unnecessary 'padding'. I enjoyed the author's writing (which was in a similar vein to that of British horror legend Graham Masterton's) and I'm sure the story would appeal to horror readers of all ages. A solid 4★ read.
Oooh I loved this book! Witchcraft and demons galore, it was an excellent story with two very likeable protagonists — you can't help but hope all will come good in the end. There are some great plot twists which kept me eagerly turning pages. Whilst the book does contain some gory scenes, it was more of a 'cosy' horror story which, in my opinion, worked very well indeed.
The plot moved along at a good pace without any unnecessary 'padding'. I enjoyed the author's writing (which was in a similar vein to that of British horror legend Graham Masterton's) and I'm sure the story would appeal to horror readers of all ages. A solid 4★ read.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews