What do you think?
Rate this book
Almost Ruth
Ashville is a town with a secret history. Ancient structures lie hidden in the woods, and strange rituals are performed to keep the dead where they belong. For gravedigger Abel Cunningham, it is also a town filled with regrets. And when Abel is tasked with an unusual burial, he discovers there are more than just corpses in the cemetery.
Set in an unsettling vision of the Old West, Almost Ruth is the new nightmare from the author of Criterium and The Dark Side of the Room .
“Tyler Jones writes with the lyrical complexity and haunting tenderness of masters like Matheson and Straub while remaining entirely new and inventive. A true visionary of contemporary horror fiction.”
- Eric LaRocca, author of Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke
"Tyler Jones shows us in Almost Ruth that he is a fierce talent in the horror genre and one not to be missed, with prose as sharp as a scalpel he cuts us wide open and pours salt into our wounds. This book broke something in me and I fear I’ll never be whole again. Jones is unmistakably one of the brightest lights in indie horror right now, read his words and be transformed".
- Ross Jeffery, Bram Stoker Nominated author of Tome, Juniper, and Only The Stains Remain
"Almost Ruth is rooted in humanity. With unmatched depth and painstaking beauty, Jones crafts a story focused on small town rituals reminiscent of Shirley Jackson. One that will keep your gears turning and your blood chilled long after the last page."
- Brennan LaFaro, author of Slattery Falls
Set in an unsettling vision of the Old West, Almost Ruth is the new nightmare from the author of Criterium and The Dark Side of the Room .
“Tyler Jones writes with the lyrical complexity and haunting tenderness of masters like Matheson and Straub while remaining entirely new and inventive. A true visionary of contemporary horror fiction.”
- Eric LaRocca, author of Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke
"Tyler Jones shows us in Almost Ruth that he is a fierce talent in the horror genre and one not to be missed, with prose as sharp as a scalpel he cuts us wide open and pours salt into our wounds. This book broke something in me and I fear I’ll never be whole again. Jones is unmistakably one of the brightest lights in indie horror right now, read his words and be transformed".
- Ross Jeffery, Bram Stoker Nominated author of Tome, Juniper, and Only The Stains Remain
"Almost Ruth is rooted in humanity. With unmatched depth and painstaking beauty, Jones crafts a story focused on small town rituals reminiscent of Shirley Jackson. One that will keep your gears turning and your blood chilled long after the last page."
- Brennan LaFaro, author of Slattery Falls
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2021
13 people are currently reading
1680 people want to read
About the author
Tyler Jones
22 books193 followersTyler Jones is the author of CRITERIUM, THE DARK SIDE OF THE ROOM, ALMOST RUTH, BURN THE PLANS, TURN UP THE SUN, HEAVY OCEANS, MIDAS, and NIGHT OF THE LONG KNVIES (coming December 2024 from Earthling Publications). His work has appeared in the anthologies BURNT TONGUES (edited by Chuck Palahniuk), ONE THING WAS CERTAIN, 101 PROOF HORROR, CAMPFIRE MACABRE, PARANORMAL CONTACT and in Dark Moon Digest, Coffin Bell, Aphotic Realm, Cemetery Dance, LitReactor, and The NoSleep Podcast.
He lives in Portland, Oregon.
He is represented by Elizabeth Copps at Copps Literary Agency and Alec Frankel at IAG for Film/TV.
He lives in Portland, Oregon.
He is represented by Elizabeth Copps at Copps Literary Agency and Alec Frankel at IAG for Film/TV.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 16, 2024
Abel es el sepulturero de Ashville y todo va bien hasta que un suicido le lleva a romper las reglas que rigen el cementerio y la misteriosa construcción de piedras que hay en el bosque. Esto lo llevará a enfrentar la muerte y aquello que aguarda bajo el cementerio.
Esta novela me ha gustado mucho! Se lee muy rápido, 𝗽𝗿𝗮́𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲 de una sentada, tiene una atmósfera muy oscura y trata el tema de la muerte y de lo que nos aguarda tras esta de una forma muy original. Además ese componente de terror religioso y rutialístico le suma muchos puntos.
Trata temas derivados de la muerte: el miedo a la misma, el dolor por la pérdida de un ser amado y todo aquello que seríamos capaces de sacrificar con tal de traerlos de vuelta.
La recomiendo mucho!!
Esta novela me ha gustado mucho! Se lee muy rápido, 𝗽𝗿𝗮́𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲 de una sentada, tiene una atmósfera muy oscura y trata el tema de la muerte y de lo que nos aguarda tras esta de una forma muy original. Además ese componente de terror religioso y rutialístico le suma muchos puntos.
Trata temas derivados de la muerte: el miedo a la misma, el dolor por la pérdida de un ser amado y todo aquello que seríamos capaces de sacrificar con tal de traerlos de vuelta.
La recomiendo mucho!!
January 27, 2022
This period horror piece by ‘Criterium’ and ‘Dark Side of the Room’ author Tyler Jones tells a tale of superstition and grief in a haunting and impactful novel by one of indie horrors most talented authors.
Abel Cunningham works as a gravedigger in the small and remote town of Ashville. He lives a contented enough life with his wife Ruth, marred only by a tragedy from his past that he continually struggles to move on from.
Local legend tells of a ghostly, unseen presence that calls Ashville home. One that allows the living a single opportunity each year to commune with their deceased loved ones. This gift requires a sacrifice. Break the rules, and there are dire consequences. Abel Cunningham is about to learn all about those consequences. His actions, borne of a deep loss and desperation, will bring him closer to this seemingly benevolent entity, where he will learn that every gift comes with a price.
Set in an undefined time (although one that feels to be the late 19th to early 20th century) the life of the characters in ‘Almost Ruth’ is depicted as a hard one. Early on in the book, we hear of families losing family members, neighbours and friends to diseases, being given little time to mourn as they have to continue working to support those they have left. Mourning, loss and family are all major themes in ‘Almost Ruth’ and while these are all universal and relatable to readers now, the period setting very much enhances how these hit home in the book. While there are supernatural elements, and very effective ones at that, the moments that will stay with you the most are the more personal, grounded ones that lean most heavily into these themes.
Speaking of the supernatural, ‘Almost Ruth’ boasts a very unique premise in this regard, mixing religious and folk horror and some large-scale concepts. It is wisely kept to vague mentions and subtle suggestions until the big finale, and I loved the blending of very low-key, personal stakes and big, grand ideas at play. These grand horror ideas are there primarily to serve Abel’s story however and no matter how vast the scope gets as the story progresses, it never loses sight of the fact that, at its heart, ‘Almost Ruth’ is about grief and the lengths that people will go to in order to deal with intense feelings of loss.
Almost Ruth is an incredible accomplishment and a unique, heartbreaking story told with great assurance and skill by an author that every horror fan should be reading right now. Tyler Jones is a very talented writer. His prose switches deftly between beautifully poetic and vivid passages to soul-crushingly bleak and blunt text that will enthral and destroy you on the same page. The books real success is that, even in the face of otherworldly terror beyond human comprehension, the really scary part is how little these things matter to a man who has known true pain.
Abel Cunningham works as a gravedigger in the small and remote town of Ashville. He lives a contented enough life with his wife Ruth, marred only by a tragedy from his past that he continually struggles to move on from.
Local legend tells of a ghostly, unseen presence that calls Ashville home. One that allows the living a single opportunity each year to commune with their deceased loved ones. This gift requires a sacrifice. Break the rules, and there are dire consequences. Abel Cunningham is about to learn all about those consequences. His actions, borne of a deep loss and desperation, will bring him closer to this seemingly benevolent entity, where he will learn that every gift comes with a price.
Set in an undefined time (although one that feels to be the late 19th to early 20th century) the life of the characters in ‘Almost Ruth’ is depicted as a hard one. Early on in the book, we hear of families losing family members, neighbours and friends to diseases, being given little time to mourn as they have to continue working to support those they have left. Mourning, loss and family are all major themes in ‘Almost Ruth’ and while these are all universal and relatable to readers now, the period setting very much enhances how these hit home in the book. While there are supernatural elements, and very effective ones at that, the moments that will stay with you the most are the more personal, grounded ones that lean most heavily into these themes.
Speaking of the supernatural, ‘Almost Ruth’ boasts a very unique premise in this regard, mixing religious and folk horror and some large-scale concepts. It is wisely kept to vague mentions and subtle suggestions until the big finale, and I loved the blending of very low-key, personal stakes and big, grand ideas at play. These grand horror ideas are there primarily to serve Abel’s story however and no matter how vast the scope gets as the story progresses, it never loses sight of the fact that, at its heart, ‘Almost Ruth’ is about grief and the lengths that people will go to in order to deal with intense feelings of loss.
Almost Ruth is an incredible accomplishment and a unique, heartbreaking story told with great assurance and skill by an author that every horror fan should be reading right now. Tyler Jones is a very talented writer. His prose switches deftly between beautifully poetic and vivid passages to soul-crushingly bleak and blunt text that will enthral and destroy you on the same page. The books real success is that, even in the face of otherworldly terror beyond human comprehension, the really scary part is how little these things matter to a man who has known true pain.
December 31, 2021
Almost Ruth is a haunting story about death, grief, superstition, and madness. The title and cover art encapsulate it perfectly. The small town, claustrophobic feeling is present on every page. Be forewarned, do not rush this as it’s a slow burn, eerie tale. Take your time.
November 28, 2021
Masterful.
ALMOST RUTH is a phenomenal exploration of sorrow, grief, and loss. It's also a tour de force of sublime, emotional storytelling. The characters and prose forced me to peer deeply into the darkness of heartache and bereavement. It's one of the best novels I've read this year. Highly recommended.
ALMOST RUTH is a phenomenal exploration of sorrow, grief, and loss. It's also a tour de force of sublime, emotional storytelling. The characters and prose forced me to peer deeply into the darkness of heartache and bereavement. It's one of the best novels I've read this year. Highly recommended.
July 22, 2024
<> Permanecieron sentados juntos, observando cómo los vivos trataban de escuchar las voces de los muertos (…)
Esta es la historia de Abel Cunningham, un sepulturero en un pueblo lleno de secretos; él mejor que nadie conoce los ritos y ceremonias que rodean la muerte, asegurándose de que el difunto pueda descansar en paz. Dentro de esta narrativa, la ciudad de Ashville, el cementerio y la Mansión Burke (aquellos primeros que fundaron el pueblo) son otra parte esencial, como un personaje en sí mismo.
Caminaremos sobre un bosque de lápidas de piedra hasta llegar a las estructuras vibrantes, cuyo poder despierta fuerzas ocultas y por el cual es necesario seguir ciertas reglas. ¿Cuánto estarías dispuesto a dar por volver a escuchar a tus seres queridos?
Fascinante e inquietante. Un libro que en apenas 300 páginas y 3 partes bien diferenciadas, nos empapamos del arrepentimiento de Abel, su dolor, todas las reglas y ritos estrictos que más vale no romper. Eso sí, me ha encandilado más el desarrollo de la historia, que el final y la “explicación” en sí misma. Más los relatos sobre el duelo, el dolor, la melancolía, la belleza macabra, la culpa que cae sobre los hombros del protagonista… que todo lo referido a la parte mística, por eso que para mí tiene un inicio y desarrollo brutales que decae un ápice en su parte final. Aún así, es de estos libros que sabes que en algún momento vas a volver a leer y te van a volver a golpear en el corazón.
🖤Gracias dilatandomentes por descubrirnos nuevos autores y sensaciones y gracias Tyler Jones por este terror emocional que nos golpea, desgarra, perturba y conmueve.
Esta es la historia de Abel Cunningham, un sepulturero en un pueblo lleno de secretos; él mejor que nadie conoce los ritos y ceremonias que rodean la muerte, asegurándose de que el difunto pueda descansar en paz. Dentro de esta narrativa, la ciudad de Ashville, el cementerio y la Mansión Burke (aquellos primeros que fundaron el pueblo) son otra parte esencial, como un personaje en sí mismo.
Caminaremos sobre un bosque de lápidas de piedra hasta llegar a las estructuras vibrantes, cuyo poder despierta fuerzas ocultas y por el cual es necesario seguir ciertas reglas. ¿Cuánto estarías dispuesto a dar por volver a escuchar a tus seres queridos?
Fascinante e inquietante. Un libro que en apenas 300 páginas y 3 partes bien diferenciadas, nos empapamos del arrepentimiento de Abel, su dolor, todas las reglas y ritos estrictos que más vale no romper. Eso sí, me ha encandilado más el desarrollo de la historia, que el final y la “explicación” en sí misma. Más los relatos sobre el duelo, el dolor, la melancolía, la belleza macabra, la culpa que cae sobre los hombros del protagonista… que todo lo referido a la parte mística, por eso que para mí tiene un inicio y desarrollo brutales que decae un ápice en su parte final. Aún así, es de estos libros que sabes que en algún momento vas a volver a leer y te van a volver a golpear en el corazón.
🖤Gracias dilatandomentes por descubrirnos nuevos autores y sensaciones y gracias Tyler Jones por este terror emocional que nos golpea, desgarra, perturba y conmueve.
November 3, 2021
** Edited as review is now live on Kendall Reviews! **
A few years back, I was asked by a fantastic writer if I’d be up to beta read a novel they were working on. I said ‘Absolutely!’ knowing just how dark and bleak filled their work was. What I read was a staggering novel that filled me with an ache and sadness over the characters loss and the reality of just how deep grief infects the marrow of our bones.
That novel was ‘Remains’ by Andrew Cull.
I didn’t believe I’d come across another book that takes grief and makes you look deeply into its all-consuming black hole any time soon, but wouldn’t you know, here it is.
Tyler Jones has released some awesome work, work that tackles death, depression, sadness and despondency, but if I’m to be completely honest – they were all awesome but not spectacular. At least to this reader. Really, really, really good, but 99.99999999% good, not 100% PHENOMENAL.
That changes here.
What I liked: ‘Almost Ruth’ is set in a small town, many years ago and follows Abel Cunningham, the local gravedigger/cemetary caretaker. The town has its quirks and rituals and it’s these quirks that ultimately spell doom for Abel’s loving wife, Ruth.
The story has a few other bits and pieces, a fantastic biblical storyline as well as great secondary characters, such as Mr. Burke and Connor, but at the heart of this story is Abel and Ruth and Jones does a phenomenal job of sharing their love for each other with the reader.
But this isn’t a nice book. This isn’t a “rainbows and puppies and sunshine” book. No, this is a book about death and grief and sorrow and there are two scenes in here, two scenes that I wish I could knock on Tyler’s door and when he answered, punch him square in the nose for the devastation he caused me while reading this. Both surround Ruth and her demise and both will live in my head for the rest of time. Even writing this now has me getting misty and choked up.
The finale, the reality of what Burke wants and what is actually happening was great and really drove home the ritual aspect of the towns true nature.
What I didn’t like: This was a pitch-perfect story, which really got under my skin and had me sad for everyone involved. The only noticeable thing I’d mention was I’d have liked the biblical portion which (spoiler-free) surrounds the Burke statue to have been expanded upon a bit more.
Why you should buy this: As I said – Jones has released two really good novellas previously, which are now being expanded upon, but this, at least for me, is his first perfect and first phenomenal novel. Showcasing both his amazing penchant for making even the darkest shadows darker, this story sinks in quickly and never lets go.
Outstanding work, Tyler. Congratulations on this novel, because you’ve absolutely crushed it. Well done.
A few years back, I was asked by a fantastic writer if I’d be up to beta read a novel they were working on. I said ‘Absolutely!’ knowing just how dark and bleak filled their work was. What I read was a staggering novel that filled me with an ache and sadness over the characters loss and the reality of just how deep grief infects the marrow of our bones.
That novel was ‘Remains’ by Andrew Cull.
I didn’t believe I’d come across another book that takes grief and makes you look deeply into its all-consuming black hole any time soon, but wouldn’t you know, here it is.
Tyler Jones has released some awesome work, work that tackles death, depression, sadness and despondency, but if I’m to be completely honest – they were all awesome but not spectacular. At least to this reader. Really, really, really good, but 99.99999999% good, not 100% PHENOMENAL.
That changes here.
What I liked: ‘Almost Ruth’ is set in a small town, many years ago and follows Abel Cunningham, the local gravedigger/cemetary caretaker. The town has its quirks and rituals and it’s these quirks that ultimately spell doom for Abel’s loving wife, Ruth.
The story has a few other bits and pieces, a fantastic biblical storyline as well as great secondary characters, such as Mr. Burke and Connor, but at the heart of this story is Abel and Ruth and Jones does a phenomenal job of sharing their love for each other with the reader.
But this isn’t a nice book. This isn’t a “rainbows and puppies and sunshine” book. No, this is a book about death and grief and sorrow and there are two scenes in here, two scenes that I wish I could knock on Tyler’s door and when he answered, punch him square in the nose for the devastation he caused me while reading this. Both surround Ruth and her demise and both will live in my head for the rest of time. Even writing this now has me getting misty and choked up.
The finale, the reality of what Burke wants and what is actually happening was great and really drove home the ritual aspect of the towns true nature.
What I didn’t like: This was a pitch-perfect story, which really got under my skin and had me sad for everyone involved. The only noticeable thing I’d mention was I’d have liked the biblical portion which (spoiler-free) surrounds the Burke statue to have been expanded upon a bit more.
Why you should buy this: As I said – Jones has released two really good novellas previously, which are now being expanded upon, but this, at least for me, is his first perfect and first phenomenal novel. Showcasing both his amazing penchant for making even the darkest shadows darker, this story sinks in quickly and never lets go.
Outstanding work, Tyler. Congratulations on this novel, because you’ve absolutely crushed it. Well done.
October 2, 2025
This is one of those novels that shows just how powerful horror can be when it has both atmosphere and emotion.
It’s folk horror at its core, but what makes it so powerful is how deeply personal it feels. What really struck me was the balance between dread and emotion. The writing is lean but vivid, painting a world heavy with dirt, weather, and ritual. At the same time, Abel (our MC) feels painfully real. He's a man weighed down by loss, holding on to small kindnesses in a world closing in on him. The horror is effective not just because of the cultish menace or the atmosphere, but because it’s rooted in human grief and the dangerous ways people cling to belief.
It’s a slow burn, and that pacing may not be for everyone, but for me it worked perfectly. Anyone who likes their horror thoughtful and sorrowful as well as terrifying will find a lot to love with this one.
It’s folk horror at its core, but what makes it so powerful is how deeply personal it feels. What really struck me was the balance between dread and emotion. The writing is lean but vivid, painting a world heavy with dirt, weather, and ritual. At the same time, Abel (our MC) feels painfully real. He's a man weighed down by loss, holding on to small kindnesses in a world closing in on him. The horror is effective not just because of the cultish menace or the atmosphere, but because it’s rooted in human grief and the dangerous ways people cling to belief.
It’s a slow burn, and that pacing may not be for everyone, but for me it worked perfectly. Anyone who likes their horror thoughtful and sorrowful as well as terrifying will find a lot to love with this one.
September 17, 2021
‘Tyler Jones is unmistakably one of the brightest lights in indie horror right now, read his words and be transformed. Almost Ruth broke something in me and I fear I’ll never be whole again. With prose as sharp as a scalpel Jones cuts us wide open and pours salt into the wounds.’
A stunning new work from the author of Criterium - you need this one in your life!
A stunning new work from the author of Criterium - you need this one in your life!
July 24, 2025
3.5 stars.
this book very nearly had me in tears. The depictions of grief were very real and it left my heart hurting.
this book very nearly had me in tears. The depictions of grief were very real and it left my heart hurting.
March 25, 2022
What a rush. The small town vibes with superstitions, rituals, and characters I swear I’ve met.
I loved the story and the build up of things being not quite right, the tension was delightful. What I adored most about this book is the writing itself. The description of the small details is phenomenal and delicious.
I struggled a little with the end, feeling like the answers only raised more questions for me, and boy do I want the answers.
I loved the story and the build up of things being not quite right, the tension was delightful. What I adored most about this book is the writing itself. The description of the small details is phenomenal and delicious.
I struggled a little with the end, feeling like the answers only raised more questions for me, and boy do I want the answers.
May 26, 2024
Magnífica lectura.
January 9, 2022
Thank You to the author for a copy for review!
The cover art is amazing and goes along with the theme of the story and the titis, Almost Ruth, perfectly!
The story takes place in a timeless, superstitious community with lots of ritual and lore steeped into every daily activity and interaction. The main character, Abel, is a grave digger. Not your typical job as there are all kinds of little rules and rituals Abel must follow in the burying of the dead. Not to to mention the completely strange and soul sucking black hole on the outskirts of town. Things are very different here.
The love story between Ruth and Abel is inspiring. I’m not usually a fan of the romance in a horror story, but this one I liked. Just enough of the macabre and the relationship was genuine.
If you like folk horror, superstition and great characters read this book in 2022!
The cover art is amazing and goes along with the theme of the story and the titis, Almost Ruth, perfectly!
The story takes place in a timeless, superstitious community with lots of ritual and lore steeped into every daily activity and interaction. The main character, Abel, is a grave digger. Not your typical job as there are all kinds of little rules and rituals Abel must follow in the burying of the dead. Not to to mention the completely strange and soul sucking black hole on the outskirts of town. Things are very different here.
The love story between Ruth and Abel is inspiring. I’m not usually a fan of the romance in a horror story, but this one I liked. Just enough of the macabre and the relationship was genuine.
If you like folk horror, superstition and great characters read this book in 2022!
November 7, 2021
Tyler Jones’ Debut novel (hard to believe that “Criterium” and “The dark side of the room” only qualify as novellas – they are so emotionally and poetically rich, the books seem weighted and thicker than novellas) powers onto the horror scene in the best ways, keeping up the trends his novellas have become known for – Wonderfully rendered covers (this one from Gemma Amor), emotionally poignant stories, exemplary character work, and storytelling that is in a field of its own. This is Emotional Horror. This is Tyler Jones.
The novel is outstanding. It is a rollercoaster ride of grief and loss, of watching someone you love fade away in front of you, of being consumed by guilt and the lengths you will go to refuse to let a lost person go. Tyler’s analogy of the villagers holding onto the hope of hearing loved ones speak again, by chipping pieces of their gravestones off and dropping them into a mysterious void in the nearby forest, compares to memories of loved ones, and how memories fade, how you lose pieces of them tiny portion by portion into the void of memory loss, and how by doing that they are truly set free, hits hard. That desperate longing for the chance, even if for seconds only, to regain what you have lost… It’s heartbreaking.
Abel, the main character, is so wonderfully written, so driven by his grief for both his daughter and the oncoming loss of his wife, Ruth, that the reader breaks apart alongside him, thanks to the beautifully rendered poetic narrative. Tyler spares us no relief from Abel’s loss, no thought, no self-recrimination. Abel believes wholeheartedly that the oncoming death of his wife is his fault, the burden of her dying rests solely on his shoulders, and therefore on ours. It’s soul-destroying, and exactly where you want to be – cocooned in a world so wonderfully crafted you never want to leave.
Almost Ruth is a tour-de-force of guilt and grief. The character work is sublime, each character is given time to shine and become real in our eyes. The stand-out line in the entire book illustrates perfectly the theme of the book:
Fill each moment with meaning, because we all go alone into the alone.
It’s like a smack to the face. It’s an insight one can only achieve whilst living with the oncoming inevitability of death.
The novel smacks the reader from the get-go, with such a powerful opening scene, that you are so engrossed in the book you never want to stop. The world-building here, the research, the rules of burial – it’s just sublime. The first burial, the rules governing that particular type of burial – it’s a detail nerd's heaven, the level of thought given to it – superb work.
The violence when it arrives, is sudden and raw, the ending of the book satisfying. This is a book I will be rereading, and Tyler fully deserves to be on the Stoker Recommended reading list for First novel. I’ll be off to do exactly that as soon as I’m done convincing you all to read this book. Now.
Top 5 of the books I have read this year, even better than Criterium (man, that hurt to write, Tyler, I had that in the top 5 too).
An outstanding exploration of grief and suffering. Emotional horror at its finest.
5 out of 5 ⭐’s.
The novel is outstanding. It is a rollercoaster ride of grief and loss, of watching someone you love fade away in front of you, of being consumed by guilt and the lengths you will go to refuse to let a lost person go. Tyler’s analogy of the villagers holding onto the hope of hearing loved ones speak again, by chipping pieces of their gravestones off and dropping them into a mysterious void in the nearby forest, compares to memories of loved ones, and how memories fade, how you lose pieces of them tiny portion by portion into the void of memory loss, and how by doing that they are truly set free, hits hard. That desperate longing for the chance, even if for seconds only, to regain what you have lost… It’s heartbreaking.
Abel, the main character, is so wonderfully written, so driven by his grief for both his daughter and the oncoming loss of his wife, Ruth, that the reader breaks apart alongside him, thanks to the beautifully rendered poetic narrative. Tyler spares us no relief from Abel’s loss, no thought, no self-recrimination. Abel believes wholeheartedly that the oncoming death of his wife is his fault, the burden of her dying rests solely on his shoulders, and therefore on ours. It’s soul-destroying, and exactly where you want to be – cocooned in a world so wonderfully crafted you never want to leave.
Almost Ruth is a tour-de-force of guilt and grief. The character work is sublime, each character is given time to shine and become real in our eyes. The stand-out line in the entire book illustrates perfectly the theme of the book:
Fill each moment with meaning, because we all go alone into the alone.
It’s like a smack to the face. It’s an insight one can only achieve whilst living with the oncoming inevitability of death.
The novel smacks the reader from the get-go, with such a powerful opening scene, that you are so engrossed in the book you never want to stop. The world-building here, the research, the rules of burial – it’s just sublime. The first burial, the rules governing that particular type of burial – it’s a detail nerd's heaven, the level of thought given to it – superb work.
The violence when it arrives, is sudden and raw, the ending of the book satisfying. This is a book I will be rereading, and Tyler fully deserves to be on the Stoker Recommended reading list for First novel. I’ll be off to do exactly that as soon as I’m done convincing you all to read this book. Now.
Top 5 of the books I have read this year, even better than Criterium (man, that hurt to write, Tyler, I had that in the top 5 too).
An outstanding exploration of grief and suffering. Emotional horror at its finest.
5 out of 5 ⭐’s.
November 18, 2021
“While alive, a person seemed to contain so much possibility. The directions a life could go, the things it could do, people it could affect, things it could build, create—endless. But once the person was dead and buried, every possible line came to an end, and there was nothing more for it but to rot, decompose, and return to the soil. All the potential was gone and would soon be forgotten in the harsh days of grieving, moving forward, all while carrying an immeasurable loss. All the more immeasurable because one could never know what lay just beyond the present, the unknowable future. And what further loss waited there?”
Set in the past in a small town cemetery, Almost Ruth explores questionable rituals and superstitions while unraveling mysteries better left unknown.
Inner turmoil, heartwarming bonds, and the quest for truth are highlighted in this awe-inspiring story. I was left breathless and craving more after turning that last page.
If I could sum this book up in one small description, I would say it is morbidly beautiful.
A five star read most definitely worth checking out.
💀💀💀💀💀
Set in the past in a small town cemetery, Almost Ruth explores questionable rituals and superstitions while unraveling mysteries better left unknown.
Inner turmoil, heartwarming bonds, and the quest for truth are highlighted in this awe-inspiring story. I was left breathless and craving more after turning that last page.
If I could sum this book up in one small description, I would say it is morbidly beautiful.
A five star read most definitely worth checking out.
💀💀💀💀💀
November 24, 2021
Video Review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhxoS...
No one does “Emotional Horror” quite like Tyler Jones.
It was about a year ago I read and reviewed “Criterium” by Jones, and I remember how much I enjoyed how smoothly Jones was able to get across the grief and heartbreak and make it the center of the story. Beautifully written with perfect prose and flawless transitions.
Tyler Jones keeps that momentum with his latest release “Almost Ruth.”
This is a story of a man in a small town, Ashville, with small town beliefs and customs and myths and rituals. Abel is a gravedigger for the town, and with his wife Ruth, they are well-known and well-liked by the other towns people. There is a dark sad past of Abel and Ruth that involves the loss of a child at birth. This is something both have tried to move on from, but Abel can’t.
Abel begins to do something, that is very frowned upon by the rest of the townspeople. It goes against the beliefs of the town, the order of the town, the rules of the town. This involves chipping away pieces of the headstone of his lost child, this involves a giant hole in the woods. This involves spirits being released.
Abel is called to make special arrangements for an unusual burial for someone in the Burke family, The family who founded the town. After the procedure doesn’t go exactly as planned, we find ourselves in a deep twisted tailspin of a horror like none other.
Abel’s punishment for breaking the rules of the town is very harsh which includes his wife Ruth. While dealing with this, he has to deal with the “special burial request.”
As the story unfolds, we see a man who has been put through a life of hell, has been punished and just destroyed by life. But yet he maintains a glimmer of hope. He bends but refuses to break, no matter how much the cards are stacked against him.
This is a book with so much heartache and sadness, it draws you in. It puts it’s hooks into you immediately and you’re in it for the long haul. You can’t help but to feel the same kind of loss the characters feel.
To say the book is extraordinary is an understatement. The world Jones has created is etched in your brain. So vivid and life-like, you feel you are part of the story. You feel the dark and gloom. The narrative is so enticing, you forget you’re reading a story.
The character work shines. You get very invested in these lives as if they were part of your family. You feel the same loss the characters feel.
Things take a sharp left and a whole new issue arrives, just basically crushing every single thought or feeling you may have about the book.
The ending is mixed with total shock and chaos, while at the same time bringing a bit of innocence to the table in seeing what people may bring themselves to do for loved ones. We see a person aside from Abel, who is broke, who is devastated and who is willing to go to extreme measures to bring back a loved one.
Overall we get a passionate piece of excellence with this work from Tyler Jones. I can’t say enough good things about it.
.
It’s quite intoxicating. You will have a hard time putting it down. It’s sharp, and fierce, and heart stabbing at the same time as showing unconditional love, faith, and gratitude.
It’s a complete winner from the first words to the last.
Fill each moment with meaning, because we all go alone into the alone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhxoS...
No one does “Emotional Horror” quite like Tyler Jones.
It was about a year ago I read and reviewed “Criterium” by Jones, and I remember how much I enjoyed how smoothly Jones was able to get across the grief and heartbreak and make it the center of the story. Beautifully written with perfect prose and flawless transitions.
Tyler Jones keeps that momentum with his latest release “Almost Ruth.”
This is a story of a man in a small town, Ashville, with small town beliefs and customs and myths and rituals. Abel is a gravedigger for the town, and with his wife Ruth, they are well-known and well-liked by the other towns people. There is a dark sad past of Abel and Ruth that involves the loss of a child at birth. This is something both have tried to move on from, but Abel can’t.
Abel begins to do something, that is very frowned upon by the rest of the townspeople. It goes against the beliefs of the town, the order of the town, the rules of the town. This involves chipping away pieces of the headstone of his lost child, this involves a giant hole in the woods. This involves spirits being released.
Abel is called to make special arrangements for an unusual burial for someone in the Burke family, The family who founded the town. After the procedure doesn’t go exactly as planned, we find ourselves in a deep twisted tailspin of a horror like none other.
Abel’s punishment for breaking the rules of the town is very harsh which includes his wife Ruth. While dealing with this, he has to deal with the “special burial request.”
As the story unfolds, we see a man who has been put through a life of hell, has been punished and just destroyed by life. But yet he maintains a glimmer of hope. He bends but refuses to break, no matter how much the cards are stacked against him.
This is a book with so much heartache and sadness, it draws you in. It puts it’s hooks into you immediately and you’re in it for the long haul. You can’t help but to feel the same kind of loss the characters feel.
To say the book is extraordinary is an understatement. The world Jones has created is etched in your brain. So vivid and life-like, you feel you are part of the story. You feel the dark and gloom. The narrative is so enticing, you forget you’re reading a story.
The character work shines. You get very invested in these lives as if they were part of your family. You feel the same loss the characters feel.
Things take a sharp left and a whole new issue arrives, just basically crushing every single thought or feeling you may have about the book.
The ending is mixed with total shock and chaos, while at the same time bringing a bit of innocence to the table in seeing what people may bring themselves to do for loved ones. We see a person aside from Abel, who is broke, who is devastated and who is willing to go to extreme measures to bring back a loved one.
Overall we get a passionate piece of excellence with this work from Tyler Jones. I can’t say enough good things about it.
.
It’s quite intoxicating. You will have a hard time putting it down. It’s sharp, and fierce, and heart stabbing at the same time as showing unconditional love, faith, and gratitude.
It’s a complete winner from the first words to the last.
Fill each moment with meaning, because we all go alone into the alone.
February 13, 2022
Review to follow
February 13, 2022
If death is a place, Tyler Jones wants you to come and see. ALMOST RUTH, Jones’ new book, is a masterful work of sharp, concise fiction which blurs the boundaries between life and death, good and evil, love and lies. The result is a serious meditation on grief, death and loss which churns along into a full bore nightmare.
Abel Cunningham is a gravedigger for Ashville’s cemetery, carefully following all the local lore and superstitions to the letter to ensure the dead are treated with respect and dignity. Ruth, his wife, mourns with the families of the deceased even when no one else will. Honest people with honest lives, determined to make a difference to the surviving families any way they can. But both Abel and Ruth have known loss and heartbreak of their own which they’ve never gotten past, having an infant daughter die immediately after birth, taking away from them the one thing they ever wanted in life.
But the town of Ashville, founded by the mysterious Burke family, has secrets of its own. Secrets which involve speaking with the dead by way of the ritualistic Festival of Stones. Which, as you would expect, has its own rules to follow. What happens when those rules are broken? There is a price to pay.
Abel’s world is shattered when he selfishly breaks one of these rules. And the cost of doing so is steep. Jones details Abel’s loss in heartbreaking detail. His prose is Shirley Jackson-esque. No extra words. He uses supernatural elements sprinkled in to plumb the depths of the human condition. He shows he can carry a narrative via very simple and precise language, yet the dread mounts at an ever alarming and hypnotic rate. It’s deeply disquieting. It’s some of those small, quiet moments where you reread a passage and go “Damn”. This guy is good.
Abel experiences a significant loss in the first part of the novel. But it’s at this point halfway through where Jones is just getting started. The story continues on when Abel is confronted by the butler of the Burke family, Roderick Talbott, asking for his help. Seems the patriarch of the family, Nathaniel Burke, is on his deathbed and wants Abel to dig his grave immediately after he passes. He does not want it to be a public display so it must be done the night he dies without any fanfare. Abel will be paid handsomely and agrees.
Of course it’s never that simple. The story barrels along at a frenetic pace and pitches to a climax where Abel confronts his mistakes head on. This disruption of his world is complete. And devastating.
The story plays out in two distinct parts, all tied together by Jones with a carefully crafted narrative resulting in a story full of impactful moments and gut wrenching loss. The beauty of it is the horror is more than just a bogeyman; Jones parallels the disruptive experience of grief Abel has with the eventual disruptive effect of a true horror entering his life.
Through it all, Jones wields his words with precision, implementing a scalpel not a battle axe. I found myself getting a little misty eyed a couple times while reading this story. And while every experience may be a little different for each reader and you may not have the exact same reaction I did, rest assured Tyler Jones will cut a little piece of your heart out with surgical precision. He will leave you less than whole. I can’t wait to see what he has coming next.
5 out of 5 I’m not crying YOU’RE crying stars
Abel Cunningham is a gravedigger for Ashville’s cemetery, carefully following all the local lore and superstitions to the letter to ensure the dead are treated with respect and dignity. Ruth, his wife, mourns with the families of the deceased even when no one else will. Honest people with honest lives, determined to make a difference to the surviving families any way they can. But both Abel and Ruth have known loss and heartbreak of their own which they’ve never gotten past, having an infant daughter die immediately after birth, taking away from them the one thing they ever wanted in life.
But the town of Ashville, founded by the mysterious Burke family, has secrets of its own. Secrets which involve speaking with the dead by way of the ritualistic Festival of Stones. Which, as you would expect, has its own rules to follow. What happens when those rules are broken? There is a price to pay.
Abel’s world is shattered when he selfishly breaks one of these rules. And the cost of doing so is steep. Jones details Abel’s loss in heartbreaking detail. His prose is Shirley Jackson-esque. No extra words. He uses supernatural elements sprinkled in to plumb the depths of the human condition. He shows he can carry a narrative via very simple and precise language, yet the dread mounts at an ever alarming and hypnotic rate. It’s deeply disquieting. It’s some of those small, quiet moments where you reread a passage and go “Damn”. This guy is good.
Abel experiences a significant loss in the first part of the novel. But it’s at this point halfway through where Jones is just getting started. The story continues on when Abel is confronted by the butler of the Burke family, Roderick Talbott, asking for his help. Seems the patriarch of the family, Nathaniel Burke, is on his deathbed and wants Abel to dig his grave immediately after he passes. He does not want it to be a public display so it must be done the night he dies without any fanfare. Abel will be paid handsomely and agrees.
Of course it’s never that simple. The story barrels along at a frenetic pace and pitches to a climax where Abel confronts his mistakes head on. This disruption of his world is complete. And devastating.
The story plays out in two distinct parts, all tied together by Jones with a carefully crafted narrative resulting in a story full of impactful moments and gut wrenching loss. The beauty of it is the horror is more than just a bogeyman; Jones parallels the disruptive experience of grief Abel has with the eventual disruptive effect of a true horror entering his life.
Through it all, Jones wields his words with precision, implementing a scalpel not a battle axe. I found myself getting a little misty eyed a couple times while reading this story. And while every experience may be a little different for each reader and you may not have the exact same reaction I did, rest assured Tyler Jones will cut a little piece of your heart out with surgical precision. He will leave you less than whole. I can’t wait to see what he has coming next.
5 out of 5 I’m not crying YOU’RE crying stars
November 4, 2021
Like any Tyler Jones story, Almost Ruth is rooted in humanity. What scares us most isn't what goes bump in the night, but the choices these beloved characters face, and what we might do in their position. With unmatched depth and painstaking beauty, Jones crafts a story focused on small town rituals reminiscent of Shirley Jackson. One that will keep your gears turning and your blood chilled long after the last page.
August 18, 2024
Why didn’t anyone tell me how good this was! This was bleak and full of grief. Passionate telling of mistakes made and consequences. Harsh consequences.
May 10, 2024
The only bummer about this book was how long I let it sit on my shelf before I read it.
The feeling of dread and trepidation throughout this story & the connecting novella (Wake Up) at the end was beautifully done.
Any story that takes place mostly in a cemetery will have some level of haunting to it but this one took it to a whole different level. Without going into too much detail so I don’t spoil anything, the backstory for why things were occurring was very interesting and truly frighting.
The male characters in this novel & novella are some of the most likable characters in any book I’ve read recently.
If you are looking for a gothic, suspenseful, atmospheric read, you have to pick this one up!
Just a heads up- some parts of this were so heartbreaking- I cried. And for a book to have that much power over my emotions…perfect.
The feeling of dread and trepidation throughout this story & the connecting novella (Wake Up) at the end was beautifully done.
Any story that takes place mostly in a cemetery will have some level of haunting to it but this one took it to a whole different level. Without going into too much detail so I don’t spoil anything, the backstory for why things were occurring was very interesting and truly frighting.
The male characters in this novel & novella are some of the most likable characters in any book I’ve read recently.
If you are looking for a gothic, suspenseful, atmospheric read, you have to pick this one up!
Just a heads up- some parts of this were so heartbreaking- I cried. And for a book to have that much power over my emotions…perfect.
April 27, 2022
Review coming soon!
October 10, 2023
Almost Ruth is as unsettling and haunting as it is tender and beautiful, which just makes it all the more disturbing. Tyler Jones does a deep dive into life and death and beyond, encountering ancient structures of mysterious origin and purpose, bizarre old timey rituals, family secrets, love and loss along the way. It’s so beautifully written, and the narrator reads it to absolute perfection. Abel cleaved to my heart and following him on his harrowing journey through this story nearly broke my heart. The characters come all the way to life, the chills and thrills are atmospheric and full of creeping dread, and the horror and mayhem is crazy visceral - he drew so many disturbing pictures to live on in perpetuity in my head. Thanks for that, man. The story is unique and inventive. There really wasn’t anything not to like about this book for me. I will definitely read more Tyler Jones.
I picked up an Audible code for this book from the BOH Freview page in return for an honest review.
I picked up an Audible code for this book from the BOH Freview page in return for an honest review.
January 12, 2025
El principio me gusto mucho, interesante la historia de enterrador, pero no me ha gustado nada el final. Es cómo si el principio y final fuesen de libros distintos.
December 15, 2021
A dark gem!
Every now and then you come across a book that reminds you why you keep reading, and taking chances on new authors. Will definitely be reading more by him.
Almost Ruth grips you from the first page and sends you reading well into the night with its creepily atmospheric tone and bleak ending.
Every now and then you come across a book that reminds you why you keep reading, and taking chances on new authors. Will definitely be reading more by him.
Almost Ruth grips you from the first page and sends you reading well into the night with its creepily atmospheric tone and bleak ending.
June 1, 2024
If you have not read Tyler Jones, you need to start.... Now! This is the third book of his that I have read, and I can't wait to get back to the few I have left on my TBR pile. Tyler's writing reminds me of the work of the greats, King, Straub, Poe, etc.
Almost Ruth takes place in the past. The exact time is never mentioned, but it feels like the late 1700s to the early 1800s. Abel is the town gravedigger, and he follows the rules that have been laid out for years by the gravediggers of the past, making sure that each rule and superstition is followed to the letter so that the deceased rest in peace after their death.
Abel is married to the love of his life, Ruth, and lives alone with her in their small town. They lost their only child years ago,not long after birth, and realized they were never going to have another child after years of trying.
In the cemetary outside of town, there is a goup of strange bell-shaped structures that affect people in many different ways the first time they see them. Some people actually pass out in the presence of the bells. The structures overlook the town, and a large and deep hole that is used each year in an age-old tradition. In the ceremony, people take a piece of a loved ones headstone and toss it in the hole so that they may hear the voice of the deceased. According to legend, you can only do this once a year, but Abel had been doing it often, hoping it would work for him. However, the past tells them that if this rule is not followed, you will be visited 3 times by someone or something, and then a terrible tragedy will befall you out someone close to you.
The town was started many, many years ago by the Burke family. However, no member of the family has lived there in all the time that the present residents have been alive. Then, one day, a Burke does arrive with his driver, his servant, and his young son with strict instructions for Abel to follow when he is needed to perform his duties for the Burke family.
I think that's enough of the setup, so you can kind of see where this is going. And boy, will you be wrong. There are twists and turns with every character you come to admire or like in this story.
Just know it gets very suspenseful and horrific as time goes on. I was sure early in the book what the title meant, but I was wrong. Maybe you'll guess correctly. Jones' writing is descriptive and flowing. I love reading his works. Give him a shot, you'll thank me later!
Almost Ruth takes place in the past. The exact time is never mentioned, but it feels like the late 1700s to the early 1800s. Abel is the town gravedigger, and he follows the rules that have been laid out for years by the gravediggers of the past, making sure that each rule and superstition is followed to the letter so that the deceased rest in peace after their death.
Abel is married to the love of his life, Ruth, and lives alone with her in their small town. They lost their only child years ago,not long after birth, and realized they were never going to have another child after years of trying.
In the cemetary outside of town, there is a goup of strange bell-shaped structures that affect people in many different ways the first time they see them. Some people actually pass out in the presence of the bells. The structures overlook the town, and a large and deep hole that is used each year in an age-old tradition. In the ceremony, people take a piece of a loved ones headstone and toss it in the hole so that they may hear the voice of the deceased. According to legend, you can only do this once a year, but Abel had been doing it often, hoping it would work for him. However, the past tells them that if this rule is not followed, you will be visited 3 times by someone or something, and then a terrible tragedy will befall you out someone close to you.
The town was started many, many years ago by the Burke family. However, no member of the family has lived there in all the time that the present residents have been alive. Then, one day, a Burke does arrive with his driver, his servant, and his young son with strict instructions for Abel to follow when he is needed to perform his duties for the Burke family.
I think that's enough of the setup, so you can kind of see where this is going. And boy, will you be wrong. There are twists and turns with every character you come to admire or like in this story.
Just know it gets very suspenseful and horrific as time goes on. I was sure early in the book what the title meant, but I was wrong. Maybe you'll guess correctly. Jones' writing is descriptive and flowing. I love reading his works. Give him a shot, you'll thank me later!
December 17, 2024
Almost Ruth by Tyler Jones
5/5
Ahead of Night Of The Long Knives coming out soon, this was the last Tyler Jones book for me to read. (although I'm excited to get Midas next year)
It's no secret that I've loved everything I've read by Tyler and Almost Ruth is no exception.
Tyler has an uncanny ability to draw you into a story so quickly, with clearly defined characters and enough of an intriguing premise that you're hooked from the outset.
Almost Ruth is about grief, loss, love, guilt, and possibly forces greater than human comprehension. It's so clever at times and yet so simple that it's never a chore to read.
Lore can be a bore. That's a new rule I've just made up. If you're going to explain some kind of magic to me, make me feel like that information comes naturally. That's what Tyler does so well. It never feels like he's taken a big exposition dump on your chest.
I never give spoilers but I feel like for this one I have to say something that gets into mild spoiler territory, so stop reading if you want to go in 100% blind.
In order for this to make sense I need you to listen to Bold as Love by Jimi Hendrix. At the end of the song, Jimi plays a beautiful solo which ends the song perfectly. Then there's a drum fill as a palate cleanser and he comes back and ends the song again with another variation of the same solo and somehow it's even better and he just melts your face.
That's what Tyler Jones does with Almost Ruth. I got to what I thought was a perfect ending. Then it picked back up and even though I couldn't see why he would need to write another word, he a gave the book an absolute Chinese new year firework display of an ending.
I gasped, I teared up, I got a bit annoyed at how good it was, and then I bowed to the throne.
Tyler Jones is the Ric Flair of literary horror.
To be the man, you've gotta beat the man.
5/5
Ahead of Night Of The Long Knives coming out soon, this was the last Tyler Jones book for me to read. (although I'm excited to get Midas next year)
It's no secret that I've loved everything I've read by Tyler and Almost Ruth is no exception.
Tyler has an uncanny ability to draw you into a story so quickly, with clearly defined characters and enough of an intriguing premise that you're hooked from the outset.
Almost Ruth is about grief, loss, love, guilt, and possibly forces greater than human comprehension. It's so clever at times and yet so simple that it's never a chore to read.
Lore can be a bore. That's a new rule I've just made up. If you're going to explain some kind of magic to me, make me feel like that information comes naturally. That's what Tyler does so well. It never feels like he's taken a big exposition dump on your chest.
I never give spoilers but I feel like for this one I have to say something that gets into mild spoiler territory, so stop reading if you want to go in 100% blind.
In order for this to make sense I need you to listen to Bold as Love by Jimi Hendrix. At the end of the song, Jimi plays a beautiful solo which ends the song perfectly. Then there's a drum fill as a palate cleanser and he comes back and ends the song again with another variation of the same solo and somehow it's even better and he just melts your face.
That's what Tyler Jones does with Almost Ruth. I got to what I thought was a perfect ending. Then it picked back up and even though I couldn't see why he would need to write another word, he a gave the book an absolute Chinese new year firework display of an ending.
I gasped, I teared up, I got a bit annoyed at how good it was, and then I bowed to the throne.
Tyler Jones is the Ric Flair of literary horror.
To be the man, you've gotta beat the man.
May 26, 2024
“La vida no podía vivirse mirando hacia atrás”
“Llena cada momento de significado porque todos avanzamos solos hacia la soledad”
Hola amigues
Hoy vengo a hablaros de esta fascinante historia “Prácticamente Ruth” de Tyler Jones que nos llega de mano de la editorial Dilatando Mentes, a quien agradezco el envío del ejemplar.
Comenzare diciendo que el título me llamó mucho la atención y me resultaba curioso … cuando he comenzado a leer y lo he encontrado en la narrativa con todo su significado me ha resultado conmovedor.
La historia nos sitúa en Ashville, una noche de tormenta cuando llaman a la puerta de Abel para informarle de un suicidio (Abel es quien entierra a los fallecidos).
Su población vive llena de supersticiones sobre cómo hay que tratar a los muertos, el más allá y la suerte que pueden correr los espíritus si no se siguen las reglas ya establecidas.
Todo el lugar está empañado en una magia gris en contacto con el más allá.
La ambientación oscura, húmeda y lúgubre junto con unos capítulos cortos, consigue que entremos de lleno en la vida y las costumbres de este pueblo.
Os diré que esta historia es de las que te atrapan desde la primera página y no puedes soltar hasta acabarla.
El estilo del autor para hablarnos sobre el amor, el dolor, la desesperación, la pérdida, la incertidumbre de que habrá más allá y donde vamos una vez dejamos este mundo me tiene totalmente fascinada.
No os voy a explicar más porque destriparía la historia y de verdad que merece la pena que entréis y la disfrutéis.
¿Qué podemos encontrar?
🪦Secretos
🪦Oscuridad
🪦Belleza macabra
🪦Rituales antiguos con fines oscuros
🪦Sacrificios
🪦Supersticiones
🪦 Una magia antigua y perversa
“Llena cada momento de significado porque todos avanzamos solos hacia la soledad”
Hola amigues
Hoy vengo a hablaros de esta fascinante historia “Prácticamente Ruth” de Tyler Jones que nos llega de mano de la editorial Dilatando Mentes, a quien agradezco el envío del ejemplar.
Comenzare diciendo que el título me llamó mucho la atención y me resultaba curioso … cuando he comenzado a leer y lo he encontrado en la narrativa con todo su significado me ha resultado conmovedor.
La historia nos sitúa en Ashville, una noche de tormenta cuando llaman a la puerta de Abel para informarle de un suicidio (Abel es quien entierra a los fallecidos).
Su población vive llena de supersticiones sobre cómo hay que tratar a los muertos, el más allá y la suerte que pueden correr los espíritus si no se siguen las reglas ya establecidas.
Todo el lugar está empañado en una magia gris en contacto con el más allá.
La ambientación oscura, húmeda y lúgubre junto con unos capítulos cortos, consigue que entremos de lleno en la vida y las costumbres de este pueblo.
Os diré que esta historia es de las que te atrapan desde la primera página y no puedes soltar hasta acabarla.
El estilo del autor para hablarnos sobre el amor, el dolor, la desesperación, la pérdida, la incertidumbre de que habrá más allá y donde vamos una vez dejamos este mundo me tiene totalmente fascinada.
No os voy a explicar más porque destriparía la historia y de verdad que merece la pena que entréis y la disfrutéis.
¿Qué podemos encontrar?
🪦Secretos
🪦Oscuridad
🪦Belleza macabra
🪦Rituales antiguos con fines oscuros
🪦Sacrificios
🪦Supersticiones
🪦 Una magia antigua y perversa
April 4, 2024
Dilatando mentes se está convirtiendo en todo un referente en las novelas de terror. Una de sus novedades del mes de febrero es Prácticamente Ruth de Tyler Jones.
Ambientada en el lejano Oeste, Abel Cunningham es el sepulturero de Ashville, un pueblo con un ritual "La festividad de las piedras" que nadie debe quebrantar. Un ritual que conecta el mundo de los vivos y los muertos, y es ¿qué harías por traer de vuelta a tus seres queridos?
Una novela corta e inquietante. Dividida en dos partes, en la que a través de un narrador conoceremos el secreto de Ashville. Un suicidio en el pueblo y la llegada de familia Burke son el punto de partida de una historia de amor y muerte. Y es que el tema principal de esta historia es la muerte, la perdida y la forma del ser humano de afrontarla.
Con respecto a los personajes me ha encantado Ruth, mujer de Abel, que da nombre a la novela, es maravillosa. La forma como Abel la describe es la representación del amor y el respeto más puro.
El señor Burke y su criado, son la personajes oscuros, llenos de secretos que dan una vuelta de tuerca a esta primera parte, en la que el pobre Abel se ve arrastrado. La historia se vuelve más tenebrosa, fantasmas, elementos sobrenaturales y secretos de lo mas interesantes. La segunda parte es como una precuela que viene a explicar ciertos puntos de la primera, no os cuento mas.
Narrada de una forma ágil, hace que en todo momento quieras saber que esta pasando. En ciertos momentos es dulce y triste, y en otras despiadada y oscura.
Sin duda, una historia corta, apenas 300 páginas, con muy buenos personajes que me ha dejado un buen sabor de boca. Muy recomendada.
Espero que la editorial se anime a traernos alguno de los otros títulos que tiene Tyler Jones con muy buenas reseñas en goodreads.
Ambientada en el lejano Oeste, Abel Cunningham es el sepulturero de Ashville, un pueblo con un ritual "La festividad de las piedras" que nadie debe quebrantar. Un ritual que conecta el mundo de los vivos y los muertos, y es ¿qué harías por traer de vuelta a tus seres queridos?
Una novela corta e inquietante. Dividida en dos partes, en la que a través de un narrador conoceremos el secreto de Ashville. Un suicidio en el pueblo y la llegada de familia Burke son el punto de partida de una historia de amor y muerte. Y es que el tema principal de esta historia es la muerte, la perdida y la forma del ser humano de afrontarla.
Con respecto a los personajes me ha encantado Ruth, mujer de Abel, que da nombre a la novela, es maravillosa. La forma como Abel la describe es la representación del amor y el respeto más puro.
El señor Burke y su criado, son la personajes oscuros, llenos de secretos que dan una vuelta de tuerca a esta primera parte, en la que el pobre Abel se ve arrastrado. La historia se vuelve más tenebrosa, fantasmas, elementos sobrenaturales y secretos de lo mas interesantes. La segunda parte es como una precuela que viene a explicar ciertos puntos de la primera, no os cuento mas.
Narrada de una forma ágil, hace que en todo momento quieras saber que esta pasando. En ciertos momentos es dulce y triste, y en otras despiadada y oscura.
Sin duda, una historia corta, apenas 300 páginas, con muy buenos personajes que me ha dejado un buen sabor de boca. Muy recomendada.
Espero que la editorial se anime a traernos alguno de los otros títulos que tiene Tyler Jones con muy buenas reseñas en goodreads.
July 26, 2024
I've now read, I believe, every novel, novella and collection that Tyler Jones has released with the exception of Midas (please, someone, pick that up for a wider release). It was no surprise to me that Almost Ruth is an excellent story, with the prose feeling crafted by someone clearly on their way to having mastery of the genre, but my expectations didn't make this any less of an effective and haunting read.
This story follows Abel, a gravedigger whose story I don't want to spoil here, but suffice to say his journey is an emotional one. The characterisation here is strong, with Jones making me care deeply about the protagonist and other players in this story, and kept me fully invested for the entirety. Utilising elements of folk and religious horror, Almost Ruth has remarkable world-building for its length, and the build to the climax is gripping. The payoff is a fitting cap on this ride.
I listened to the audiobook version, narrated by James Romick, who did an excellent job. This also contained a prequel novella, Wake Up, which adds more to this world and makes me want to experience the main story again. I'll be purchasing the physical book as well, and can't wait to enjoy this book again - if that is the right word for a read with such bleak, devastating moments throughout.
This story follows Abel, a gravedigger whose story I don't want to spoil here, but suffice to say his journey is an emotional one. The characterisation here is strong, with Jones making me care deeply about the protagonist and other players in this story, and kept me fully invested for the entirety. Utilising elements of folk and religious horror, Almost Ruth has remarkable world-building for its length, and the build to the climax is gripping. The payoff is a fitting cap on this ride.
I listened to the audiobook version, narrated by James Romick, who did an excellent job. This also contained a prequel novella, Wake Up, which adds more to this world and makes me want to experience the main story again. I'll be purchasing the physical book as well, and can't wait to enjoy this book again - if that is the right word for a read with such bleak, devastating moments throughout.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews