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The Books Of Sarah
Waking up naked in an unknown room is the least of Grant’s problems. He has no memory of where is, who he is or why he seems to be stuck in a series of identical rooms. Each one containing a horror worse that the last. His only memory is of a woman named Sarah. A woman, he knows he must find to save his soul.
Sarah Mathews is your standard run of the mill young woman. She’s in love and excited about her upcoming marriage unaware not all monsters hide in the shadows. Sometimes they live in your house, sometimes they keep you alive just to see how much punishment the human soul can withstand.
‘The Books Of Sarah’ is a Lovecraftian nightmare, with creatures born in shadows, vengeful old gods and two people on a path to destruction. Follow both Grant and Sarah as they navigate horrors from other worlds, and monsters in their home.
Sarah’s books are the link to her salvation and the heart of Grant's never-ending nightmare.
Sarah Mathews is your standard run of the mill young woman. She’s in love and excited about her upcoming marriage unaware not all monsters hide in the shadows. Sometimes they live in your house, sometimes they keep you alive just to see how much punishment the human soul can withstand.
‘The Books Of Sarah’ is a Lovecraftian nightmare, with creatures born in shadows, vengeful old gods and two people on a path to destruction. Follow both Grant and Sarah as they navigate horrors from other worlds, and monsters in their home.
Sarah’s books are the link to her salvation and the heart of Grant's never-ending nightmare.
- GenresHorror
311 pages, Paperback
Published November 14, 2021
10 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 8, 2025
The Books of Sarah sat on my TBR for the longest time, it was probably one of the books that have been on my TBR for the longest time and still I didn't know much of what I was getting into.
It had a lot of the allegorical journey, but I think the potential of it was dimmed by how much time we spent with Sarah's abuse and her misplaced passivity. She lacked growth an while it was in part the point it made it hard to stay invested in her and eventually the consequences of her actions (or more precisely the lack thereof) made her quite the unsympathetic figure. It's not that I can't understand her or how someone could end up the way she was, it's that her inner life didn't seem to warrant her behavior. The Books of Sarah would have been better with less Sarah.
There were some profoundly gruesome scenes, and I have to give the author credit for that.
3.5 rounded up.
It had a lot of the allegorical journey, but I think the potential of it was dimmed by how much time we spent with Sarah's abuse and her misplaced passivity. She lacked growth an while it was in part the point it made it hard to stay invested in her and eventually the consequences of her actions (or more precisely the lack thereof) made her quite the unsympathetic figure. It's not that I can't understand her or how someone could end up the way she was, it's that her inner life didn't seem to warrant her behavior. The Books of Sarah would have been better with less Sarah.
There were some profoundly gruesome scenes, and I have to give the author credit for that.
3.5 rounded up.
August 30, 2023
The book starts with a brief look into the life of Albert. Abused by his religious parents, he knows no other way of life, except that evil lies within him, and lately he's been hearing a voice, whispering to him, encouraging him? His parents, on finding out that he is gay, believe he is possessed by the devil and want to free him from that 'curse'....but he's found his own religion/god!
We then get to meet Grant, who has woken up naked in a bed in an empty room, not knowing where he is, or even who he is. Grant has no option but to open a door, continue on his strange, relentless journey and hope that it reveals some answers! But there are so many doors, and so many horrors awaiting him behind each one. He is stuck in his own personal nightmare, with seemingly no way out and with the thought of Sarah the only thing keeping him going.
Now we meet Sarah. It's the night before Sarah's wedding and she's starting a new diary! She keeps her deepest, darkest thoughts in these, which increase in their horrifying and unsettling nature as they fill up with her words. What starts as an exciting, loving, if somewhat naive vision of a happy marriage, quickly descends into something seriously sinister! Until, that is, Sarah takes a seemingly random book out from the library and has some kind of epiphany, something changes in her and there's no going back!! And when she receives a book as a gift, her belief in the Goddess, Cailleach, is expanded and we watch as Sarah reaches breaking point and starts to descend into insanity, desperation….and vengeance!
The story unfolds as it flips back and forth from Sarah's POV to Grant's, and it all flows into a really smooth, fast paced, page turning read! It covers abuse, both sexual, physical and mental, and having been a victim of this myself, I thought that James covered it realistically and sensitively. I could relate to it, which made the emotions all the more real. There were some really heart wrenching moments in this, my heart truly broke for Sarah in places.
I thought I'd figured things out about halfway through, but carried on reading because the story was so immersive and to make sure I was right……I was WRONG!! It was so much better than I thought it was going to be!!
Truly powerful stuff! Really cleverly written. With tense anticipation, it read like an incessant nightmare, especially for Grant, who goes through such a terrifying, humiliating and horrific experience. There were some really heart warming, empowering and emotional scenes….and some brutal, gut wrenching ones too!
An absolutely fantastic read, and a very cathartic one too, especially if you've ever been a victim of abuse.
And….I….did….not….see….that….ending….coming!! 🖤
We then get to meet Grant, who has woken up naked in a bed in an empty room, not knowing where he is, or even who he is. Grant has no option but to open a door, continue on his strange, relentless journey and hope that it reveals some answers! But there are so many doors, and so many horrors awaiting him behind each one. He is stuck in his own personal nightmare, with seemingly no way out and with the thought of Sarah the only thing keeping him going.
Now we meet Sarah. It's the night before Sarah's wedding and she's starting a new diary! She keeps her deepest, darkest thoughts in these, which increase in their horrifying and unsettling nature as they fill up with her words. What starts as an exciting, loving, if somewhat naive vision of a happy marriage, quickly descends into something seriously sinister! Until, that is, Sarah takes a seemingly random book out from the library and has some kind of epiphany, something changes in her and there's no going back!! And when she receives a book as a gift, her belief in the Goddess, Cailleach, is expanded and we watch as Sarah reaches breaking point and starts to descend into insanity, desperation….and vengeance!
The story unfolds as it flips back and forth from Sarah's POV to Grant's, and it all flows into a really smooth, fast paced, page turning read! It covers abuse, both sexual, physical and mental, and having been a victim of this myself, I thought that James covered it realistically and sensitively. I could relate to it, which made the emotions all the more real. There were some really heart wrenching moments in this, my heart truly broke for Sarah in places.
I thought I'd figured things out about halfway through, but carried on reading because the story was so immersive and to make sure I was right……I was WRONG!! It was so much better than I thought it was going to be!!
Truly powerful stuff! Really cleverly written. With tense anticipation, it read like an incessant nightmare, especially for Grant, who goes through such a terrifying, humiliating and horrific experience. There were some really heart warming, empowering and emotional scenes….and some brutal, gut wrenching ones too!
An absolutely fantastic read, and a very cathartic one too, especially if you've ever been a victim of abuse.
And….I….did….not….see….that….ending….coming!! 🖤
January 5, 2022
A warning: do not open this to read if you have anything important to do. I was lucky enough that all I had to do was fall asleep for a little while and then wake up and dive back in. James Lefebure has written a book that made me feel like Clive Barker read Emma Donoghuges “ROOM” and said “I can do that!” Then wrote the manuscript while watching Jacob’s Ladder. What is within the pages of The Books of Sarah is a harsh, brutal, violent, and grief filled attack on your emotions. You’ll end every chapter feeling like you’ve been punched in the gut. I haven’t read anything quite this hard on my senses since The Girl Next Door. Don’t even for a second think this is all just a book set up to be mean; a book written to shock you. This is a book filled with a sense of real life that society often wants to avoid. Here it’s unavoidable; the ugliness is slapping you hard across the face. This is a powerful book, I need to state that so that it doesn’t seem to just be a book about brutality. Brutality is a theme for sure, but so is hope, forgiveness, beliefs, how one sees themself, and so many other themes I can’t possibly do it justice in this review. Read this book. Keep your eyes on this author. I have zero doubt that James Lefebure is a name horror readers will become familiar with in big ways over time. K thx.
January 21, 2022
Absolutely brilliant read...! Exactly what I was looking for when I read it, the story was interesting, the characters engaging and the imagery is right on point. It pulls you in and keeps you hooked, wanting to know what will happen next and to who, I felt like I was with Sarah through the whole lot. Grant too, I cared about these characters and that's what it's all about for me! One or two specific scenes *no spoilers* tested my poor tummy to it's limits but that just added to how much I admired this book and the authors imagination. The story itself was written to engage and keep you guessing and wondering til the end, it flowed well and moved through the scenes without missing a beat, I was never bored! I finished this un-put-downable book in a days reading!
Definitely up there with one of my favorite horror reads for a long time! You won't be disappointed!
Definitely up there with one of my favorite horror reads for a long time! You won't be disappointed!
December 16, 2023
There are so many things to say about this book. The themes alone are pretty dark, and constitute a certain type of horror even without the cosmic elements. The author twists the narrative from a psychological horror into something else entirely, and I enjoyed the epistolary style of the journals.
I felt Lefebure could have leaned more into the gore and body horror, though this is purely personal flavour. The writing and characterisations are quite good, and having experienced domestic violence myself, I appreciated the devolution of Sarah’s mental state, and the way the abuse fragmented her. Although, some additional work to explain why nobody intervened when the protagonist is clearly being beaten black and blue (and missing teeth and has broken bones etc.) would have helped really sell the culture of silence around spousal abuse.
The journals themselves, while written well, felt out of place at times, because of the husband’s intense overbearing nature (that is, where did she keep them so he couldn’t find them? I might have missed that part, but it felt odd she’d chronicle the abuse so freely if he tortures her). Other times, she really should have been in hospital for her injuries, so probably wouldn’t have had the energy or ability (or motivation) to write a diary entry.
Even so, both the DV and the journals felt real enough that the issues above didn’t take me out of the story, and as mentioned, I enjoyed the epistolary style.
The history of the god Cailleach was pretty cool, and I did love how Sarah became dependent on the idea of her. It drove the later portion of the story, and its inclusion was organic. The use of folklore in general, as an escape from the very real horrors of her life, was something I very much enjoyed (the power of books is real for any reader).
At times, I felt Silent Hill vibes, which I also loved, and even though I didn’t find any twists or surprises, I was satisfied with the cyclical nature of the ending.
I’d really love to see this author explore extreme horror, I think he’d do very well with that, as he’s not afraid to tackle subject areas that risk being offensive, controversial, or just downright disgusting.
Overall, an enjoyable read, a solid 4/5, and I’m definitely keen to read more from this author!
I felt Lefebure could have leaned more into the gore and body horror, though this is purely personal flavour. The writing and characterisations are quite good, and having experienced domestic violence myself, I appreciated the devolution of Sarah’s mental state, and the way the abuse fragmented her. Although, some additional work to explain why nobody intervened when the protagonist is clearly being beaten black and blue (and missing teeth and has broken bones etc.) would have helped really sell the culture of silence around spousal abuse.
The journals themselves, while written well, felt out of place at times, because of the husband’s intense overbearing nature (that is, where did she keep them so he couldn’t find them? I might have missed that part, but it felt odd she’d chronicle the abuse so freely if he tortures her). Other times, she really should have been in hospital for her injuries, so probably wouldn’t have had the energy or ability (or motivation) to write a diary entry.
Even so, both the DV and the journals felt real enough that the issues above didn’t take me out of the story, and as mentioned, I enjoyed the epistolary style.
The history of the god Cailleach was pretty cool, and I did love how Sarah became dependent on the idea of her. It drove the later portion of the story, and its inclusion was organic. The use of folklore in general, as an escape from the very real horrors of her life, was something I very much enjoyed (the power of books is real for any reader).
At times, I felt Silent Hill vibes, which I also loved, and even though I didn’t find any twists or surprises, I was satisfied with the cyclical nature of the ending.
I’d really love to see this author explore extreme horror, I think he’d do very well with that, as he’s not afraid to tackle subject areas that risk being offensive, controversial, or just downright disgusting.
Overall, an enjoyable read, a solid 4/5, and I’m definitely keen to read more from this author!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2025
Thank you James for sending me a copy!
It's not often a book leaves me lost for words, but this is one of them.
This book is intense. Intense, brutal, heavy and heart-wrenching. You are thrown right into the themes and tones of the story straight away in the prologue and it does not let up throughout.
We follow two main point of views, that of Grant and Sarah. Both of them face unimaginable terror that leaves you speechless, yet for two completely different reasons. I don't want to divulge any more than that as it's truly something you need to read and experience for yourself.
There were moments in this book that absolutely broke me, I'm not ashamed to admit I teared up a couple of times. But that just shows how good the author is at portraying certain moments. How they get you so involved in the story that you can't help but become emotionally invested in the characters and what they are going through.
The writing was beautiful. The book didn't just tell a story, it painted one. I just could not put this book down. From the beginning it had me hooked and it would not let me stop until I reached the end.
This is a book that is going to stick with me for a very long time. Please go and read this book, I cannot recommend it enough.
It's not often a book leaves me lost for words, but this is one of them.
This book is intense. Intense, brutal, heavy and heart-wrenching. You are thrown right into the themes and tones of the story straight away in the prologue and it does not let up throughout.
We follow two main point of views, that of Grant and Sarah. Both of them face unimaginable terror that leaves you speechless, yet for two completely different reasons. I don't want to divulge any more than that as it's truly something you need to read and experience for yourself.
There were moments in this book that absolutely broke me, I'm not ashamed to admit I teared up a couple of times. But that just shows how good the author is at portraying certain moments. How they get you so involved in the story that you can't help but become emotionally invested in the characters and what they are going through.
The writing was beautiful. The book didn't just tell a story, it painted one. I just could not put this book down. From the beginning it had me hooked and it would not let me stop until I reached the end.
This is a book that is going to stick with me for a very long time. Please go and read this book, I cannot recommend it enough.
December 17, 2021
With The Books of Sarah, James Lefebure has written an extraordinary debut novel. The story is centred on two main characters - Sarah Matthews and Grant Wilkinson. Grant awakens in an unfamiliar hellhole and, if that wasn't bad enough, things are about to take a number of turns for the worse as he faces terrors and horrors he could never have imagined.
Sarah Matthews is a normal, young Liverpool girl with all the associated hopes and dreams for the future. She is 'saving' herself for the right man and, in Michael Burns, she believes she has found him. But this is a horror story. Sarah's life is going to be one of terror, degradation and fear. She finds her release in writing her 'Books'. Here, she pours out her story, her thoughts, and her life. As readers, we live it with her. We suffer with her. We want it all to get better; for her life to resolve itself. We want her to be happy so, when she gets a chance for that, we cheer her on (well, I did anyway!)
This is an amazing, complex and disturbing book that demands to be read and balks at being set down. You simply HAVE to find out how everything resolves itself. Descriptions are graphic and the author shows his talent for painting vivid word pictures and implanting them in the reader's brain. The pace is maintained at the right speed to enable the most effective peeling back of each leaf of this multi-layered story. It is the telling of a nightmare - the worst nightmare that could surely befall these two characters.
Complex, original, disturbing and graphic, The Books of Sarah is an exciting first novel from a writer I look forward to reading more from.
Sarah Matthews is a normal, young Liverpool girl with all the associated hopes and dreams for the future. She is 'saving' herself for the right man and, in Michael Burns, she believes she has found him. But this is a horror story. Sarah's life is going to be one of terror, degradation and fear. She finds her release in writing her 'Books'. Here, she pours out her story, her thoughts, and her life. As readers, we live it with her. We suffer with her. We want it all to get better; for her life to resolve itself. We want her to be happy so, when she gets a chance for that, we cheer her on (well, I did anyway!)
This is an amazing, complex and disturbing book that demands to be read and balks at being set down. You simply HAVE to find out how everything resolves itself. Descriptions are graphic and the author shows his talent for painting vivid word pictures and implanting them in the reader's brain. The pace is maintained at the right speed to enable the most effective peeling back of each leaf of this multi-layered story. It is the telling of a nightmare - the worst nightmare that could surely befall these two characters.
Complex, original, disturbing and graphic, The Books of Sarah is an exciting first novel from a writer I look forward to reading more from.
August 30, 2023
This story starts off with a young boy called Albert, who has very strict religious parents to the point of abuse. Albert is maturing and finding his way in life he thinks he might be gay. His parents find out, and they think he is possessed by the devil himself, but he starts hearing voices is it in his mind, or is it a god. Are the Gods in Liverpool.
Grant wakes up in a room naked, not knowing how he got there or why. What begins is his own nightmare and a memory of someone called Sarah.
We then go into the next character, Sarah, who is from Liverpool. She has fallen in love with a man called Michael, and they quickly get married. Following this, Sarah quickly finds out that Michael is not what she thought he was. Monsters are real, but not necessarily they don't lurk in the dark shadows they can be in your home. How much can one's soul take?
This book was overwhelming, so many emotions flew off the pages, love, hate, grief, anger, desperation, and sadness, too, to name some. I struggled to put it down, but other times, I had to put it down for a breather due to the written word being so overwhelmed by it. There is a scene that lets me say I won't be ever having tomato soup ever!!! As I was near to the end of the book, I found that I slowed down because I didn't want it to end.
WOW!!!! What a conclusion. I really didn't see it coming at all. This most definitely will not be the last book I'll read by this author!!
BE WARNED, this is not for the weak stomached!!! Triggers: Abuse, sexual assault, violence, gore, and racial abuse.
Grant wakes up in a room naked, not knowing how he got there or why. What begins is his own nightmare and a memory of someone called Sarah.
We then go into the next character, Sarah, who is from Liverpool. She has fallen in love with a man called Michael, and they quickly get married. Following this, Sarah quickly finds out that Michael is not what she thought he was. Monsters are real, but not necessarily they don't lurk in the dark shadows they can be in your home. How much can one's soul take?
This book was overwhelming, so many emotions flew off the pages, love, hate, grief, anger, desperation, and sadness, too, to name some. I struggled to put it down, but other times, I had to put it down for a breather due to the written word being so overwhelmed by it. There is a scene that lets me say I won't be ever having tomato soup ever!!! As I was near to the end of the book, I found that I slowed down because I didn't want it to end.
WOW!!!! What a conclusion. I really didn't see it coming at all. This most definitely will not be the last book I'll read by this author!!
BE WARNED, this is not for the weak stomached!!! Triggers: Abuse, sexual assault, violence, gore, and racial abuse.
July 20, 2023
Stomach-churning, heart- wrenching, and nerve- wracking. This book is full of all three.
I finally got around to reading this book due to my exams being over. It's been around a year since i bought it and have been itching to find the spare time to read it since. I'm glad i did; Finished this book in one sitting as i was compelled to turn the page.
You are instantly immersed into the story the second you venture past the first page (if you dare!). Throughout the book you meet an array of characters. Some will be engrained in your heart, and others? well their name will be engrained on a dedicated knife (you know who you are).
James does not hold back within these pages full of gore, heartbreak, and ....soup? (i haven't forgiven you yet). Needless to say, i loved this book and am eyeing up "the god in the living room" sitting on my shelf right now. I can already tell this authors going to become one of my favourites with stories to come. (he also has an amazing fashion sense). I look forward to future adventures within ominous pages; and so should you, if you dare to dive into the darkness of the story before the door slams shut behind you.
I finally got around to reading this book due to my exams being over. It's been around a year since i bought it and have been itching to find the spare time to read it since. I'm glad i did; Finished this book in one sitting as i was compelled to turn the page.
You are instantly immersed into the story the second you venture past the first page (if you dare!). Throughout the book you meet an array of characters. Some will be engrained in your heart, and others? well their name will be engrained on a dedicated knife (you know who you are).
James does not hold back within these pages full of gore, heartbreak, and ....soup? (i haven't forgiven you yet). Needless to say, i loved this book and am eyeing up "the god in the living room" sitting on my shelf right now. I can already tell this authors going to become one of my favourites with stories to come. (he also has an amazing fashion sense). I look forward to future adventures within ominous pages; and so should you, if you dare to dive into the darkness of the story before the door slams shut behind you.
January 5, 2024
This novel, my first by James, blew my mind.
I went into it not really knowing what it was about but was soon hooked by the diary of the titular Sarah, and also the side story of Grant, a man trapped in an unimaginable Hell akin to something out of the Hellraiser movies. What follows is a run-away train of a novel of dread and horror as both stories inexorably begin to head towards the same brutal destination.
When the final chapters hit I was shook to my core and had to keep rereading to make sure I had got the majesty of the ending correct.
This is a novel which hits hard and stays with you.
A brutal, uncompromising read that made me feel sick with dread, and almost shouting for Sarah to escape the horror that is her life.
I know it is only the 5th of Jan, and so this is obviously my current best read of the year but it is going to take some beating. I am honestly not sure that it can be done.
Well played Mr Lefebure, well played sir.
I went into it not really knowing what it was about but was soon hooked by the diary of the titular Sarah, and also the side story of Grant, a man trapped in an unimaginable Hell akin to something out of the Hellraiser movies. What follows is a run-away train of a novel of dread and horror as both stories inexorably begin to head towards the same brutal destination.
When the final chapters hit I was shook to my core and had to keep rereading to make sure I had got the majesty of the ending correct.
This is a novel which hits hard and stays with you.
A brutal, uncompromising read that made me feel sick with dread, and almost shouting for Sarah to escape the horror that is her life.
I know it is only the 5th of Jan, and so this is obviously my current best read of the year but it is going to take some beating. I am honestly not sure that it can be done.
Well played Mr Lefebure, well played sir.
March 23, 2022
Wow
Just wow! I could not put this book down. It's hard to believe this is his first book. I'm seriously at a lose for words....
The rest will have spoilers.....
I loved how everything ties together. All Micheal put Sarah and her loved ones through the author had a creative way of bringing them back around on him so he felt all the pain he caused. They way he brought real folklore into this was enjoyable. The only issues I had was some spelling and grammar but it didn't bother me that much. I do wish he had made it where we found out how he found out about Grant that would have been nice but damn this book was just the best horror I've read in a long time. I do hope others get to enjoy this. I wish I was better at writing these reviews. I do hope this helps others to try out his work.
Just wow! I could not put this book down. It's hard to believe this is his first book. I'm seriously at a lose for words....
The rest will have spoilers.....
I loved how everything ties together. All Micheal put Sarah and her loved ones through the author had a creative way of bringing them back around on him so he felt all the pain he caused. They way he brought real folklore into this was enjoyable. The only issues I had was some spelling and grammar but it didn't bother me that much. I do wish he had made it where we found out how he found out about Grant that would have been nice but damn this book was just the best horror I've read in a long time. I do hope others get to enjoy this. I wish I was better at writing these reviews. I do hope this helps others to try out his work.
March 19, 2024
When a man wakes up in a room with no memory of how he got there or really who is, he must piece together his new reality and survive the horrors he's about to face.
And then there's Sarah, a young woman with hearts in her eyes, who rushes into marriage with her prince charming. But he's a horrific human being whose only contribution to life is pain and misery.
This is how their stories intertwine.
I found it to be an interesting read, showing how oftentimes, the prisons we live in are the ones we could have walked away from a long time ago if we chose to, but that's not how human minds work.
It was dark, heart-breaking, some scenes a little too over the top given the rest of the content was already horrific (yeah, I'm talking about the soup scene), and that the devil thinks love is shown with a fist.
Domestic abusers are monsters, I'll leave it at that.
And then there's Sarah, a young woman with hearts in her eyes, who rushes into marriage with her prince charming. But he's a horrific human being whose only contribution to life is pain and misery.
This is how their stories intertwine.
I found it to be an interesting read, showing how oftentimes, the prisons we live in are the ones we could have walked away from a long time ago if we chose to, but that's not how human minds work.
It was dark, heart-breaking, some scenes a little too over the top given the rest of the content was already horrific (yeah, I'm talking about the soup scene), and that the devil thinks love is shown with a fist.
Domestic abusers are monsters, I'll leave it at that.
June 7, 2023
James and I were in the same room while exhibiting our fiction at HorrorCon 2023, and he told me how the bowl of tomato soup on his stand related to The Books of Sarah (without giving away any spoilers). I got myself a copy (signed, no less) and brought it home to devour. What can I say? It's a great read, with a few twists and turns, a no-punches-pulled style, some real gut-wrenching emotion, particularly within Sarah's diary entries, and some scenes that may make the squeamish just a little queasy (enter the fabled tomato soup scene). A fantastic book, and I will definitely be looking out for more from James.
March 4, 2024
Quite a ride
Wow! I really loved this book! Some of the moments were heartbreaking sad. You really felt for some of these characters. But, you also find yourself completely lacking empathy for a character at some pretty brutal moments (*ahem daddy will take care of you*). To not spoil anything for those who haven't read it, I'll just say don't apologize for the vomit scene. It was well placed, and I wish we saw the equivalent in judgment. I love the symbolism that is seen throughout the book (indoor prison, traveling the same room over and over, for instance). I did wish I had gotten to see the last two, though!
Great work!
Wow! I really loved this book! Some of the moments were heartbreaking sad. You really felt for some of these characters. But, you also find yourself completely lacking empathy for a character at some pretty brutal moments (*ahem daddy will take care of you*). To not spoil anything for those who haven't read it, I'll just say don't apologize for the vomit scene. It was well placed, and I wish we saw the equivalent in judgment. I love the symbolism that is seen throughout the book (indoor prison, traveling the same room over and over, for instance). I did wish I had gotten to see the last two, though!
Great work!
January 12, 2022
The stuff of nightmares...
I really enjoyed this read! The descriptions were so grim, it often made me wince... especially the moving stump!! A scene to rival the vomit!
I feel like there were a couple of questions unanswered which keeps me wandering. Who's was the baby? Were Sarah, Grant and Sian reunited? Whatever the answers, I'm glad Michael got his comeuppance! I never cottoned on that we were reading from the perspective of Michael!
A great debut novel from James. This could easily be turned into a fantastic, twisty film! Bravo James, cant wait to read more!
I really enjoyed this read! The descriptions were so grim, it often made me wince... especially the moving stump!! A scene to rival the vomit!
I feel like there were a couple of questions unanswered which keeps me wandering. Who's was the baby? Were Sarah, Grant and Sian reunited? Whatever the answers, I'm glad Michael got his comeuppance! I never cottoned on that we were reading from the perspective of Michael!
A great debut novel from James. This could easily be turned into a fantastic, twisty film! Bravo James, cant wait to read more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2023
I found this book at a horror convention and decided to buy it purely because I was intrigued why the author had tomato soup on his table. I then read the whole book within 24 hours as I was unable to put it down! It was such a thrilling book to read with fantastic characters and well written gruesome scenes. I would 100% recommend to anyone interested in horror or anyone who is a fan of tomato soup :))
June 25, 2023
the Books of Sarah. well in reviewing this I would say if I knew the subject matter I would not have read this book. That said I found this an interesting story. Sarah is in a very abusive relationship ship.the other storyline is about a man who does not know who he is. He is trapped in a maze of rooms with terrible happenings. The book is well written. I felt for the characters and their plight.
September 21, 2023
Wow!
I wasn't sure I would like this book, James Lefebure is a new author for me. But I was gripped from the first page. This book took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and I cried more than once. But it was absolutely brilliant. I must admit I don't think it's for everyone though. I would advise you to read the trigger warnings at the start of the book as it gets quite brutal.
Saying that, I will definitely be reading more by this author asap!
I wasn't sure I would like this book, James Lefebure is a new author for me. But I was gripped from the first page. This book took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and I cried more than once. But it was absolutely brilliant. I must admit I don't think it's for everyone though. I would advise you to read the trigger warnings at the start of the book as it gets quite brutal.
Saying that, I will definitely be reading more by this author asap!
August 11, 2023
What can I say about the most unique horror I have read in year's, this shocking and dark story is about how far you would for love!
James is an up and comer in indie horror and I can see why from this book!
His use of language, detail and imagination is truly grim bit also grips you in a way that I can't describe.
Read this book! Trust me you'll eat the soup!
James is an up and comer in indie horror and I can see why from this book!
His use of language, detail and imagination is truly grim bit also grips you in a way that I can't describe.
Read this book! Trust me you'll eat the soup!
October 3, 2025
One of the best books from an up and coming author who I had the pleasure of meeting whilst promoting the book at a local store. Thoroughly enjoyed it throughout the twists and even the “Tomato Soup” bit as forewarned by the author.. 🤢
June 8, 2023
I finished this in one sitting it was so engaging and kept me hooked the whole time!!
June 22, 2024
I could understand the diary part of the book. Rather confused with the other part of the story
August 28, 2025
Brutal.
That's it. That's all you're getting, no trigger warnings.
That's it. That's all you're getting, no trigger warnings.
September 8, 2025
another masterpiece that keeps you reading, i struggled to put this book down.
June 20, 2024
Fucking amazing, straight up thats all there is to is. This might be my favorite book even with that one scene that we all know haunted us long after the book was over. Ive been aching for a book like this for a long time and all i can say is thank you! This is the horror and thriller that we are all craving. READ IT!
October 11, 2023
From the Prologue to the final page, this is an intense and captivating read!
The Prologue framing is fantastic, but then switches to two alternate character POV, but non-linear…
As you read you leave one character in devastating situations, then you switch to the next character in a totally different setting and frame. Hey - sounds frustrating, but believe me, 2 pages into the next sequence you don’t want to switch back, and then the reading cycle continues - it’s fantastic! So fantastic that I had to devour in one sitting!
Trigger Warnings for domestic abuse, sexual assault; extreme violence.
The writing is absolutely superb. This is an author to watch and follow.
The Prologue framing is fantastic, but then switches to two alternate character POV, but non-linear…
As you read you leave one character in devastating situations, then you switch to the next character in a totally different setting and frame. Hey - sounds frustrating, but believe me, 2 pages into the next sequence you don’t want to switch back, and then the reading cycle continues - it’s fantastic! So fantastic that I had to devour in one sitting!
Trigger Warnings for domestic abuse, sexual assault; extreme violence.
The writing is absolutely superb. This is an author to watch and follow.
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