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Call the Dark
From author J. Todd Scott comes a haunting thriller about a young plane crash survivor and a mysterious hiker who venture into the wilderness to escape a dark and vengeful force.
A small white plane hurtles from the sky, vanishing into the wilderness. Hiker Maggie Roby watches its final descent, certain that no one could have survived.
But to her shock, a fifteen-year-old girl emerges from the wreckage, wounded but miraculously, impossibly alive. Maggie approaches with trepidation; she has secrets of her own, a past she can’t escape. Saving the girl means risking her future, but she can’t just abandon her, can she?
With the young survivor, Maggie embarks on a dangerous trek through the remote Appalachian backcountry, joining up with two veterans from the local sheriff’s department who know the land better than anyone.
But even as Maggie charts their course through the mountains, she can sense someone—or something—else watching and waiting.
Their journey is about more than enduring the elements. It’s about escaping a sinister presence that makes a vast wilderness feel like it’s closing in.
A small white plane hurtles from the sky, vanishing into the wilderness. Hiker Maggie Roby watches its final descent, certain that no one could have survived.
But to her shock, a fifteen-year-old girl emerges from the wreckage, wounded but miraculously, impossibly alive. Maggie approaches with trepidation; she has secrets of her own, a past she can’t escape. Saving the girl means risking her future, but she can’t just abandon her, can she?
With the young survivor, Maggie embarks on a dangerous trek through the remote Appalachian backcountry, joining up with two veterans from the local sheriff’s department who know the land better than anyone.
But even as Maggie charts their course through the mountains, she can sense someone—or something—else watching and waiting.
Their journey is about more than enduring the elements. It’s about escaping a sinister presence that makes a vast wilderness feel like it’s closing in.
399 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2023
418 people are currently reading
5648 people want to read
About the author
J. Todd Scott
12 books346 followersA retired federal law enforcement agent with thirty years of experience, J. Todd Scott was a finalist for the 2024 International Thriller Writers Award for Best Paperback Original and is the critically acclaimed author of six crime, suspense, and thriller novels. He is also a film and TV producer and screenwriter, most recently for the Paramount+ series Lawmen: Bass Reeves.
Find Todd at JTODDSCOTT.COM.
Find Todd at JTODDSCOTT.COM.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
July 17, 2023
Firstly, the scaredy cat within wanted to cover my eyes with the backs of my hands as I read. The fear was palpitating and I only wanted to peek through the narrow space between my fingers!!! I wanted to get off that plane immediately and as kept reading, I could almost feel the sinister presence looming in the wilderness. Wow, the author really masters tension and atmosphere/mood. I was ‘creeped out’ as my students would say.
Secondly, the teacher within wanted to grab my red pen and help structure concise paragraphs. Vivid description is great, but it can be overdone. One of the pitfalls of verbosity is that the flow suffers. The fantastic tension I felt at the beginning was soon lost in a sea of words.
Scott has a great cast of characters, an enthralling premise, and a great sense of place. Thriller lovers will be hooked.
I was gifted this copy by Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Secondly, the teacher within wanted to grab my red pen and help structure concise paragraphs. Vivid description is great, but it can be overdone. One of the pitfalls of verbosity is that the flow suffers. The fantastic tension I felt at the beginning was soon lost in a sea of words.
Scott has a great cast of characters, an enthralling premise, and a great sense of place. Thriller lovers will be hooked.
I was gifted this copy by Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
August 5, 2023
when I started reading this one, I was so exited and the tension was so much I could fell my palms sweating, but then, everything is so dragged out and (in my opinion) over written that you lost you excitement and slowly get bored. unfortunately I didn't enjoy this one as much as I liked to.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing my copy of this book.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing my copy of this book.
October 13, 2023
Interesting story but I'd hoped for a bit more. The story was light on actual details. We never really get to explore the magic of the story and characters. It's more an adventure story and maybe survival. There were so many POV on the mountain, it was a bit confusing as to why we got all the bad guys POV along with the good. It made the story a bit jumbled with too many sides telling their story.
I did like the fight the good guys had to survive. I did like the showdowns and the interesting ways this group attempted to stay alive. I liked how the ending wrapped it all up, even if the ending made me sad.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
I did like the fight the good guys had to survive. I did like the showdowns and the interesting ways this group attempted to stay alive. I liked how the ending wrapped it all up, even if the ending made me sad.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
September 23, 2023
I had hoped this book would be something I’d enjoy, but not only could I not get into it, but it moved so slowly I don’t know how it could be considered a thriller. Honestly? I was bored. And a thriller set in the Applachians in the thick of winter involving vampires shouldn’t be boring. It shouldn’t be possible. Yet here we are.
The only redeeming thing about the whole book is Scott’s prose, which is incredibly evocative and full of the right weight for this book. I just wish the book itself would’ve been worthy of the prose.
I was provided a copy of this title by NetGalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you. Personal policy dictates this review will not appear on social media due to receiving a rating of three stars or lower.
The only redeeming thing about the whole book is Scott’s prose, which is incredibly evocative and full of the right weight for this book. I just wish the book itself would’ve been worthy of the prose.
I was provided a copy of this title by NetGalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you. Personal policy dictates this review will not appear on social media due to receiving a rating of three stars or lower.
July 26, 2024
Great to see j Todd Scott getting back to what he does best… writing action/crime fiction with great characters in a cool setting. This one centers around a haunted West Virginia mountain that sees a plane crash, a fugitive, and a combat veteran sheriff all battling some bad hombres in the middle of a winter storm. Of course… mayhem ensues. Not a classic by any means, but good fun.
May 13, 2023
Thank you for the opportunity to preview Call The Dark.
One of the best books I have read this year
From start to finish you are enraptured in a complicated story set in the mountains of West Virginia.
A cast of interesting characters including a war veteran sheriff, a woman on the run, an old man, a very bad man, a strange young girl and oh yeah. A monster.
A plane crash sets off a series of events that involve this group of people to converge. A a battle ensues. .
I could not put this book down. I had never read this author but I am hooked. 5 stars. Very good!
One of the best books I have read this year
From start to finish you are enraptured in a complicated story set in the mountains of West Virginia.
A cast of interesting characters including a war veteran sheriff, a woman on the run, an old man, a very bad man, a strange young girl and oh yeah. A monster.
A plane crash sets off a series of events that involve this group of people to converge. A a battle ensues. .
I could not put this book down. I had never read this author but I am hooked. 5 stars. Very good!
September 16, 2023
There is so much to this book I don’t know how I can do a good summary what I will say is there is a little girl named Luna who is being transported to Washington DC because she possesses a supernatural talent and although I didn’t completely understand what exactly they wanted to do they were doing surgeries on her end she was highly valued by those who had her. Maya and her husband were financial bigwigs in dealt in big time cryptocurrency and what they called imaginative investing somehow they got mixed up with the wrong people and then one night there was an incident on their yacht and Mayas husband was nowhere to be found and she was on the run. Landry Walton lived on Black Mountain and he was the previous sheriff before Marcus Austin took over. Landry knew the history and every folk tail there was to tell about West Virginia and especially those involving the black mountains where he lost his wife and his son. Marcus Austin was a war hero and did seven tours of duty even left the bottom half of his leg on the battlefield. To say that didn’t stop him would be an understatement he was smart and took his duties seriously. So when a man came talking about a woman on the run that they needed to find to keep her safe from the bad men that were after her . Despite him having an ID saying his name was FBI agent Gram Marcus thought there was more to the story and although it looked like he was going to help the agent Marcus wanted to find out the whole story. The guy pretending to be agent Gram who is actually a missionary sent to hunt down Maggie because it was true she was being hunted by bad man the only thing he didn’t tell the sheriff was that he was hired by them because the first guy they hired never reported back and he would be found dead soon after agent grams arrival. Luna‘s plane crashes right where Maggie stopped to bury her loot and although Maggie thought there were no survivors before long she hears a scream this is the beginning of how everyone mentioned above finds theirself in a cat and mouse, life and death chase on side of a mountain in the middle of a blizzard only wait there’s more… there’s legends in West Virginia of White ghost and or monsters and it seems they can take host and piggyback on their evil nature this is how Connor roach and the man pretending to be Detective Gram who’s real name is Eckels find their self decaying from the inside out. Just an FYI Connor roach is also a missionary but he was working for the people who had Luna. Now having said that this is a great great book and although the ending is bittersweet and the book is long make sure you have time to read it because OMG besides all this there’s also a historical fiction story about the white ghost and how it plagued Landry‘s ancestors that was also just a great addition to the story. Which is awesome awesome and more awesome! I love this book I think this author is top notch in a great horror writer I have read other books by him and have loved them all. I want to thank Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
March 26, 2025
This one started out promising but quickly turned into a long slog to the end. I felt like the relationships between all the characters did not make sense to me - there was tension that I didn’t understand and then affection that I didn’t understand. It felt like the motivation of each character was never clear, which just made it very confusing. Most of the book was just a very drawn out and repetitive play-by-play of the good guys being chased by the bad guys. There was a lot of mystery that was never explained, I found myself wanting a lot more backstory and/or big reveals that would help me understand the characters better.
July 18, 2024
It’s giving Stranger Things
September 14, 2023
Apart from the title, which in my opinion is not apt (White things would have been more appropriate), this is a truly remarkable novel. Right from the start, the two parts of the plot, the one that is definitely a thriller and the one that fades into horror, are perfectly balanced, making the reader navigate with extreme pleasure between the snowy landscapes of West Virginia and the dark souls of the characters that inhabit it, with their secrets and unspeakable traumas. The characters and their evolution are the real strength of the novel, even those who have decidedly chosen evil. And those who survive to the end of the journey, achieving an unhoped-for normality, do so while carrying all the others in their hearts, having been nourished by their strengths and weaknesses.
April 1, 2024
Awesome read!!! Great thriller with some paranormal aspects thrown in that will blow your mind!!!
September 1, 2023
I have read several books by this Author, and have enjoyed them all, including this new thriller that is my
favorite. The writing style, with such vivid , colorful descriptions of both the mountains of rural West
Virginia and the visions in the minds of the characters are clear and so well written that I could easily
feel like air was a part of this life and death mystery. Several circumstances come in to play all through the
story from the plane crush with a sole survivor to the hiker who discovers her and must deal with her, even as
her problems are far beyond her ability to manage before having an injured and traumatized teenager for whom
she feels and subsequently takes responsibility which makes her survival more difficult.
When the Law gets wind of where the hiker, Maggie, might be the Sheriff gets involved, along with a supposed
FBI agent, which is where things get dangerous for everyone.
This story was interesting, and full of twists and turns that had me completely engaged until the end.
My thanks to Publisher, Thomas and Mercer via NetGalley for the opportunity to read the download
of this book for review purposes.
favorite. The writing style, with such vivid , colorful descriptions of both the mountains of rural West
Virginia and the visions in the minds of the characters are clear and so well written that I could easily
feel like air was a part of this life and death mystery. Several circumstances come in to play all through the
story from the plane crush with a sole survivor to the hiker who discovers her and must deal with her, even as
her problems are far beyond her ability to manage before having an injured and traumatized teenager for whom
she feels and subsequently takes responsibility which makes her survival more difficult.
When the Law gets wind of where the hiker, Maggie, might be the Sheriff gets involved, along with a supposed
FBI agent, which is where things get dangerous for everyone.
This story was interesting, and full of twists and turns that had me completely engaged until the end.
My thanks to Publisher, Thomas and Mercer via NetGalley for the opportunity to read the download
of this book for review purposes.
May 5, 2023
The premise for this is so interesting and it is a unique take on a thriller but sadly it just didn't work for me. I couldn't connect with the writing and I felt like everything was too convoluted and dragged out which made it confusing and hard to get into the story. I think a lot of people will enjoy this style of writing but it didn't work for me.
October 16, 2023
Fifteen-year-old Luna escapes a plane crash in the middle of the mountains in West Virginia, along with another passenger who leaves the scene. Luna is discovered by Maggie Roby, who is on the run from the law. Maggie has plans to start a new life for herself; all she has to do is make it to the other side of the mountain, where she has stashed everything she needs to start over. The last thing she needs is to be burdened by anyone or anything. But something draws her to Luna, who looks so helpless and vulnerable.
Maggie and Luna find their way to Walton Landry’s place. Landry is a former sheriff who built a cabin so deep in the woods that most people can’t find it, and he likes it that way. He just wants to be left in peace, especially now that he is widowed and his son is presumed dead, a victim of the treacherous mountains. When Maggie and Luna show up at his door, it changes everything for all parties involved.
Meanwhile, a dead body is found behind a business in the sleepy mountain town of Pullen, West Virginia, a few short miles from the crash site. A person of interest in the incident, someone who rented a motel room there, has gone missing. The local sheriff gets called out to investigate in the middle of an oncoming snowstorm.
Maggie is being tracked by powerful people who want to recover money that she and her late husband stole. Luna is also being pursued by those who want to use her special powers. Due to years of “therapy,” which was really biological experimentation, Luna has the ability to “call the dark,” an usual way to get inside the minds of others and read and manipulate their thoughts. She can heal people, but she also can kill them with her mind. There are no good guys looking for her --- only bad ones.
J. Todd Scott addresses a number of issues that are relevant to today's world: biological meddling, cryptocurrency, embezzlement, PTSD and mental illness. The book is written from multiple points of view, giving readers insight into the thoughts and actions of the characters, all of whom are varied and well-developed. The pace is brisk with chapters of varying lengths, some only a page or two. CALL THE DARK will appeal to anyone who is interested in science fiction and psychological thrillers or is just looking for a good story.
Reviewed by Christine M. Irvin
Maggie and Luna find their way to Walton Landry’s place. Landry is a former sheriff who built a cabin so deep in the woods that most people can’t find it, and he likes it that way. He just wants to be left in peace, especially now that he is widowed and his son is presumed dead, a victim of the treacherous mountains. When Maggie and Luna show up at his door, it changes everything for all parties involved.
Meanwhile, a dead body is found behind a business in the sleepy mountain town of Pullen, West Virginia, a few short miles from the crash site. A person of interest in the incident, someone who rented a motel room there, has gone missing. The local sheriff gets called out to investigate in the middle of an oncoming snowstorm.
Maggie is being tracked by powerful people who want to recover money that she and her late husband stole. Luna is also being pursued by those who want to use her special powers. Due to years of “therapy,” which was really biological experimentation, Luna has the ability to “call the dark,” an usual way to get inside the minds of others and read and manipulate their thoughts. She can heal people, but she also can kill them with her mind. There are no good guys looking for her --- only bad ones.
J. Todd Scott addresses a number of issues that are relevant to today's world: biological meddling, cryptocurrency, embezzlement, PTSD and mental illness. The book is written from multiple points of view, giving readers insight into the thoughts and actions of the characters, all of whom are varied and well-developed. The pace is brisk with chapters of varying lengths, some only a page or two. CALL THE DARK will appeal to anyone who is interested in science fiction and psychological thrillers or is just looking for a good story.
Reviewed by Christine M. Irvin
December 13, 2023
This is NOT a 5 star book & I am baffled by how many other reviewers gave it that. The constant switching of POV is lazy writing & editing- there are better, smoother ways to tell a story. That constant POV switching made the story a choppy confusing read. I gave this book 3 stars because after pushing through the beginning part of the book (I almost put it down Many times) I became invested in the characters despite POV problems. I read all of Scott’s books set in West Texas & loved them. He did an excellent job of setting the scene authentically so I was hoping for the same here since I also have a love of Appalachia. He didn’t do as good a job with Appalachia but he did do a decent enough job that I could get the feel & I appreciated his honesty at the end saying he played loose & easy with distances & town names & places. If you like Appalachia this is a must read (keeping in mind the choppy POV) …the supernatural part of this book is a take it or leave it, not really necessary to the plot. A great adventure story for guys (especially with the pointless name dropping of certain gear details.)
One more dig specifically for the editor - the name flips on Walton Landry made for an annoying read because the story was so hard to keep straight with the POV changing in the beginning that the use of “Walton” here and there and then “Landry” in other parts made me have to go back & reread to be sure I knew which character was being written about! This is an aggravating oversight as there was no obvious reason for using first or last name interchangeably. Really, was there an editor for this book?
I so loved the West Texas books by Scott, but after one other book of his that I didn’t like and now this POV irritation in this one I will only give one more try before I give up on this author, there are too many other writers out there willing to put in the work to make a smooth read to waste time on one that isn’t - but Scott does has a storytelling gift that I hope I don’t have to give up on him.
One more dig specifically for the editor - the name flips on Walton Landry made for an annoying read because the story was so hard to keep straight with the POV changing in the beginning that the use of “Walton” here and there and then “Landry” in other parts made me have to go back & reread to be sure I knew which character was being written about! This is an aggravating oversight as there was no obvious reason for using first or last name interchangeably. Really, was there an editor for this book?
I so loved the West Texas books by Scott, but after one other book of his that I didn’t like and now this POV irritation in this one I will only give one more try before I give up on this author, there are too many other writers out there willing to put in the work to make a smooth read to waste time on one that isn’t - but Scott does has a storytelling gift that I hope I don’t have to give up on him.
February 15, 2025
Call The Dark
J. Todd Scott
09/19/2023
Thomas & Mercer
A con woman, a plane crash survivor, a veteran with PTSD, a sheriff, mercenaries with unlimited funds, and a sinister presence looming the wilds of the West Virginian snow mountains all come together in a story that is beautifully original.
This novel is truly exceptional. From the very beginning, it masterfully blends two distinct narrative elements: a thrilling storyline and an eerie descent into horror. This delicate balance guides the reader through the stark, snow-covered landscapes of West Virginia, while simultaneously unraveling the complex and tortured psyches of its inhabitants, each burdened with hidden secrets and unspeakable pasts. The depth and evolution of the characters stand out as the novel’s core strength—especially those who have fully embraced darkness. By the end, the survivors carry with them the weight of all the other souls they encountered, shaped and sustained by both their strengths and flaws.
There really isn’t anything on these pages that won’t surprise you and make you think. Good versus evil; right versus wrong; how our past affects us in the future. Call The Dark will run you through all the emotions. Lean in and enjoy this. I cannot wait to see what J. Scott Todd has in store for his readers this fall!
“We crossed the mountain Maggie.” (and my heart breaks)
J. Todd Scott
09/19/2023
Thomas & Mercer
A con woman, a plane crash survivor, a veteran with PTSD, a sheriff, mercenaries with unlimited funds, and a sinister presence looming the wilds of the West Virginian snow mountains all come together in a story that is beautifully original.
This novel is truly exceptional. From the very beginning, it masterfully blends two distinct narrative elements: a thrilling storyline and an eerie descent into horror. This delicate balance guides the reader through the stark, snow-covered landscapes of West Virginia, while simultaneously unraveling the complex and tortured psyches of its inhabitants, each burdened with hidden secrets and unspeakable pasts. The depth and evolution of the characters stand out as the novel’s core strength—especially those who have fully embraced darkness. By the end, the survivors carry with them the weight of all the other souls they encountered, shaped and sustained by both their strengths and flaws.
There really isn’t anything on these pages that won’t surprise you and make you think. Good versus evil; right versus wrong; how our past affects us in the future. Call The Dark will run you through all the emotions. Lean in and enjoy this. I cannot wait to see what J. Scott Todd has in store for his readers this fall!
“We crossed the mountain Maggie.” (and my heart breaks)
November 9, 2023
Call the Dark is a horror mystery set in the Black Mountains of West Virginia by author J. Todd Scott.
I had such high hopes for this one because I absolutely loved the blurb when I first read it. However I was sorely disappointed immediately in the first few chapters of the book.
I do not enjoy paranormal mysteries and the discussion of monsters in the mountain was enough to spoil my mood tbh. I still didn't give up on it and decided to give it a fair shot. I was mistaken though. This did not get any better. Sure, there were moments when I felt like the book had picked up and I was genuinely curious about the events of the book. I was even looking forward to learning more about the experiment but sadly the author did not provide any relevant details for the same and I felt cheated by the time I reached the end.
The book dragged so much in the middle, I was tbh bored despite it being a survival story and could have been such an interesting read. The characters fell flat for me, there was no one I was truly invested in apart from being mildly curious about Luna and the story itself wasn't enough to make it an appealing enough read for me.
2 stars for a great effort though.
I had such high hopes for this one because I absolutely loved the blurb when I first read it. However I was sorely disappointed immediately in the first few chapters of the book.
I do not enjoy paranormal mysteries and the discussion of monsters in the mountain was enough to spoil my mood tbh. I still didn't give up on it and decided to give it a fair shot. I was mistaken though. This did not get any better. Sure, there were moments when I felt like the book had picked up and I was genuinely curious about the events of the book. I was even looking forward to learning more about the experiment but sadly the author did not provide any relevant details for the same and I felt cheated by the time I reached the end.
The book dragged so much in the middle, I was tbh bored despite it being a survival story and could have been such an interesting read. The characters fell flat for me, there was no one I was truly invested in apart from being mildly curious about Luna and the story itself wasn't enough to make it an appealing enough read for me.
2 stars for a great effort though.
August 13, 2023
A plane crashes in the wilds of a mountain forest. On it is a mysterious girl with an angry power. She was found by a conwoman on the run from mercenaries hired by a billionaire whom she stole from. Later they meet up with the current and former sheriffs. These four are on the run up and down the other side of the mountain chased by the mercenaries and a sinister presence they feel stalking them.
This wasn't exactly what I had expected as it turned out to be quite militaristic. This was about a veteran with PTSD, a Ponzi schemer, two sheriffs and had plenty of shootouts with various military-grade weapons. Not really my thing. But I do enjoy winter survival stories and that kept me interested. The plot wasn't exactly that exciting nor the mysterious presence included that much. It did keep me reading and the characters were full of flaws but actually likable. I especially liked Maggie, the conwoman. And I was surprised by who actually was left alive at the end. A decent read if this is your sort of thing.
This wasn't exactly what I had expected as it turned out to be quite militaristic. This was about a veteran with PTSD, a Ponzi schemer, two sheriffs and had plenty of shootouts with various military-grade weapons. Not really my thing. But I do enjoy winter survival stories and that kept me interested. The plot wasn't exactly that exciting nor the mysterious presence included that much. It did keep me reading and the characters were full of flaws but actually likable. I especially liked Maggie, the conwoman. And I was surprised by who actually was left alive at the end. A decent read if this is your sort of thing.
September 8, 2023
Similar in theme to his last book, J Todd Scott’s Call The Dark (2023) is a survival thriller set in West Virginia. A woman hiking on Black Mountain witnesses a fiery plane crash and is surprised to discover a young girl survivor. As the snow flurries fall, signalling an approaching storm, Maggie and Luna are joined by two sheriffs and former veterans on the dangerous mountain trek. Although familiar with the terrain, they experience danger along the way, with the snow blizzard, as well as a dark presence pursuing them. An interesting mix of a wilderness survival tale, with a dash of magical realism and paranormal horror element that makes for a gritty four stars read rating. With thanks to Thomas & Mercer and the author for an uncorrected proof copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given.
September 8, 2023
(3.5)I got lost in the prologue. I read it twice and thought what the heck, did I grab a mystery horror novel. Then I met Maggie in chapter 1 and settle back to see where this book would take me. It took me into the wilderness, okay, it chased me into the wilderness but I couldn't accept Luna survived the plane crash until I realized this was not a standard lost, crash, novel, there is evil and a hand of paranormal. The ending had some twists I didn't see coming, and when I read the last page I thought of those scary movies where a few people survive and as the scene fades away there is a shot of evil. Thank you for the arc. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. #CallThedark #JToddScott #ThomasMercer #NetGalley
April 21, 2023
I was really excited by the premise and thought this sounded right yo my street but sadly the writing style just wasn't for me. It all felt so dragged out and it totally lost any tension or atmosphere that was being built. I kept skimming parts and still didn't miss anything because so much of the text is just waffle and doesn't do anything to drive the plot forward. I the plot itsself was decent, but it just wasn't my kind of writing and I struggled to get into the actual story with all the unnecessary words. In saying that, plenty people do enjoy a thoroughly descriptive story and would love a narrative like this
October 19, 2023
I received this book in a Good Reads giveaway.
Honestly, I'm a bit confused by this book and how I felt about it. I had a hard time actually getting into the book at the beginning, and I'm not totally sure why. It jumped into action, but it didn't feel exciting, it felt drawn out, and there was not a great description of who was who and why they were there.
i did like the middle half to the end much more, although I do wish there was a little bit more "wrap up" about the specifics of what happened to the girl exactly.
All in all, I liked the book pretty well, but I'm not sure i'd pick it up for a re-read.
Honestly, I'm a bit confused by this book and how I felt about it. I had a hard time actually getting into the book at the beginning, and I'm not totally sure why. It jumped into action, but it didn't feel exciting, it felt drawn out, and there was not a great description of who was who and why they were there.
i did like the middle half to the end much more, although I do wish there was a little bit more "wrap up" about the specifics of what happened to the girl exactly.
All in all, I liked the book pretty well, but I'm not sure i'd pick it up for a re-read.
October 23, 2023
This is my first book by J.Todd Scott, I’m a fan!! Action packed right off the bat. Genetically altered teenager, white collar criminal on the run, retired sheriff living off grid with demons, and the current sheriff/war hero a trio that should not make sense but absolutely does. Being chased by hired guns and supernatural monster oh and a wicked snow storm thrown in the mix, the twists and turns were incredible I could not put this book down. The ending was unexpected one last twist to send reader on their way!
I got this book from a Goodreads giveaway, so glad this book crossed my path and I look forward to checking out more books from J.Todd Scott.
I got this book from a Goodreads giveaway, so glad this book crossed my path and I look forward to checking out more books from J.Todd Scott.
May 16, 2024
J. Todd Scott has really upped his game. When I read "The Far Empty" a couple years ago, I was unimpressed. I gave it 3 stars but that was a gift. Scott set the stage for action and suspense and it never materialized. I didn't bother with the sequel.
HOWEVER, "Call the Dark" is the real deal. I considered giving it 5 stars. It is a true thriller with plenty of action and suspense. The West Virginia setting was excellent. The character development was artful, not just cookie cutter characters, more complex and realistic. The supernatural element was well done and added to the plot. After this one, I'll read J. Todd Scott again.
HOWEVER, "Call the Dark" is the real deal. I considered giving it 5 stars. It is a true thriller with plenty of action and suspense. The West Virginia setting was excellent. The character development was artful, not just cookie cutter characters, more complex and realistic. The supernatural element was well done and added to the plot. After this one, I'll read J. Todd Scott again.
August 30, 2024
The tension in this story had me on edge right from the beginning. The setting, the characters, the fight for survival all combined to make a great story. I really did enjoy it but felt it could use some more editing. The scenery, while ominously beautiful, was overly descriptive, pulling me away from the tension. I did quite a bit of aiming to get myself back into it. And in my opinion, it could have been told from less POV as I got confused quite often on what character's view I was reading and had to flip back. But overall I did like the story.
September 28, 2023
I love all books set in the appalachian mountains, especially survival thrillers with cryptids. That is my jam!
But this got coppish and that took away from the thrills for me.
The writing is beautiful.
Maggie though - I want to be Maggie. She is just living her best life out there in the mountains. If the book was all the Maggie and girl stuff I would have been besotted. I wouldn't have wanted it to end.
It was okay overall.
But this got coppish and that took away from the thrills for me.
The writing is beautiful.
Maggie though - I want to be Maggie. She is just living her best life out there in the mountains. If the book was all the Maggie and girl stuff I would have been besotted. I wouldn't have wanted it to end.
It was okay overall.
October 9, 2023
Finally, an original!
This was an amazing book! I have read so many, and this is finally an original story that is exciting, fast-paced, heartbreaking, and so much more. The heroes in this book don't let you down and are unlike so many mortal. I have not read such an original and excellent book in some time that this review does not do the book justice. If you enjoy originality and a great adventure, this is the book for you and a must-read!
This was an amazing book! I have read so many, and this is finally an original story that is exciting, fast-paced, heartbreaking, and so much more. The heroes in this book don't let you down and are unlike so many mortal. I have not read such an original and excellent book in some time that this review does not do the book justice. If you enjoy originality and a great adventure, this is the book for you and a must-read!
July 2, 2024
Highly recommended.
Mr. Scott has shot to the top of my favorite authors list. I read The Flock, thought it was great, and hoped it wasn't a fluke. It wasn't. This one is almost as good, if not of equal measure. The ending is a little ambiguous, but that's a minor complaint when you consider the whole canvas.
I'll read his remaining stand alone. It's a thriller, but without the magical realism or paranormal elements of these two. Here's hoping it's just as good.
Mr. Scott has shot to the top of my favorite authors list. I read The Flock, thought it was great, and hoped it wasn't a fluke. It wasn't. This one is almost as good, if not of equal measure. The ending is a little ambiguous, but that's a minor complaint when you consider the whole canvas.
I'll read his remaining stand alone. It's a thriller, but without the magical realism or paranormal elements of these two. Here's hoping it's just as good.
September 26, 2023
I enjoyed this! The ending was good and I like the writing style. I think it has really well developed characters and the suspense buildup is done really well. Overall, this was a great book! Special Thank You to J. Todd Scott, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 28, 2023
good paranormal story
In the snowy West Virginia mountains a woman is on the run when she witnesses a plan crash and decides to help the lone survivor. In a twist of fate, they team up with the former and current sheriffs to escape the bad guys. They are also being hunted by something not quite human. Lots of twists and turns that keep you in the story’s grip.
In the snowy West Virginia mountains a woman is on the run when she witnesses a plan crash and decides to help the lone survivor. In a twist of fate, they team up with the former and current sheriffs to escape the bad guys. They are also being hunted by something not quite human. Lots of twists and turns that keep you in the story’s grip.
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