What do you think?
Rate this book
The Fall of Never
Kelly Rich, long estranged from her family, is forced to return home when her sister is involved in a mysterious accident. After years of suppressing the events that drove her away she must struggle to unlock the mystery of her past in order to save her sister. But nothing is as it seems in the foreboding Spires, her ancestral home, where cold hearts rule the hearth and deadly secrets lurk in the forest. Plunged back into the dreamworld of her youth Kelly is faced with the reality of her own role in the tragedies afflicting her family.
356 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2004
24 people are currently reading
494 people want to read
About the author
Ronald Malfi
74 books3,799 followersRonald Malfi is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of many novels and novellas in the horror, mystery, and thriller genres. In 2011, his novel, Floating Staircase, was nominated for a Bram Stoker Award for best novel by the Horror Writers Association, and also won a gold IPPY award. In 2024, he was presented with the prestigious William G. Wilson Award for Adult Fiction by the Maryland Library Association. Perhaps his most well-received novel, Come with Me (2021), about a man who learns a dark secret about his wife after she's killed, has received stellar reviews, including a starred review from BookPage, and Publishers Weekly has said, "Malfi impresses in this taut, supernaturally tinged mystery... and sticks the landing with a powerful denouement. There’s plenty here to enjoy."
His most recent novels include Senseless (2025) and Small Town Horror (2024), both of which received favorable reviews and saw Malfi stretch his authorial voice.
Come with Me (2021) and Black Mouth (2022), tackle themes of grief and loss, and of the effects of childhood trauma and alcoholism, respectively. Both books have been critically praised, with Publishers Weekly calling Black Mouth a "standout" book of the year. These novels were followed by Ghostwritten (2022), a collection of four subtly-linked novellas about haunted books and the power of the written word. Ghostwritten received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, which called the book a "wonderfully meta collection...vibrantly imagined," and that "Malfi makes reading about the perils of reading a terrifying delight."
Among his most popular works is December Park, a coming-of-age thriller set in the '90s, wherein five teenage boys take up the hunt for a child murderer in their hometown of Harting Farms, Maryland. In interviews, Malfi has expressed that this is his most autobiographical book to date. In 2015, this novel was awarded the Beverly Hills International Book Award for best suspense novel. It has been optioned several times for film.
Bone White (2017), about a man searching for his lost twin brother in a haunted Alaskan mining town, was touted as "an elegant, twisted, gripping slow-burn of a novel that burrows under the skin and nestles deep," by RT Book Reviews, and has also been optioned for television by Fox21/Disney and Amazon Studios.
His novels Little Girls (2015) and The Night Parade (2016) explore broken families forced to endure horrific and extraordinary circumstances, which has become the hallmark for Malfi's brand of intimate, lyrical horror fiction.
His earlier works, such as Via Dolorosa (2007) and Passenger (2008) explored characters with lost or confused identities, wherein Malfi experimented with the ultimate unreliable narrators. He maintained this trend in his award-winning novel, Floating Staircase (2011), which the author has suggested contains "multiple endings for the astute reader."
His more "monstery" novels, such as Snow (2010) and The Narrows (2012) still resonate with his inimitable brand of literary cadence and focus on character and story over plot. Both books were highly regarded by fans and reviewers in the genre.
A bit of a departure, Malfi published the crime drama Shamrock Alley in 2009, based on the true exploits of his own father, a former Secret Service agent. The book was optioned several times for film.
Ronald Malfi was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1977, the eldest of four children, and eventually relocated to Maryland, where he currently resides along the Chesapeake Bay.
When he's not writing, he's performing with the rock band VEER, who can be found at veerband.net and wherever you stream your music.
Visit
His most recent novels include Senseless (2025) and Small Town Horror (2024), both of which received favorable reviews and saw Malfi stretch his authorial voice.
Come with Me (2021) and Black Mouth (2022), tackle themes of grief and loss, and of the effects of childhood trauma and alcoholism, respectively. Both books have been critically praised, with Publishers Weekly calling Black Mouth a "standout" book of the year. These novels were followed by Ghostwritten (2022), a collection of four subtly-linked novellas about haunted books and the power of the written word. Ghostwritten received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, which called the book a "wonderfully meta collection...vibrantly imagined," and that "Malfi makes reading about the perils of reading a terrifying delight."
Among his most popular works is December Park, a coming-of-age thriller set in the '90s, wherein five teenage boys take up the hunt for a child murderer in their hometown of Harting Farms, Maryland. In interviews, Malfi has expressed that this is his most autobiographical book to date. In 2015, this novel was awarded the Beverly Hills International Book Award for best suspense novel. It has been optioned several times for film.
Bone White (2017), about a man searching for his lost twin brother in a haunted Alaskan mining town, was touted as "an elegant, twisted, gripping slow-burn of a novel that burrows under the skin and nestles deep," by RT Book Reviews, and has also been optioned for television by Fox21/Disney and Amazon Studios.
His novels Little Girls (2015) and The Night Parade (2016) explore broken families forced to endure horrific and extraordinary circumstances, which has become the hallmark for Malfi's brand of intimate, lyrical horror fiction.
His earlier works, such as Via Dolorosa (2007) and Passenger (2008) explored characters with lost or confused identities, wherein Malfi experimented with the ultimate unreliable narrators. He maintained this trend in his award-winning novel, Floating Staircase (2011), which the author has suggested contains "multiple endings for the astute reader."
His more "monstery" novels, such as Snow (2010) and The Narrows (2012) still resonate with his inimitable brand of literary cadence and focus on character and story over plot. Both books were highly regarded by fans and reviewers in the genre.
A bit of a departure, Malfi published the crime drama Shamrock Alley in 2009, based on the true exploits of his own father, a former Secret Service agent. The book was optioned several times for film.
Ronald Malfi was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1977, the eldest of four children, and eventually relocated to Maryland, where he currently resides along the Chesapeake Bay.
When he's not writing, he's performing with the rock band VEER, who can be found at veerband.net and wherever you stream your music.
Visit
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 7, 2018
What a fucking mess of a book. There was entirely way too much urination going on. It was RIDICULOUS. And quite frankly I got tired of the lead character Kelly having to pee ALL time. I get that it’s a purely involuntary response at times, especially when you’re so frightened you cannot control things like this. But she had to have wet herself five times throughout the novel, and experienced a ridiculous amount of painful need to urinate at least once a day, if not two or three times, the entire novel. (Well until she got back home, anyway....Kelly, honey? Go see your doctor now! There’s something VERY wrong with your bladder...,!)
Also, Kelly’s nickname, Kellorella, was used ad-nauseam. I wanted to smack the other character for using it constantly.
The writing was just.....ok, at first, and then it got a little silly. The subject matter could have been SO much better written, if the author hadn’t gone the way he had with this novel. It *should have been* right up my alley, but these issues mentioned, and a whole lot more, kept me from enjoying this book for the most part.
In fact, I had to force myself to finish the novel, and really and truly did NOT want to get back to it. Kelly seemed to really get on my nerves, but not as much as Simon did.
I was very sad that I’d spent my good money on this audiobook, and will never listen to it, or read the novel again. I have no idea why other readers like this novel so much, truthfully. But whatever.
So 2.5 stars, and not recommended at all.
Also, Kelly’s nickname, Kellorella, was used ad-nauseam. I wanted to smack the other character for using it constantly.
The writing was just.....ok, at first, and then it got a little silly. The subject matter could have been SO much better written, if the author hadn’t gone the way he had with this novel. It *should have been* right up my alley, but these issues mentioned, and a whole lot more, kept me from enjoying this book for the most part.
In fact, I had to force myself to finish the novel, and really and truly did NOT want to get back to it. Kelly seemed to really get on my nerves, but not as much as Simon did.
I was very sad that I’d spent my good money on this audiobook, and will never listen to it, or read the novel again. I have no idea why other readers like this novel so much, truthfully. But whatever.
So 2.5 stars, and not recommended at all.
October 1, 2008
Sweet Mercy! Now that’s what I’m talking about! Malfi keeps you glued to the book. Be it from terror or your own morbid curiosity, you’ll find yourself unable to put it down. In other words, he’ll own you!
The plot is intoxicating, mesmerizing, and compulsively precise. Tying into the main, the subplot is just as equally engrossing and clever. The most scintillating aspect of the story is that although you can see that something evil is on its way with astounding velocity and inevitability, a part of you wants to close your eyes and wish it away. There's another part of you though, that wants to see, that needs to know. It's that part of you that keeps turning the pages as the blood spills and the bodies start to pile up. Malfi not only understands this, but he supplies it in spades.
The atmosphere is charged with voltaic emotions and external anguish, electrifying the air you breathe. Coming off in deathless waves, the fear is naked and palpable. Each setting can be felt and embraced, every location visually assaulting. I’m not sure how he does it, but Malfi manages to not only materialize the house, but also give it its very own personality. It becomes a character that while it is cold and ugly, manages to rivet you.
The characters are natural, realistic, and above all else honest. The interaction between Kelly and her family is both true and familiar. Each player has a depth, a well of emotions , that when tapped almost explodes off the page. Even the antagonist isn't without tenderness, forgiveness. Malfi’s style of writing is sharp, keeping you on the edge from the first page to the last. His descriptions are tight, his settings corporeal, and dialog flawless. In all honesty, I never once even noticed the pace. The only time I even thought about it was when it came time to critique it. My assessment? Perfect.
My rating? I give it a 5. Get This Book! Whip out that credit card and go here, NOW!
-As reviewed for Horror-Web.com
The plot is intoxicating, mesmerizing, and compulsively precise. Tying into the main, the subplot is just as equally engrossing and clever. The most scintillating aspect of the story is that although you can see that something evil is on its way with astounding velocity and inevitability, a part of you wants to close your eyes and wish it away. There's another part of you though, that wants to see, that needs to know. It's that part of you that keeps turning the pages as the blood spills and the bodies start to pile up. Malfi not only understands this, but he supplies it in spades.
The atmosphere is charged with voltaic emotions and external anguish, electrifying the air you breathe. Coming off in deathless waves, the fear is naked and palpable. Each setting can be felt and embraced, every location visually assaulting. I’m not sure how he does it, but Malfi manages to not only materialize the house, but also give it its very own personality. It becomes a character that while it is cold and ugly, manages to rivet you.
The characters are natural, realistic, and above all else honest. The interaction between Kelly and her family is both true and familiar. Each player has a depth, a well of emotions , that when tapped almost explodes off the page. Even the antagonist isn't without tenderness, forgiveness. Malfi’s style of writing is sharp, keeping you on the edge from the first page to the last. His descriptions are tight, his settings corporeal, and dialog flawless. In all honesty, I never once even noticed the pace. The only time I even thought about it was when it came time to critique it. My assessment? Perfect.
My rating? I give it a 5. Get This Book! Whip out that credit card and go here, NOW!
-As reviewed for Horror-Web.com
June 20, 2015
I dont give out spoilers, but if the book is good in my opinion, I will comment on it. I wanted to give myself time when I finished this book, because I was sad that it was over. A book that leaves you wanting to know more, or has you rushing to break from work to read a chapter, is a good book. This book hooked me right at the beginning. I wanted to know what was wrong with Kelly more than she did. Mr. Malfi you strung me along and took me on ride, and for that I thank you. I look forward to reading more of your books. The power of imagination....
November 5, 2016
I've read all of Malfi's books now. After reading the blurb, this was probably the least excited I had been to read one of his books. But as a completest, I had to. And I was totally blown away. Probably second only to "December Park", this is Malfi at his best. This story really has a late 70s feel to it, think Michael McDowell or William Peter Blatty. Really strong visuals with well-defined characters. I loved this book so much.
November 5, 2016
I'm so sorry, but I have to give this book only one star.
I've been reading a whole week, and the book just could not do it for me.
I love Floating Staircase and Snow even more, so I am very sad now that this book did not work for me ... sorry Mister Malfi
I've been reading a whole week, and the book just could not do it for me.
I love Floating Staircase and Snow even more, so I am very sad now that this book did not work for me ... sorry Mister Malfi
March 2, 2021
I never ever thought I’d give a Ronald Malfi novel 2 stars and this makes me extremely sad. This story has multiple POVs and timelines; very hard to follow. Honestly, do yourself a favor and skip it
December 5, 2022
4.24 Stars. Really cool and unique! I want to read again already!
February 20, 2020
This is probably the least favorite of all the Ronald Malfi books that I have read and I read just about every one of them. This could have been better if a good editor had worked with Ron to remove some of the repetitive action and letting scenes drag out too long. The book could have been much tighter by removing about 50 pages.
I will continue to read Ron's works as he is an excellent writer. This one was just a couple notches below his other tremendous works.
I will continue to read Ron's works as he is an excellent writer. This one was just a couple notches below his other tremendous works.
July 4, 2019
This was a very strange book. Although I love how descriptive this writer is, and this story kept me interested, but I feel like the author's plot fell flat by the end and the supernatural events weren't explained well.
December 18, 2011
Good. Solid. Spooky...
dnf_not-for-me_skimmed
February 26, 2020I like this author very much but this one failed to grab me… DNF
February 23, 2024
This is the fourth book from Ronald Malfi that I’ve read. Sad to say, it’s by far the weakest one of the ones I’ve read. Would not recommend starting with this one, pick up Little Girls or Night Parade instead.
I thought the premise was very intriguing and I thought the first quarter of the book was pretty interesting. I wanted to know why Kelly couldn’t remember certain things, why she had been sent to the institution, all that stuff. By the end though, it was hard to keep caring. There’s also a side character that gets thrown in, a doctor and his pregnant wife and there ends up being some sort of premonition that their son may end up dying before he’s born. This really didn’t need to be there, in my opinion. I don’t feel as though it added much, and I think it could’ve been cut from the book entirely. This book is also very repetitious with its writing. The amount of times we’re told about a “blinking or “pulsing” red light, Kelly having the “painful” urge to urinate, a “charge” or “current” in the air, yeah. The book needed some serious editing. It also just felt tedious after a while, and the ending felt dragged out. I ended up skimming or only reading parts of the last 20-25 pages or so, I saw that there was still that much more to go and was like “really?!” There was just too much crammed into this book all at once. I also didn’t dig the supernatural/super powers element. I figured this would be a story about trauma and unblocking it and facing down and grappling with said trauma and the demons it brings with it. Which is SORT OF what it was, but with the supernatural element added in that just made it seem too over the top. Would’ve preferred a move grounded story around that topic.
So it’s 2 stars for this one. For the first half, it was a solid 4 star read, then it became 3 stars because it was starting to drag a little bit, and then by the end it lost another star because I just wanted it to finally end more than anything. And that’s never a good thing, you shouldn’t be strongly hoping for a book to end. I find I’m getting tired of show downs in books because they seem to always be dragged out more often than not. Still glad I read this one though, just to say I’ve read another work of Malfi’s.
I thought the premise was very intriguing and I thought the first quarter of the book was pretty interesting. I wanted to know why Kelly couldn’t remember certain things, why she had been sent to the institution, all that stuff. By the end though, it was hard to keep caring. There’s also a side character that gets thrown in, a doctor and his pregnant wife and there ends up being some sort of premonition that their son may end up dying before he’s born. This really didn’t need to be there, in my opinion. I don’t feel as though it added much, and I think it could’ve been cut from the book entirely. This book is also very repetitious with its writing. The amount of times we’re told about a “blinking or “pulsing” red light, Kelly having the “painful” urge to urinate, a “charge” or “current” in the air, yeah. The book needed some serious editing. It also just felt tedious after a while, and the ending felt dragged out. I ended up skimming or only reading parts of the last 20-25 pages or so, I saw that there was still that much more to go and was like “really?!” There was just too much crammed into this book all at once. I also didn’t dig the supernatural/super powers element. I figured this would be a story about trauma and unblocking it and facing down and grappling with said trauma and the demons it brings with it. Which is SORT OF what it was, but with the supernatural element added in that just made it seem too over the top. Would’ve preferred a move grounded story around that topic.
So it’s 2 stars for this one. For the first half, it was a solid 4 star read, then it became 3 stars because it was starting to drag a little bit, and then by the end it lost another star because I just wanted it to finally end more than anything. And that’s never a good thing, you shouldn’t be strongly hoping for a book to end. I find I’m getting tired of show downs in books because they seem to always be dragged out more often than not. Still glad I read this one though, just to say I’ve read another work of Malfi’s.
May 23, 2021
Not as great as other books, yet more personable
I agree with reviews that said it's not as great as his other books, but it's still a great book and a great read. It is in need of some editing and there is too much repetition of certain things, like a blinking red light appears too many times. Readers do not have to be spoon fed. And the descriptions got so long, especially of details of things falling apart or whirlwind, etc, that I found myself skimming.
BUT! It's still a fascinating premise and it is laid out extremely well, with the reader's understanding slowly growing.. That part is extremely well done.
I had no idea at first what was going on, and then each new wrinkle surprised me. I am SO GLAD I didn't pay too much attention to the bad reviews! I think the bad reviews are saying that compared to his other books, this isn't the best.
But in spite of editing issues, it might be the best STORY of all. It's certainly creative.
One problem I had was that it blended in with his other books - I read all of them in a row almost continually until I finished them all.
I do not recommend that because the premise of so many of them are alike - a white colored humanoid that looks more like a corpse or isn't fully formed is seen in the woods and people or animals start to go missing or are found horribly slaughtered.
So the stories run together and I had to think, "Wait, what about the cop who went missing?" Only to realize that was from a different book under remarkably similar circumstances.
The books all feature a small town that has evil power and spawns something horrible that manifests as a semi formed white skinless or partially decayed entity that wreaks havoc on the small town, killing people and animals.
The difference between the books is what that white thing in the woods turned out to be.
So, suggestion to the author- enough white, malformed, corpse-like entities in the cold woods of a small town, killing residents.
Find a new monster so the next book isn't too much like the others.
Other than that, the stories were great reading.
I agree with reviews that said it's not as great as his other books, but it's still a great book and a great read. It is in need of some editing and there is too much repetition of certain things, like a blinking red light appears too many times. Readers do not have to be spoon fed. And the descriptions got so long, especially of details of things falling apart or whirlwind, etc, that I found myself skimming.
BUT! It's still a fascinating premise and it is laid out extremely well, with the reader's understanding slowly growing.. That part is extremely well done.
I had no idea at first what was going on, and then each new wrinkle surprised me. I am SO GLAD I didn't pay too much attention to the bad reviews! I think the bad reviews are saying that compared to his other books, this isn't the best.
But in spite of editing issues, it might be the best STORY of all. It's certainly creative.
One problem I had was that it blended in with his other books - I read all of them in a row almost continually until I finished them all.
I do not recommend that because the premise of so many of them are alike - a white colored humanoid that looks more like a corpse or isn't fully formed is seen in the woods and people or animals start to go missing or are found horribly slaughtered.
So the stories run together and I had to think, "Wait, what about the cop who went missing?" Only to realize that was from a different book under remarkably similar circumstances.
The books all feature a small town that has evil power and spawns something horrible that manifests as a semi formed white skinless or partially decayed entity that wreaks havoc on the small town, killing people and animals.
The difference between the books is what that white thing in the woods turned out to be.
So, suggestion to the author- enough white, malformed, corpse-like entities in the cold woods of a small town, killing residents.
Find a new monster so the next book isn't too much like the others.
Other than that, the stories were great reading.
January 18, 2025
I’m so sorry—I adore this author, but this one just wasn’t for me. I believe this was Ronald Malfi’s first horror novel, and it really shows. This was so dragged out and became uninteresting so quickly… And unlike the author’s usual slow burns, this one didn’t get better. This was really repetitive and I caught myself tuning out while listening to the audiobook so many times—I just couldn’t stay invested in this story and it took me forever to get through. This felt more like it was 600+ pages. Furthermore, there was way too much discussion of urination… It got to the point where I was like “someone get this chick a diaper and call it a damn day”. This book could have benefited from a better editor, but, alas, I have to give this 2.5 stars, rounded down. Such a bummer, and it pains me to have to rate a Malfi book so low.
February 18, 2018
While this was not my favorite Malfi novel, it DID have a lot to offer. A bit slower than most of his books to take shape and move, the fast pace of the final 75 pages or so DID make up for the over all speed being slow. He took his time developing the characters, like he usually does. This provides the reader a chance to grow to care for them and thus be affected positively or negatively by the final outcome. All in all, I do recommend this one and am glad I stuck with it and saw it through.
May 5, 2019
I have been a fan of Ronald Malfi books since reading his Floating Staircase. He really knows how to involve the reader in the strange and eerie happenings that populate his books. I will have to agree with other reviewers that it was a bit too repetitious when it came to describing the character's dreams. I really liked the Josh character but the main character of Kelly became tedious. Overall the theme of the book was carried out very well and made for a creepy, horrific tale.
November 17, 2020
I've become a big fan of Ronald Malfi, his books often give me goosebumps! this one wasn't my favourite, it got pretty crazy in the end and I wasn't a fan of Kelly or really any of the characters but still good
June 7, 2022
I must have read 15 books by Malfi so far, and it's the first one that didn't work too well for me. Found it dragging a bit and the characters not as fleshed out and crafted as they usually are. But the guy writes so many different things, guess it's on me, still love him !
July 25, 2019
Good story, the book just seemed too long.
December 29, 2019
Good book.
I ran through this book very fast. Hard to put it down and now that I have finished it, I miss it, like an old friend.
I ran through this book very fast. Hard to put it down and now that I have finished it, I miss it, like an old friend.
October 26, 2021
RM!
This guy knows how to write them...
More twists in this than a pigs tail!
Great psychological play!
DON'T MISS THIS!
This guy knows how to write them...
More twists in this than a pigs tail!
Great psychological play!
DON'T MISS THIS!
June 11, 2022
Great book
Another fantastic ride into the crazy thrilling mind of Mr Malfi. Highly recommend! I am on a journey through his books and really enjoying it.
Another fantastic ride into the crazy thrilling mind of Mr Malfi. Highly recommend! I am on a journey through his books and really enjoying it.
June 29, 2022
This one is great!!
Iive read several of Mr Malfis' books. They're all great. This one though, this one was good. Loved it. Give it a try you wont be disappointed.
Iive read several of Mr Malfis' books. They're all great. This one though, this one was good. Loved it. Give it a try you wont be disappointed.
May 31, 2023
4.5. Second favorite after Come With Me.
March 18, 2024
a sophomoric example from an otherwise wonderful author
May 17, 2011
Kurzbeschreibung:
Kelly Rich, die sich von ihrer Familie abgewandt hat, muss nach Hause zurückkehren, als ihre Schwester in einen mysteriösen Unfall verwickelt wird. Nach jahrelanger Verdrängung der Ereignisse, die sie zur Flucht bewogen, taucht sie ein in die Traumwelt ihrer Kindheit, denn nur so kann sie das Geheimnis ihrer Vergangenheit lüften und ihre Schwester retten. Aber in der unheimlichen Ortschaft Spires, ihrer einstigen Heimat, herrschen kalte Herzen, lauern im Wald tödliche Geheimnisse, und nichts ist, wie es scheint. Wirklichkeit und Fantasie verschmelzen, als sich Kelly ihrer Rolle in den Tragödien stellt, die ihre Familie heimsuchen...
Zum Autor:
Ronald Malfi wurde 1977 in Brooklyn, New York, geboren. Später zog er mit seiner Familie nach Maryland um, wo er den Großteil seiner Kindheit an der Chesapeake Bay verbrachte. Schon früh entwickelte er Interesse an Kunst und gilt auch als kompetenter Musiker. 1999 schloss er sein Englisch-Studium an der Towson University ab. Einige Jahre lang war er Frontmann der Alternative-Rock-Band Nellie Blide. Als Schriftsteller ist Malfi bekannt für seinen subtilen, literarischen Stil und einprägsame Charaktere, wodurch er auch bei Lesern anspruchsvoller Literatur großen Anklang findet.
Rezension:
Kelly Rich, die in New York lebt und dort an einem Filmprojekt über Personen mit körperlichen Handicaps arbeitet, wird von ihrem Vater nach Hause gerufen, nachdem ihre Schwester im Wald nahe des Wohnhauses von jemandem überfallen und schwer verletzt wurde. Kelly kann sich selbst kaum an ihre Kindheit in dem kleinen Ort Spires erinnern, sie weiß nur, dass ihre Eltern sie im Alter von 15 Jahren in eine Psychiatrie einweisen ließen.
Währenddessen kümmert sich ihr Kollege Josh um Nellie Worthridge, eine Frau, die in ihrer Jugend bei einem Autounfall beide Beine verlor und die an dem Filmprojekt mitwirkt und kurze Zeit nach Kellys Abreise einen Schlaganfall erleidet. Ihrem Arzt Dr. Mendes sagt sie in einer Art Vision den Tod seines ungeborenen Sohnes voraus. Als Kelly in Spires ankommt, versucht sie alles, die Erinnerungen an ihre Kindheit wiederzuerlangen und ihre Schwester Becky, die seit dem Überfall im Koma liegt, zu retten. Doch was Kelly aufdeckt, ist noch schlimmer, als sie es sich in ihren Albträumen vorstellen konnte...
Kelly Rich, die Hauptfigur des Buches, ist ein wahrlich interessanter Charakter. Als Kind einsam aufgewachsen, von den Eltern mehr geduldet als geliebt wird sie bereits als 15-jährige in die Psychiatrie eingewiesen, in der sie 3 Jahre lang ohne jedweden Besuch ihrer Angehörigen lebt. Nach ihrer Rückkehr in das verhasste Elternhaus in der Kleinstadt Spires kommen die Erinnerungen an diese Kindheit, die sie über Jahre aus dem Gedächtnis gelöscht hatte, zurück, die sie zuerst sehr ängstigen, sie aber nach und nach stärker und erwachsener werden lassen.
Weitere erwähnenswerte Charaktere sind Nellie Worthridge, die sich während der Geschichte als eine Art Medium herauskristallisiert, Dr. Carlos Mendes, ihr behandelnder Arzt, der mit Nellies Vision, dass sein ungeborener Sohn tot auf die Welt kommen wird, hadert und Josh Cavey, Kellys Kollege und guter Freund, der sich nach Nellies Schlaganfall rührend um sie kümmert und ihr Geheimnis erst richtig ergründet.
Ronald Malfi hat mit "Tod in Neverland" einen subtilen Mystery-Thriller erschaffen, der praktisch ohne Gewaltszenen auskommt. Der Autor beschreibt sehr detailliert die bedrückenden Orte von Kellys Kindheit, das düstere Wohnhaus, den angrenzenden unheimlichen Wald und die Psychiatrie, in der sie 3 lange Jahre verbringen muss. Auch wird nicht an typischen Elementen wie die von Geisterhand geöffneten Fenster in Beckys Zimmer oder die immer wieder auftauchenden abgebrochenen Plastikgabeln gespart.
"Tod in Neverland" wird aus der neutralen Sicht in Vergangenheitsform erzählt. Immer wieder werden Rückblenden in Kellys Kindheit eingestreut, die sehr gut zum Gesamtverständnis ihrer Person beitragen und ihre Einsamkeit zu dieser Zeit widerspiegeln. Ronald Malfi versteht es, in der gesamten Handlung eine bedrohliche Atmosphäre aufrecht zu erhalten, die den Leser in die seelischen Abgründe von Kelly führt. "Tod in Neverland" vermag den Leser mit seiner Subtilität zu packen, ohne auf blutige Szenen zu setzen.
Zur Gestaltung des Buchs: Das Cover ist in dunklen Schwarz- und Lilatönen gehalten. Ein Wald wird dargestellt und in der Mitte ist eine schemenhafte Person zu erkennen.
Fazit: "Tod in Neverland" ist ein Mysterythriller, der mit den seelischen Abgründen seiner Protagonistin zu punkten weiß. Gekonnt gelingt es dem Autor, Realität und Fantasie zu vermischen und genau das macht dieses Buch aus.
Kelly Rich, die sich von ihrer Familie abgewandt hat, muss nach Hause zurückkehren, als ihre Schwester in einen mysteriösen Unfall verwickelt wird. Nach jahrelanger Verdrängung der Ereignisse, die sie zur Flucht bewogen, taucht sie ein in die Traumwelt ihrer Kindheit, denn nur so kann sie das Geheimnis ihrer Vergangenheit lüften und ihre Schwester retten. Aber in der unheimlichen Ortschaft Spires, ihrer einstigen Heimat, herrschen kalte Herzen, lauern im Wald tödliche Geheimnisse, und nichts ist, wie es scheint. Wirklichkeit und Fantasie verschmelzen, als sich Kelly ihrer Rolle in den Tragödien stellt, die ihre Familie heimsuchen...
Zum Autor:
Ronald Malfi wurde 1977 in Brooklyn, New York, geboren. Später zog er mit seiner Familie nach Maryland um, wo er den Großteil seiner Kindheit an der Chesapeake Bay verbrachte. Schon früh entwickelte er Interesse an Kunst und gilt auch als kompetenter Musiker. 1999 schloss er sein Englisch-Studium an der Towson University ab. Einige Jahre lang war er Frontmann der Alternative-Rock-Band Nellie Blide. Als Schriftsteller ist Malfi bekannt für seinen subtilen, literarischen Stil und einprägsame Charaktere, wodurch er auch bei Lesern anspruchsvoller Literatur großen Anklang findet.
Rezension:
Kelly Rich, die in New York lebt und dort an einem Filmprojekt über Personen mit körperlichen Handicaps arbeitet, wird von ihrem Vater nach Hause gerufen, nachdem ihre Schwester im Wald nahe des Wohnhauses von jemandem überfallen und schwer verletzt wurde. Kelly kann sich selbst kaum an ihre Kindheit in dem kleinen Ort Spires erinnern, sie weiß nur, dass ihre Eltern sie im Alter von 15 Jahren in eine Psychiatrie einweisen ließen.
Währenddessen kümmert sich ihr Kollege Josh um Nellie Worthridge, eine Frau, die in ihrer Jugend bei einem Autounfall beide Beine verlor und die an dem Filmprojekt mitwirkt und kurze Zeit nach Kellys Abreise einen Schlaganfall erleidet. Ihrem Arzt Dr. Mendes sagt sie in einer Art Vision den Tod seines ungeborenen Sohnes voraus. Als Kelly in Spires ankommt, versucht sie alles, die Erinnerungen an ihre Kindheit wiederzuerlangen und ihre Schwester Becky, die seit dem Überfall im Koma liegt, zu retten. Doch was Kelly aufdeckt, ist noch schlimmer, als sie es sich in ihren Albträumen vorstellen konnte...
Kelly Rich, die Hauptfigur des Buches, ist ein wahrlich interessanter Charakter. Als Kind einsam aufgewachsen, von den Eltern mehr geduldet als geliebt wird sie bereits als 15-jährige in die Psychiatrie eingewiesen, in der sie 3 Jahre lang ohne jedweden Besuch ihrer Angehörigen lebt. Nach ihrer Rückkehr in das verhasste Elternhaus in der Kleinstadt Spires kommen die Erinnerungen an diese Kindheit, die sie über Jahre aus dem Gedächtnis gelöscht hatte, zurück, die sie zuerst sehr ängstigen, sie aber nach und nach stärker und erwachsener werden lassen.
Weitere erwähnenswerte Charaktere sind Nellie Worthridge, die sich während der Geschichte als eine Art Medium herauskristallisiert, Dr. Carlos Mendes, ihr behandelnder Arzt, der mit Nellies Vision, dass sein ungeborener Sohn tot auf die Welt kommen wird, hadert und Josh Cavey, Kellys Kollege und guter Freund, der sich nach Nellies Schlaganfall rührend um sie kümmert und ihr Geheimnis erst richtig ergründet.
Ronald Malfi hat mit "Tod in Neverland" einen subtilen Mystery-Thriller erschaffen, der praktisch ohne Gewaltszenen auskommt. Der Autor beschreibt sehr detailliert die bedrückenden Orte von Kellys Kindheit, das düstere Wohnhaus, den angrenzenden unheimlichen Wald und die Psychiatrie, in der sie 3 lange Jahre verbringen muss. Auch wird nicht an typischen Elementen wie die von Geisterhand geöffneten Fenster in Beckys Zimmer oder die immer wieder auftauchenden abgebrochenen Plastikgabeln gespart.
"Tod in Neverland" wird aus der neutralen Sicht in Vergangenheitsform erzählt. Immer wieder werden Rückblenden in Kellys Kindheit eingestreut, die sehr gut zum Gesamtverständnis ihrer Person beitragen und ihre Einsamkeit zu dieser Zeit widerspiegeln. Ronald Malfi versteht es, in der gesamten Handlung eine bedrohliche Atmosphäre aufrecht zu erhalten, die den Leser in die seelischen Abgründe von Kelly führt. "Tod in Neverland" vermag den Leser mit seiner Subtilität zu packen, ohne auf blutige Szenen zu setzen.
Zur Gestaltung des Buchs: Das Cover ist in dunklen Schwarz- und Lilatönen gehalten. Ein Wald wird dargestellt und in der Mitte ist eine schemenhafte Person zu erkennen.
Fazit: "Tod in Neverland" ist ein Mysterythriller, der mit den seelischen Abgründen seiner Protagonistin zu punkten weiß. Gekonnt gelingt es dem Autor, Realität und Fantasie zu vermischen und genau das macht dieses Buch aus.
August 18, 2016
As usual, Malfi doesn't disappoint. These days, it takes me a century and a half to get through books because of an over-packed scheduled, but I don't regret putting my hours into Malfi's wonderful tale of creepy crawlers. Though lagging in several places, the overall execution was supremely well done. His storytelling was, like in all of the other stories I've read that he's written, haunting to the point where I considered writing fanletters and asking how he came to string together half of his sentences.
September 26, 2016
Brilliant and original 'fairytale' by Ronald Malfi, completely different to the other books I have read by him. This book read like watching a movie (why hasn't this been adapted to the big screen yet?), it truly is a movie waiting to happen. The Simple Simon character was fabulous, more of this please!
January 8, 2014
a gripping tale of lost memories. The past comes back to haunt these characters, literally. Malfi knows how to create suspense and keep you reading and he knows how to deliver a satisfying ending. This is a fun and compelling read.
Note: I edited this book
Note: I edited this book
June 14, 2011
Not so sure about that one. The dark atmosphere was intriguing but I hate to be left with loose ends. So my overall feeling about the book is so-so.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews