Passing Through

by R.W.K. Clark

Venture into the mind of this obsessed insane killer, a chilling and unforgettable thriller. Little do they know a horrible murderer has escaped from prison just as the small town is about to get hit with a record blizzard. But the trusting innocence of these small-town people will prove to be their undoing, for they cannot conceive the likes of the stranger they are helping on that snowy night. No need to worry about the weirdo. He's just passing through.

Genres: Horror

250 pages, Paperback

First published January 2, 2018

About the author

Bestselling author R.W.K Clark published his first sci-fi thriller in 2015. Thanks to his stockpile of short stories written throughout his lifetime. Since then, he has published over thirty-eight novels, including psychological horror and supernatural thrillers. He is published in twenty-four countries and two languages. He is an author of thrillers for both adults and teens, including Retribution, a psychological thriller, and Zombie Diaries, a Y.A. supernatural. He was born in Albuquerque, and he loves traveling the world.

Clark has been an I.T. Director and photographer. As an I.T. professional by day, novelist by night, he made his way back to his first love, creative writing. He has dived in the Caribbean, Gulf, and North Atlantic. Diving has allowed him to see many shipwrecks and swim with numerous sharks. He loves photography, sailing, and beaches. Currently, he resides in the tropics, most likely multitasking and occasionally wearing pants. With the belief that writing can change the world, he uses it to inspire people to create. You can catch him writing from the comfort of his southern porch with a glass of ice tea.

Feel free to chat with Clark on Twitter or Instagram at @rwkclark or visit him at rwkclark.com

Reviews

[Wulfwyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the most disturbing books I have read. I had to stop and do something else a few times just so I could catch my breath. The author called it a psychological thriller. I would agree but add horror to it. The author gives us a look inside the killer, a glimpse at his background. Enough for us to see how he came to be. This interested me. I like to know or try to know why someone does the things they do or make the choices that they make. It is probably this reason that Donna was who I became so interested in. I thought the end was a bit abrupt. I would have liked to know how the survivors were doing. Still the story was a gripping one. I can’t say I exactly liked or enjoyed it. It did, however, keep me reading. It will probably keep me up now.
This book contains graphic scenes of violence and rape. It is not for children or teens, in my opinion.

[Rhonda Gulnac · Rating 5 out of 5]

So very disturbing!

I live in the country, and probably should not have read this one while home alone! This one ended perfectly, but wow!! This was beyond horrifying, as human monsters tend to be. Lots of sickening gore, and terrifying imagery! This book will stay with me for a while, and I am a bit afraid of RWK Clark's mind. If you want realistic horror, this book will satisfy your warped cravings!

[Crissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scary, gory, a real page turner, everything you would expect from a psychological thriller! I highly recommend this book! I thought it ended perfectly, just enough to leave it open for a second installment. (Hopefully, fingers crossed!)

[Debbie Poole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Passing through

A great read,the true fact is there are sickos out there just like this man.and so many people pay the price from these devils. Its worth the read a little disturbing but in so many ways this can happen. Well done !

[Píaras Cíonnaoíth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author RWK Clark weaves a compelling and gripping psychological thriller, with intriguing twists and turns that will easily captivate the reader’s attention from the beginning. The author paints a suspenseful and riveting tale in a very vivid and convincing way. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction. It’s a quick fast-paced novel that will keep you engaged from the first page to the last.

The book description gives a sneak preview; ‘Rick and Donna Welk are a young married couple who are looking to start life anew after suffering a tragedy. That restart they are after soon comes in the form of a cabin resort up for sale near the Appalachian Trail ─ a chance to turn a love of nature and hiking into a career, a chance to meet all sorts of interesting people from around the country and the world, and a chance to leave their old, painful life behind.

Then came the blizzard.

Rick and Donna had just finished prepping the cabins when one more guest managed to make it into the main lodge before the storm. This gentleman didn't have a reservation, didn't have any plans for hiking or skiing, and had no interests in seeing the sights ─ those with dark, sharp eyes that seem to burn a hole through your sole never do. Despite Donna insisting Rick not judge a book by its cover, Rick can't shake the feeling that something isn't right with their guest, something keeps bugging him about the guy ─ but there's no time for worries as a blizzard was coming, and he and Donna had plans.’

So, no need to worry about the stranger. He's just passing through. Right? Well, if you want to find out what happens, you’ll just have to turn the pages for yourself! However, I will say it was well worth the read. I’ve read several of this author’s books, and I must say I’m always very impressed. He delivers again with Passing Through.

Captivating and commendable, this work had me immersed from the beginning. The story flowed from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. There are plenty of attention-grabbing moments in this page turner that will take the reader on a truly intense journey!

It’s one of those books that come along occasionally that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader.

I’ll certainly be looking forward to reading more from RWK Clark in the future. I would definitely recommend this book and would love to see it adapted for the Silver Screen. I honestly think this would make a great movie. Five stars from me.

“So, sit down with the lights on and enjoy the terror that is Elliot Keller in ‘Passing Through’.”

[Penny Bosley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read!

I just couldn’t put this wonderful book down from the moment i started reading it. The author brought the characters alive for me which is a true gift. Now, yes, this book is about a very sadistic, gruesome serial killer so beware...it’s very graphic, but that’s what helps make the book so real. One thing the author could have done is he could have continued writing to make the book longer. It was a really good book that I would recommend to friends and family for sure.

[Katy Askeland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Page Turner with Flaws

This is the story of a sadistic serial killer who escapes from prison. The pursuit of capturing him make for a tense page turner that's worth a read. In a couple places I thought the writing was a bit amateurish, but overall it was decent. My main reason for giving this book 3 stars is because of it's very abrupt ending. It was almost like the writer didn't know how to end it so, well, he just did.

[Donna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was billed as a psychological thriller and that's why I checked it out of the library. After reading it, I would call it a horror story. I read lots of psychological thrillers and I'll rate this one up against all those but I think it would rate better with a set of readers geared toward a different genre. If you want to read about a depraved killer who rapes and mutilates his way throughout for no other reason than he enjoys the terror, maybe you will think more of this book than I did.

The last quarter of the book contains 6 page summaries of other books by this author. These briefs appear to be about vampires so supernatural/horror fans may be familiar with his other works and enjoy them.

[Emma L.J · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did enjoy this nice easy read I wanted something dark and disturbing and after I read a few reviews I decided this was just what I was looking for . Unfortunately it wasn’t as dark as I thought it would be , some reviewers said “they shouldn’t have read it alone” “ one of the most terrifying books they have ever read”🤨

I’ve read darker MC books than this so I am disappointed it was a good read definitely not terrifying

Sorry but not the best thriller I’ve read or even disturbing

[Michael Masciangelo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, gory story, regardless of Author's classification, this is a horror Novella. Was disappointed to realize last quarter of the download was the author promoting his other works, felt kinda jibbed and came off as pompous. Do not pay full price for this non-novel length story, but worth reading if you enjoy violent horror.

[Tina Rotondo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Although I enjoyed this novel it was a bit of a light read for me. The general storyline was good. I wish the characters had been a bit more developed, the storyline fleshed out more, and I wish the novel had been longer, but overall I enjoyed it. I would recommend this to others and I will be reading more of your nkvels

[Dianne Doggett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gory

Way too gory for my taste. 😕 well written,but definitely not my cup of tea! Plot was decent,but too much detail of the gore. It will probably give me nightmares!

[Page Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first read from this author. It was freaky, creepy, and made me cringe throughout the read. It was just enough of a backstory to lend some credence to the tale.

[Katie Hollis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read by RWK Clark! This writers books keeps you on the edge of your seat and gifts you the ability to delve into the darkest crevices of your imagination!!

[ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked from the first page

Fantastic booked from the first page
Can't wait for more like this great read
Rwk clark keep stories like this coming

[Jackie Zortman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover of this book is what drew me to it. That was a mistake, though it's a beautiful cover. The book is very well written and I have no complaints about the expertise of the author to write a book, but frankly, the graphic guts and gore are simply not my cup of tea. I found it to be way too graphic for my personal tastes. I am not a prude. My husband is a 42-year veteran law enforcement officer and I have heard it all. He was a homicide detective in a large city for the last 11 years of his first 20 year career and then chief of police in a small town, similar to the one in this book, for 22 years. I also am an author myself. I salute RWK Clark for his writing ability, which is the reason I give it four stars. If you like horror, you will love this book.

[Judi Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very quick read but very scary. When the story starts you are introduced to the serial killer, presently serving time for killing three persons very cruelly. He escapes from prison, killing along the way and arrives at a small town in Va.

This town is one that everyone knows each other and checks in whenever there are problems. You will love the sheriff who love his town, his wife and his job. Right now the town is going through one of the worst snow storms that have ever come through.

When the serial killer enters the town, he stops first at the cabin rental. Rick, the owner, has a bad feeling about this man and tells him to leave. After the man leaves, Rick looks out and sees the man again. Then he calls the police. The sheriff finds the man on the road walking, and picks him up. He runs his ID (which has been stolen) and it comes back everything is okay with the man. Deciding that he is in no danger, he promises the man a night in his jail with warm food and clothes and the next day he will take him to the train station. But, things don't go quite like this.

I enjoyed the book, but thought that the ending was abrupt.

[Nicola Jane Hudson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't waste your time!

This book is quite gory, very different from my usual read which to be fair I didn't really mind. I felt myself building an affinity with the main characters and I really hoped that help would arrive in time to save them! However I was very disappointed with the end! It was like the author had just put his pen down (so to speak) and stopped writing. Like he couldn't be bothered to finish the story! Had the ending been wrapped up more neatly I would have given this 5 stars but as it just seemed to finish mid sentence..... Well like the author I can't be bothered to finish my review!

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not for the faint of heart...

Elliot Keller is not just a serial killer, but a torturous, sadistic, violent man. He is in prison, for a horrendous murder, but not for long. He will soon be on the road, in a blizzard, looking for...victims. He ends up in a small town and the terror begins.
Like I mentioned, this is not for every one. It is not only violent, but graphic. The story drags you in and you want to know what happens, but it's not easy getting there.

[Carolyn Russett · Rating 3 out of 5]

really creepy. good story and a bit scary...but it was a little too graphic for me in the end.....seemed like an abrupt ending besides, but I think it had to be that way. Worth reading but don't read while you are home alone

[James Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed my first book with this author.

The narrative is well structured and I was submerged in the story fairly quickly. Another thing I liked was a limited number of characters in the story, so the reader can recall each character pretty easily and their parts within the story when you've a few days between reads. I will certainly try another thriller by this author.

One last point, nice touch by author giving a personal synopsis of other books written by him and his thinking on how he brings the ideas in his life to fruition in a book.

[Aubrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put down

This is the first book I have read by RWK Clark and I'm glad I discovered him. It's not for the faint of heart. I am a big horror fan, but there are scenes in this book that made me very uncomfortable. Reading the author's note afterward, I realized that was his intent. He wanted to show this man as a soulless killer.

Right from the beginning, I was hooked. I liked that he showed Keller's perfect behavior in prison because it showed how devious this man really was. Originally, I actually believed he deserved a second chance.

The characters in the story were great. Once introduced to members of the small town, I had a hard time imagining that the author would allow harm to come to them. However, all bets are off when dealing with this cold-blooded killer. I could continue to go on about everything I liked about this book, but I'll let future readers find out for thgemselves. All in all, this was a great book and I will be reading more by Clark.

[Sharon Lopes]

A. Blizzard full of nightmares

Rich and Donna Welk, a young couple trying to get past a tragedy, a blizzard bringing their worst nightmare, Only a miracle will safe them from the horror passing through.

[Trudy Thomson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gory read but kept me hooked

[Cheryl Musgrove · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 4.5 read for me.
Passing Through by R.W.K Clark was a quick psychological thriller that was rounded out neatly at the end. The horror scenes are a bit creepy but the real story is layered so try to look out for it.

I will be returning to Clark’s catalog - his book was well written well thought out
.

[MsSilence68 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serial killer Escapes

A highly motivated serial killer, Keller, plans and executes his escape from a high security prison. This is the first book I have read by RWK Clark, I liked it , it flows well and is easily read in one, decent, sitting. The story tells what happens after the escape. We get an insight into Keller's psyche and a bit of background as to why he is like he is. Not as gory as many I have read but Keller is definitely very sadistic with his prey. A psychological thriller - worth a read on a cold afternoon, snuggled on the sofa (feeling safe and secure) with a hot mug of drinking chocolate.

[Tina Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Kept me on the edge of my set .. Could of had a longer ending .. Would have liked a little more of the Welks ..

[Janette Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read

Great cold night in front of the fire read ... I was addicted to this and it's not my normal kind of read ... Read the book in less than 24 hours as simply didn't wanna put down ... Very highly recommend book

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sadistic monster has escaped from prison and is out to satisfy his appetite for inflicting grotesque terror on his victims. At exactly the same time a record-breaking blizzard has hit the small, sleepy fictional town of Thompson Trails, Virginia. Yes, this stranger is a little odd but he's simply passing through.......

I just could not put this book down. Extremely graphic and gruesome, this is one of the sickest, most disturbing psychological thrillers/horror stories that I have ever read. Absolutely not for the feint hearted. You have been warned!

[Valerie Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read

I really loved this book and found it hard to put down. I would recommend it to everyone that likes a bit of gore.