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Dyniowaty
Nie daj się zmienić w halloweenową dekorację!
Po makabrycznym morderstwie dokonanym na jej ojcu, Jenn potrzebowała miejsca, w którym mogłaby ukryć się przed całym światem z grupką przyjaciół i uciec myślami od swojej żałoby. Otrzymana w spadku pusta chatka nad morzem wydawała się idealnym wyborem. Jenn nie wiedziała jednak, że skrywa ona ezoteryczne sekrety, tajemnice pogrzebane dawno temu których lepiej nie odkopywać. Gdy przekonała się, że stare księgi i tabliczka Ouija naprawdę posiadają ogromną moc, było już za późno. Kiedy odkryto bezgłowe ciało jednej z osób z jej paczki, uświadomiła sobie, że upiór z lokalnych podań może wcale nie być legendą. Zło zostało uwolnione przerażająca postać, o której wcześniej rozmawiano tylko szeptem. Jednak teraz szepty staną się krzykami. Strzeżcie się Dyniowatego!
Po makabrycznym morderstwie dokonanym na jej ojcu, Jenn potrzebowała miejsca, w którym mogłaby ukryć się przed całym światem z grupką przyjaciół i uciec myślami od swojej żałoby. Otrzymana w spadku pusta chatka nad morzem wydawała się idealnym wyborem. Jenn nie wiedziała jednak, że skrywa ona ezoteryczne sekrety, tajemnice pogrzebane dawno temu których lepiej nie odkopywać. Gdy przekonała się, że stare księgi i tabliczka Ouija naprawdę posiadają ogromną moc, było już za późno. Kiedy odkryto bezgłowe ciało jednej z osób z jej paczki, uświadomiła sobie, że upiór z lokalnych podań może wcale nie być legendą. Zło zostało uwolnione przerażająca postać, o której wcześniej rozmawiano tylko szeptem. Jednak teraz szepty staną się krzykami. Strzeżcie się Dyniowatego!
544 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
52 people are currently reading
508 people want to read
About the author
John Everson
112 books534 followersJohn Everson is a former newspaper reporter who writes thrillers filled with erotic horror and supernatural suspense. He is the author of the Bram Stoker Award winner Covenant, and finalist NightWhere, which reviewers called "50 Shades Meets Hellraiser!" He is also the creator of the characters Danika and Mila Dubov, seen in the Netflix series V-Wars, based on the books created by Jonathan Maberry. Booklist said his recent New Orleans novel, Voodoo Heart, "is a solid blend of supernatural horror and hard-boiled detective fiction, and should appeal to horror devotees as well as mystery buffs” while Living Dead Magazine called him "the master of dark and sexy."
Follow John on the BookBub: John Everson page for information on book sales and new releases as well as on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For information on his fiction, art and music, visit John Everson: Dark Arts at www.johneverson.com.
Follow John on the BookBub: John Everson page for information on book sales and new releases as well as on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For information on his fiction, art and music, visit John Everson: Dark Arts at www.johneverson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
March 3, 2023
Dark Magic Themes!
Small backstory:
Jenn inherits a cottage from her aunt Meredith that she barely knew and doesn't understand why her aunt left the cottage to her. Jenn is struggling over the loss of her father that was murdered and is iffy on going to a cottage that she knows nothing about but when her friend, Kirsten talks her into taking a chance on it - Jenn decides to go and Kirsten goes with her.
Jenn and Kirsten are not there long when spooky things start happening within the cottage and when they both start exploring the place they find more then they bargained for as they learn that aunt Meredith was dabbling heavily in the dark arts and the legendary bogeyman that is known in those parts that has been dubbed the Pumpkin Man is somehow maybe connected to the cottage!
That is about all I can give on a small backstory without giving away spoilers so if you want to know more then go read this book!
Thoughts:
This story by author, John Everson just flows along as the minute I stepped into the book I was drawn right away into the storyline. I have read quite a few books by this author and I usually always just slip right into his stories as they are mostly always fast paced with drawing the reader right into his world.
This book was no exception - I became caught up in the storyline and really liked all the characters as I was drawn into what was happening within the cottage. There is quite a bit of suspense and mystery folded within the story as well along with some spooky scares weaved in that kept me on the edge of my seat!
Another great book by this author and I will be adding it to my favorites shelf. If you want to read something spooky around Halloween then add this book to your Halloween tbr pile and let this author take you into the dark recesses of his mind! Giving this book five "Crazy Pumpkin Carving" stars!
Small backstory:
Jenn inherits a cottage from her aunt Meredith that she barely knew and doesn't understand why her aunt left the cottage to her. Jenn is struggling over the loss of her father that was murdered and is iffy on going to a cottage that she knows nothing about but when her friend, Kirsten talks her into taking a chance on it - Jenn decides to go and Kirsten goes with her.
Jenn and Kirsten are not there long when spooky things start happening within the cottage and when they both start exploring the place they find more then they bargained for as they learn that aunt Meredith was dabbling heavily in the dark arts and the legendary bogeyman that is known in those parts that has been dubbed the Pumpkin Man is somehow maybe connected to the cottage!
That is about all I can give on a small backstory without giving away spoilers so if you want to know more then go read this book!
Thoughts:
This story by author, John Everson just flows along as the minute I stepped into the book I was drawn right away into the storyline. I have read quite a few books by this author and I usually always just slip right into his stories as they are mostly always fast paced with drawing the reader right into his world.
This book was no exception - I became caught up in the storyline and really liked all the characters as I was drawn into what was happening within the cottage. There is quite a bit of suspense and mystery folded within the story as well along with some spooky scares weaved in that kept me on the edge of my seat!
Another great book by this author and I will be adding it to my favorites shelf. If you want to read something spooky around Halloween then add this book to your Halloween tbr pile and let this author take you into the dark recesses of his mind! Giving this book five "Crazy Pumpkin Carving" stars!
October 24, 2019
This is one of the eeriest Halloween books I read for a long time! Jennica Murphy's father is murdered and she inherits aunt Meredith's house near San Francisco after her death. With a close friend she moves there and the killings of the Pumpkin Man start again. Who is this mysterious killer with a faible for cutting-out? What knew Meredith about? You read a story about missing children in the area many years ago and a vigilante of the parents. George, her uncle, was presumed to be the Pumpkin Man since was very good at pumpkin carving for Halloween (great background story here told by several different characters). He ended up on a tree. But the new killer must be someone else since the dead normally don't return. You'll learn that the whole Perenais family was obsessed with spirits and dark magic for centuries. Is some kind of demon conjured up by witches at work? This is a tight knit and extremely compelling story about black magic (the whole house is a shrine and cemetery) and one of the scariest killers you'll ever meet, The Pumpkin Man. Everytime I see a Jack O’Lantern I have to think about George and his carving talent. Best book before Halloween and highly recommended! Nothing for the faint hearted though.
October 30, 2020
”The Pumpkin Man” is easily one of the most terrifying horror villains I’ve encountered. He takes the art of pumpkin carving to the next, more gruesome, level. The descriptions of his killings are so viscerally written.
Jennica (who is plagued by the murder of her father) and her best friend Kirstin move to a house, in the coastal town of “River’s End”, that her Aunt Meredith has left to her. The chapters are often broken up by a diary entry from Meredith, with snippets of more information on her backstory.
The town doesn’t seem to like her Aunt, the mere mention of her makes the townsfolk act very untoward towards Jenn and Kirstin. Her Aunt garnered a bad reputation due to her links with to this fabled Pumpkin Man who has terrorised the town with his unique brand of killings for many decades.
They take a trip to San Fransisco and meet best friends Nick and Brian, who soon become the girls’ lovers. But it’s not too long before more murders start happening and the four of them become tangled up in the mystery of The Pumpkin Man.
Jennica needs to get in contact with her Aunt Meredith from beyond the grave to help her, before it is too late for them all.
This was a great read for the run up to Halloween! 🎃
Jennica (who is plagued by the murder of her father) and her best friend Kirstin move to a house, in the coastal town of “River’s End”, that her Aunt Meredith has left to her. The chapters are often broken up by a diary entry from Meredith, with snippets of more information on her backstory.
The town doesn’t seem to like her Aunt, the mere mention of her makes the townsfolk act very untoward towards Jenn and Kirstin. Her Aunt garnered a bad reputation due to her links with to this fabled Pumpkin Man who has terrorised the town with his unique brand of killings for many decades.
They take a trip to San Fransisco and meet best friends Nick and Brian, who soon become the girls’ lovers. But it’s not too long before more murders start happening and the four of them become tangled up in the mystery of The Pumpkin Man.
Jennica needs to get in contact with her Aunt Meredith from beyond the grave to help her, before it is too late for them all.
This was a great read for the run up to Halloween! 🎃
June 7, 2019
This was my second read by Everson and it's my favorite so far! It's a fun slasher Halloween type story. Try not to get carved! Definitely highly recommend this book. 5 star review, Tripp says check it out!!
November 26, 2011
When an author the likes of Jonathan Maberry gives a novel like this praise, you’d better pay heed. He was right in commenting, “This is a deliciously creepy novel”.
On the offset of the story I was hooked and under the spell of the Pumpkin man Its been a while since I have read a good creepy gory novel. The writing flows well and really keeps you on he edge of your seat. Everson is an author that I had not yet sampled and I am glad that I did his novels have either been nominated or won a Bram stoker award I will be hunting them out possibly Covenant.
The story is of the horror strain in its traditional sense one heavily laden with mysterious goings on, occult family, deaths and demon worship.
You won’t look at a pumpkin in the same way again!
He really pulls the chills out with the choice of character as a perpetrator of murder and the technique of killing will be engraved in you’re nightmares. An urban legend that is no joke Halloween brings death of the most twisted kind. The story is set in one of the creepiest surrounding you could think.
A young niece inherits a home from her aunt, she takes a trip to see her worldly gain and find clues that link the murder of her father and a chain of murders with her ancestors. You will find it a very dark enjoyable tale of evil presence.
Review also here
On the offset of the story I was hooked and under the spell of the Pumpkin man Its been a while since I have read a good creepy gory novel. The writing flows well and really keeps you on he edge of your seat. Everson is an author that I had not yet sampled and I am glad that I did his novels have either been nominated or won a Bram stoker award I will be hunting them out possibly Covenant.
The story is of the horror strain in its traditional sense one heavily laden with mysterious goings on, occult family, deaths and demon worship.
You won’t look at a pumpkin in the same way again!
He really pulls the chills out with the choice of character as a perpetrator of murder and the technique of killing will be engraved in you’re nightmares. An urban legend that is no joke Halloween brings death of the most twisted kind. The story is set in one of the creepiest surrounding you could think.
A young niece inherits a home from her aunt, she takes a trip to see her worldly gain and find clues that link the murder of her father and a chain of murders with her ancestors. You will find it a very dark enjoyable tale of evil presence.
Review also here
Want to read
February 17, 2017This hardcover copy is number 96 of 150 signed and numbered copies signed by John Everson.
October 16, 2017
Some how this is the one John Everson novel that had fell off my radar. I am current with him, when it comes to his novels at any rate, but this one I had missed. I am so glad to have finally found it. Another solid horror book by John Everson. He is still my go to horror writer. I look forward to everything he writes. This was a perfect Halloween book and a local legend, murderer known as the Pumpkin man and how this man has seemingly come back to life to kill again. This had lots of great stuff in it, witches and spells, hidden rooms, and grave yards. Pretty much everything you want in a Halloween novel.
November 29, 2011
I would actually give this more like 2.5 stars, so I may change it and round up to 3 stars at some point.
I liked the concept, but ultimately what didn't work for me was Jennica, the main character. She seemed so needy and clingy and really wishy-washy. Not to mention that I find it really hard to believe that anyone would be joking around and having sex when their friends have been slaughtered. I mean, she and her boyfriend are investigating a secret room full of bones and super creepy magic stuff, and she's making sarcastic comments that are meant to be funny? Her best friend (who, to be honest, was so annoying and stereotypically slutty/dumb blonde that I was hoping she'd get hacked to pieces) has been abducted and likely murdered and Jennica just didn't seem all that broken up about it. Personally, if my best friend were butchered by a supernatural lunatic, I would alternate between hysterical screaming and complete catatonia. The last thing on my mind would be bumping uglies with some douche I met in a bar. Maybe she was supposed to be numb. I don't know. I just really, really strongly disliked her. And don't even get me started on the fact that while trying to figure out how to not get literally carved up like a pumpkin, she has to stop and reflect on how her new boyfriend - who she's known for all of a week - is putty in her hands, and how this must be what love feels like, and how it makes her feel like she has power over him and he'll do anything for her. Which should be nice, but the way it's written coming from Jennica it just comes off as obnoxiously bitchy/mean girl behavior. Also, while being stalked by a serial killer is not really the right time for reflecting on how p-whipped you've got your man.
And the most egregious thing, to me, was that at the end of the book Jennica decides she's going to become a witch as well. Um, what? Did she learn absolutely nothing from her father, her best friend, and half of the town being murdered because of someone screwing around with witchcraft? Who makes a decision like that? Who doesn't soak that entire house in gasoline, burn it to the ground, and salt the earth? GAH. Honestly, I almost wish that this woman was real so that it would be possible to slap the sh*t out of her.
The Pumpkin Man has a cool concept, but I disliked the characters (particularly Jennica and Kirstin) so much that I just couldn't like the book itself. I can see where it would work for others, though, so don't necessarily let my rating/review put you off. I have issues with female characters who I find to be stupid/poor decision makers, and it's my issue to deal with. And obviously if the book elicited such a strong response from me, there's something to be said for Everson's writing. I did find the family history of the witches and Meredith's back story interesting and I wish there would have been more focus on that. Actually, I wish the entire book had centered on Meredith's life and Jennica would have just been a plot device to move the story along. I'd have probably had a very different opinion of the book itself if there would have been smaller doses of Jennica.
I liked the concept, but ultimately what didn't work for me was Jennica, the main character. She seemed so needy and clingy and really wishy-washy. Not to mention that I find it really hard to believe that anyone would be joking around and having sex when their friends have been slaughtered. I mean, she and her boyfriend are investigating a secret room full of bones and super creepy magic stuff, and she's making sarcastic comments that are meant to be funny? Her best friend (who, to be honest, was so annoying and stereotypically slutty/dumb blonde that I was hoping she'd get hacked to pieces) has been abducted and likely murdered and Jennica just didn't seem all that broken up about it. Personally, if my best friend were butchered by a supernatural lunatic, I would alternate between hysterical screaming and complete catatonia. The last thing on my mind would be bumping uglies with some douche I met in a bar. Maybe she was supposed to be numb. I don't know. I just really, really strongly disliked her. And don't even get me started on the fact that while trying to figure out how to not get literally carved up like a pumpkin, she has to stop and reflect on how her new boyfriend - who she's known for all of a week - is putty in her hands, and how this must be what love feels like, and how it makes her feel like she has power over him and he'll do anything for her. Which should be nice, but the way it's written coming from Jennica it just comes off as obnoxiously bitchy/mean girl behavior. Also, while being stalked by a serial killer is not really the right time for reflecting on how p-whipped you've got your man.
And the most egregious thing, to me, was that at the end of the book Jennica decides she's going to become a witch as well. Um, what? Did she learn absolutely nothing from her father, her best friend, and half of the town being murdered because of someone screwing around with witchcraft? Who makes a decision like that? Who doesn't soak that entire house in gasoline, burn it to the ground, and salt the earth? GAH. Honestly, I almost wish that this woman was real so that it would be possible to slap the sh*t out of her.
The Pumpkin Man has a cool concept, but I disliked the characters (particularly Jennica and Kirstin) so much that I just couldn't like the book itself. I can see where it would work for others, though, so don't necessarily let my rating/review put you off. I have issues with female characters who I find to be stupid/poor decision makers, and it's my issue to deal with. And obviously if the book elicited such a strong response from me, there's something to be said for Everson's writing. I did find the family history of the witches and Meredith's back story interesting and I wish there would have been more focus on that. Actually, I wish the entire book had centered on Meredith's life and Jennica would have just been a plot device to move the story along. I'd have probably had a very different opinion of the book itself if there would have been smaller doses of Jennica.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2011
Read more of my reviews at BookGasmic.
Being a big fan of horror novels in general, i jumped at the chance to read an ARC of this book. Unfortunately, this book was nothing short of a hot mess.
The basic plot of the book involves a man who was brutally murdered and decapitated, being brought back from the dead to seek vengeance against those who did him wrong. A grieving daughter seeks refuge in an empty cabin, and all kinds of supposedly spooky things ensue. The first third of the book had promise, but when I realized that the author only seemed interested in piling on the gore instead of creating real tension, i couldn't wait for it to end.
The concept is a decent one, and I was really hoping that this would be a good scary read on the way to Halloween, but this just didn't work for me at all.
ARC provided by NetGalley.com
Being a big fan of horror novels in general, i jumped at the chance to read an ARC of this book. Unfortunately, this book was nothing short of a hot mess.
The basic plot of the book involves a man who was brutally murdered and decapitated, being brought back from the dead to seek vengeance against those who did him wrong. A grieving daughter seeks refuge in an empty cabin, and all kinds of supposedly spooky things ensue. The first third of the book had promise, but when I realized that the author only seemed interested in piling on the gore instead of creating real tension, i couldn't wait for it to end.
The concept is a decent one, and I was really hoping that this would be a good scary read on the way to Halloween, but this just didn't work for me at all.
ARC provided by NetGalley.com
May 25, 2024
I originally got 2 other books by John at Horror Hound. He did tell me about this one and I honestly forget why I didn't get it. But 24 hours I couldn't stop thinking about it and found myself at his booth getting it.
SO glad I did. This was a incredibly fun slasher of a ride. Well written with fantastic character development. The world he created around this house and its history had me literally smiling.
It's insane how much fun I had reading this book. Just do yourself a favor and read it.......and don't get carved. 🎃
SO glad I did. This was a incredibly fun slasher of a ride. Well written with fantastic character development. The world he created around this house and its history had me literally smiling.
It's insane how much fun I had reading this book. Just do yourself a favor and read it.......and don't get carved. 🎃
November 15, 2023
Wciągnęłam się mimo iż czytałam to tak długo. Jednak to przez to, że czytałam głównie po nocach, gdy się kładłam do łóżka.
October 30, 2025
It was really fun to read! It's a perfect book for Halloween. There is a good mix with witchcraft, a serial killer, family secrets, demons and ghosts. Small town supernatural story.
I really like how Everson writes, it's that good nostalgic old-school horror in absolutely good way. I miss such stories!
If you still have a time gap till Halloween, you can surely read The Pumpkin Man 🎃
I really like how Everson writes, it's that good nostalgic old-school horror in absolutely good way. I miss such stories!
If you still have a time gap till Halloween, you can surely read The Pumpkin Man 🎃
October 18, 2015
Pumpkin Man finds a young woman, reeling from the death of her father, moves into her distant aunt's house half way across the country. She soon finds that there's a while lot going on in the house - witchcraft, a serial killer, and a bunch of family secrets.
Everson's brand of small town horror is entertaining, well written, and sufficiently spooky. The characters are likable, the pacing is sound, and the horror is satisfying. The author knows how to write broadly appealing horror without resorting to the usual tired dialogue, forced sarcasm, or cheap plot twists. The story is straight up, old school 80s style slasher goodness in book form.
My only real complaint is that the characters seem to take the realization that a supernatural stalker is trying to kill them. They seem to take the news rather well and just kind of plug on from there.
Regardless the story is a solid one and worth a read.
Everson's brand of small town horror is entertaining, well written, and sufficiently spooky. The characters are likable, the pacing is sound, and the horror is satisfying. The author knows how to write broadly appealing horror without resorting to the usual tired dialogue, forced sarcasm, or cheap plot twists. The story is straight up, old school 80s style slasher goodness in book form.
My only real complaint is that the characters seem to take the realization that a supernatural stalker is trying to kill them. They seem to take the news rather well and just kind of plug on from there.
Regardless the story is a solid one and worth a read.
October 25, 2014
I wanted to really, really like this, but I couldn't suspend belief well enough to give this higher than a 3 rating. I didn't think the main characters were believable; they seem pretty stereotyped. And they all bought into the supernatural aspects of the story too easily, in my opinion... plus falling in love during such a time of crisis, fear, and mortal danger after only knowing each other a couple of days? Not buying it, sorry.
On the other hand, the gruesome descriptions of the Pumpkin Man's carvings was very well done and creepy. The evil history of the family was also well done. There were, overall, some very creepy elements which would have boosted this book to a 4 if the characters had JUST been more believable.
On the other hand, the gruesome descriptions of the Pumpkin Man's carvings was very well done and creepy. The evil history of the family was also well done. There were, overall, some very creepy elements which would have boosted this book to a 4 if the characters had JUST been more believable.
September 30, 2022
Great story! Something to really get into the Halloween season! Would recommend to any horror reader.
March 16, 2024
This book started off with a smash! We are introduced to two young women who have no clue what they’re in for. It turns out, pumpkin carving, and carving in general, isn’t a seasonal activity. For some, it’s a vengeful sport. And this is a twisty, gory and anxiety-stoking tale of The Pumpkin Man. Definitely recommend. The way I gripped the steering wheel while listening to some parts, the way I yelled at my speakers at others… this was a fantastic audible experience! Great for Halloween and every day after!
May 10, 2016
Great story! A cut above his other book The 13th.
October 22, 2023
John Everson is probably best known for his erotic horror stories but I believe he is at his best when he sticks to straight in your face horror which is the case here. I really liked this story. It had all the elements of great old school horror, sympathetic characters, urban legend, slasher/serial killer, plenty of gore and a well concealed surprise ending. It also had a fair dose of the supernatural. All in all I would recommend this book to all horror fans who enjoy old school story telling. I listened to this story as I read along and the performance by the narrator was excellent as well.
I look forward to more from this author in the future.
I look forward to more from this author in the future.
September 22, 2019
My second read my John Everson!
Everson creates a fun, witchy ride that has you rooting for the main character, Jennica, as she unravels the mysteries surrounding the death of her father and others close to her. It was a delightful escape from reality from start to finish- and had me wanting to tour the cursed seaside town and cottage Everson describes so well. Beware the Pumpkin Man!
Everson creates a fun, witchy ride that has you rooting for the main character, Jennica, as she unravels the mysteries surrounding the death of her father and others close to her. It was a delightful escape from reality from start to finish- and had me wanting to tour the cursed seaside town and cottage Everson describes so well. Beware the Pumpkin Man!
June 24, 2011
While I have never read John Everson before, I have definitely heard positive reviews of his other works... in fact, he won a Stoker award for one of his earlier novels. Needless to say, I had pretty high expectations for PUMPKIN MAN. I can't say that I was really dissapointed with this piece, but I was overwhelmingly underwhelmed by this story.
Without sounding overly flippant, I think the blurb about this book on horror-mall.com did a better job of captivating my attention than the story itself. The problem for PM is that the story and characters really did not seem to hold up well over 350+ pages. I think Everson could have cut out some of the peripheral characters (and perhaps one or two of the minor key characters like Kristin and Brian), dispense with some of the needless contextual background, and chopped the length down to a novella.
Speaking of contextual background, while I certainly credit Everson and any other author for trying to include real esoteric texts and "magical" artifacts into their stories, it is kind of important to get the accuracy down. Everson's referrence to the Malleus Mallificarum as a witches grimoire was actually inaccurate and clumsily used as historical background (unless of course Everson is making up some other grimoire and fictitiously calling it MM as well). Not a major distraction, but it made me doubt the veracity of some of his other referrences.
Here is the thing, its a bit hard to judge this story without knowing the intent of the author. If Everson intended this story to be a satire on urban legends and witch lore, then ok, I can bump this up to 3 stars. However, if Everson intended this to be an actual horror story that took the form of a homage to urban myths and legends, then my 2 stars still stand.
Author's intent aside, I can't really say that the plot, characters, and prose was either good or bad. It was mediocre... really just fair. Pacing was pretty uneven (which further supports the need to reduce this down to a novella) and the pages spent on trying to develop the characters and their relationships to one an other seemed a bit wasted as those elements never really rose above the superficial level. For example, Kristin's dissapearance from the story simply left me shrugging my shoulders. I didn't get a sense that there was any kind of real or lasting emotional impact on any of the other characters at her loss. In fact when she was "found", I don't think there was any kind of reaction from her best friend, Jenn.
One particular passage, towards the end, that I really liked and found to actually have some impact on me, was Emmaline's (another side character) face to face encounter with the pumpkin man. That scene was handled nicely by Everson.
I think there was just enough positives (I liked Everson's use of Meridith's journal notes to give us a little bit of background to the Perenais family and history)to warrant another crack at Everson. I have Everson's other novel SACRIFICE in the TBR cue. However, with my first intro via PUMPKIN MAN, I don't think I'll be bumping SACRIFICE to the head of the cue.
Without sounding overly flippant, I think the blurb about this book on horror-mall.com did a better job of captivating my attention than the story itself. The problem for PM is that the story and characters really did not seem to hold up well over 350+ pages. I think Everson could have cut out some of the peripheral characters (and perhaps one or two of the minor key characters like Kristin and Brian), dispense with some of the needless contextual background, and chopped the length down to a novella.
Speaking of contextual background, while I certainly credit Everson and any other author for trying to include real esoteric texts and "magical" artifacts into their stories, it is kind of important to get the accuracy down. Everson's referrence to the Malleus Mallificarum as a witches grimoire was actually inaccurate and clumsily used as historical background (unless of course Everson is making up some other grimoire and fictitiously calling it MM as well). Not a major distraction, but it made me doubt the veracity of some of his other referrences.
Here is the thing, its a bit hard to judge this story without knowing the intent of the author. If Everson intended this story to be a satire on urban legends and witch lore, then ok, I can bump this up to 3 stars. However, if Everson intended this to be an actual horror story that took the form of a homage to urban myths and legends, then my 2 stars still stand.
Author's intent aside, I can't really say that the plot, characters, and prose was either good or bad. It was mediocre... really just fair. Pacing was pretty uneven (which further supports the need to reduce this down to a novella) and the pages spent on trying to develop the characters and their relationships to one an other seemed a bit wasted as those elements never really rose above the superficial level. For example, Kristin's dissapearance from the story simply left me shrugging my shoulders. I didn't get a sense that there was any kind of real or lasting emotional impact on any of the other characters at her loss. In fact when she was "found", I don't think there was any kind of reaction from her best friend, Jenn.
One particular passage, towards the end, that I really liked and found to actually have some impact on me, was Emmaline's (another side character) face to face encounter with the pumpkin man. That scene was handled nicely by Everson.
I think there was just enough positives (I liked Everson's use of Meridith's journal notes to give us a little bit of background to the Perenais family and history)to warrant another crack at Everson. I have Everson's other novel SACRIFICE in the TBR cue. However, with my first intro via PUMPKIN MAN, I don't think I'll be bumping SACRIFICE to the head of the cue.
October 16, 2011
Years ago in the small seaside town of River's End, children went missing and turned up dead with their heads replaced with pumpkin carvings in their likeness. The locals suspected the pumpkin carver and a lynch mob murders him, most of them parents of the murdered children.
Cut to years later, where our heroine Jennica Murphy finds her father murdered and pumpkin shards all through his apartment. She and her room mate both lose their jobs as teachers at the local high school and with nothing better to do, they decide to go to the seaside cottage left to Jenn by her aunt in River's End. It was meant to be a new start, but things start to go wrong as soon as they arrive.
The townspeople are hostile, especially when they discover Jenn is Meredith Perenais' niece. In the cottage, they find a library full of books on the occult and skulls in drawers in the kitchen. They discover a ouija board hidden in the fireplace and decide to use it with the two men they recently met in San Francisco. It was all just harmless fun, wasn't it? It was, until lots of people are turning up dead with pumpkins instead of heads. Then Jenn finds out that the man people keep referring to as the pumpkin man, was in fact her uncle by marriage and he was the one suspected of murdering all those children.
I must say it's refreshing to find a horror that isn't filled with vampires or werewolves these days. No vampires or werewolves here, just good old fashioned things that go bump in the night. We have murder, witchcraft and a sense of impending doom from the very first page.
The murder scenes were perhaps a little gory for my taste, but the main part of the story is more of psychological terror, especially when people around Jenn keep dying and she keeps finding pumpkin shards in her room. Is she next on the killer's list? A story peopled with characters you care about and you have to keep reading to find out what is going to happen next.
John Everson has written a terrifying tale that stays with you long after the last page is read.
Cut to years later, where our heroine Jennica Murphy finds her father murdered and pumpkin shards all through his apartment. She and her room mate both lose their jobs as teachers at the local high school and with nothing better to do, they decide to go to the seaside cottage left to Jenn by her aunt in River's End. It was meant to be a new start, but things start to go wrong as soon as they arrive.
The townspeople are hostile, especially when they discover Jenn is Meredith Perenais' niece. In the cottage, they find a library full of books on the occult and skulls in drawers in the kitchen. They discover a ouija board hidden in the fireplace and decide to use it with the two men they recently met in San Francisco. It was all just harmless fun, wasn't it? It was, until lots of people are turning up dead with pumpkins instead of heads. Then Jenn finds out that the man people keep referring to as the pumpkin man, was in fact her uncle by marriage and he was the one suspected of murdering all those children.
I must say it's refreshing to find a horror that isn't filled with vampires or werewolves these days. No vampires or werewolves here, just good old fashioned things that go bump in the night. We have murder, witchcraft and a sense of impending doom from the very first page.
The murder scenes were perhaps a little gory for my taste, but the main part of the story is more of psychological terror, especially when people around Jenn keep dying and she keeps finding pumpkin shards in her room. Is she next on the killer's list? A story peopled with characters you care about and you have to keep reading to find out what is going to happen next.
John Everson has written a terrifying tale that stays with you long after the last page is read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2011
First reviewed at www.quixoticmagpie.blogspot.com
This book started off so scary, it gave me the creeps!! I was reading it at night before bed, and I was sure someone was going to pop out of my closet at any moment and get me. Unfortunately however, the excitement reached a crescendo and then died down.
Jenn inherits her aunt's house in California after her father is murdered and decapitated. Strangely and ironically, not long after this happens, Jenn and her roommate Kirsten both lose their jobs on the same day ( and they both work at the same school), and then upon going home, find out that they have to move out of the condo. How very conveinent. This actually bothered me- it was too tidy and implausible that this would happen. I was able to suspend belief for the whole book, including the ghostly killer, but for some reason this really bothered me.
Once Jenn is in California, it gets super creepy! You find out all sorts of nasty secrets about Jenn's aunt and uncle, and his family before him. And then the things they find in the house, not to mention everything that was written in Jenn's aunt's journal! There are many gruesome murders, some surprising, and then one that was not really explained that well. As the end of the book nears, the tension starts to slowly build...and then flatlines. The end itself was predictible and boring.
I was disappointed in the ending of this book, but I thought that everything leading up to it was pretty good and worth the read. This book won't change the world, but it will keep you entertained for few hours.
This book started off so scary, it gave me the creeps!! I was reading it at night before bed, and I was sure someone was going to pop out of my closet at any moment and get me. Unfortunately however, the excitement reached a crescendo and then died down.
Jenn inherits her aunt's house in California after her father is murdered and decapitated. Strangely and ironically, not long after this happens, Jenn and her roommate Kirsten both lose their jobs on the same day ( and they both work at the same school), and then upon going home, find out that they have to move out of the condo. How very conveinent. This actually bothered me- it was too tidy and implausible that this would happen. I was able to suspend belief for the whole book, including the ghostly killer, but for some reason this really bothered me.
Once Jenn is in California, it gets super creepy! You find out all sorts of nasty secrets about Jenn's aunt and uncle, and his family before him. And then the things they find in the house, not to mention everything that was written in Jenn's aunt's journal! There are many gruesome murders, some surprising, and then one that was not really explained that well. As the end of the book nears, the tension starts to slowly build...and then flatlines. The end itself was predictible and boring.
I was disappointed in the ending of this book, but I thought that everything leading up to it was pretty good and worth the read. This book won't change the world, but it will keep you entertained for few hours.
November 22, 2011
This is the first John Everson novel I’ve had the privilege to read, folks. I’m currently kicking my butt for waiting so damn long. With The Pumpkin Man, John Everson has created a new urban legend, one I really like.
When the decapitated bodies of missing children start being found scattered throughout a little northern California town, all hell breaks loose. People have no idea what to do until someone notices something really odd. Carved into the pumpkins at a local man's roadside pumpkin stand are the missing children's face screaming in agony at the exact moment of death. The town's folk put two and two together and take matters into their own hands only to find out that maybe, just maybe they weren't as smart as they thought they were...
This is the perfect novel to read when you’re beginning to get the Halloween bug at the end of summer. The author’s love of the season shines through with Jack-o’lanterns, Ouija boards, witches, spooky houses with hidden passages and other assorted supernatural goodies. Mr. Everson’s style is easy to read and very personable. If you’re looking for a really good horror novel to read next, pick up a copy at Barnes & Noble or download on your e-reader. You won’t be sorry.
When the decapitated bodies of missing children start being found scattered throughout a little northern California town, all hell breaks loose. People have no idea what to do until someone notices something really odd. Carved into the pumpkins at a local man's roadside pumpkin stand are the missing children's face screaming in agony at the exact moment of death. The town's folk put two and two together and take matters into their own hands only to find out that maybe, just maybe they weren't as smart as they thought they were...
This is the perfect novel to read when you’re beginning to get the Halloween bug at the end of summer. The author’s love of the season shines through with Jack-o’lanterns, Ouija boards, witches, spooky houses with hidden passages and other assorted supernatural goodies. Mr. Everson’s style is easy to read and very personable. If you’re looking for a really good horror novel to read next, pick up a copy at Barnes & Noble or download on your e-reader. You won’t be sorry.
November 13, 2013
After the sudden death of her father, and the loss of her teaching job, Jennica Murphy decides to leave Chicago for the coastal seaside town of River's End, near San Francisco, where she's inherited her deceased aunt's house. But Meredith Perenais was no ordinary citizen, and many viewed her as a powerful witch, heir to a legacy of dark magic going back centuries. Her husband, George, was talented with carving knives, and back in the '80's had carved pumpkins that looked like real people...too real, in fact. And when children began vanishing, townspeople feared the witch's husband responsible for the disappearances. But as Jennica begins to learn about her mysterious aunt's past, and the Pumpkin Man murders begin again, the truth may be even darker than anyone imagined.
Tautly written, gruesome and chilling, John Everson's horror novels are always scary good, inventive and original.
Tautly written, gruesome and chilling, John Everson's horror novels are always scary good, inventive and original.
April 24, 2020
A Crazy- Fun Read
As I did with Violet Eyes (another of the author's works), I devoured this book in a few huge bites. I may have been smiling & laughing maniacally at the time, but that's neither here nor there. Although there is nothing completely earth-shattering here, I love how Everson took so many familiar genre elements & molded them into a creature/story combination I've never seen before. It was like seeing a different side of a frequently visited waterfall- familiar yet refreshingly new. I would almost love to see a sequel for Jenn, something exceptionally difficult to pull in horror, yet I speculate Everson would succeed at. Looks like I'm heading off to pick up whichever shiny will be Everson book #3!
As I did with Violet Eyes (another of the author's works), I devoured this book in a few huge bites. I may have been smiling & laughing maniacally at the time, but that's neither here nor there. Although there is nothing completely earth-shattering here, I love how Everson took so many familiar genre elements & molded them into a creature/story combination I've never seen before. It was like seeing a different side of a frequently visited waterfall- familiar yet refreshingly new. I would almost love to see a sequel for Jenn, something exceptionally difficult to pull in horror, yet I speculate Everson would succeed at. Looks like I'm heading off to pick up whichever shiny will be Everson book #3!
October 7, 2020
Reasons I gave this book 2 stars:
1. The main character's name was Jennica.
2. The writing was poor, repetitive, and the dialogue felt stiff and robotic.
3. It felt like the author was 14 and took every trope and stereotype of the horror genre and mashed them together for an assignment in his creative writing class.
4. I skimmed/skipped 100 pages, which I very rarely do, read the final 15 pages, and felt like I didn't miss anything.
1. The main character's name was Jennica.
2. The writing was poor, repetitive, and the dialogue felt stiff and robotic.
3. It felt like the author was 14 and took every trope and stereotype of the horror genre and mashed them together for an assignment in his creative writing class.
4. I skimmed/skipped 100 pages, which I very rarely do, read the final 15 pages, and felt like I didn't miss anything.
October 25, 2011
. I’m not a huge horror fan so I was kind of dreading reading it. This is definitely an over 18 book, because of the nature of some of the rituals involved. That said, I really liked the main character and her friends as well as John Everson’s writing style. It ended up being a novel I couldn’t put down! Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=2112
November 18, 2011
Awesome! If you're looking for a spooky, gruesome, edge of your seat, with a little bit of magic kind of book, this is it. I am a John Everson fan. The books would make a great horror movie.
March 21, 2023
Well written really enjoyable read be brilliant to reread around Halloween
July 16, 2023
Lubię tego autora, ale to co zaprezentował w Dyniowatym to niebywałe💩 Nie dość, że krótkie, prawie jak nowelka, to w dodatku nie ma tutaj żadnej grozy. Porażka po całości. Jestem zawiedziony!
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