While talking to his friend on the phone, Mark Stone is startled by a cacophony of otherworldly screams. Seconds later, a tragic accident claims his friend’s life. When this happens several more times--screams followed by an untimely death--he is compelled to act. Battling his failure as a husband and struggling with his own damaged faith, Mark embarks on a mission to find the meaning behind the screams and hopefully stop death from calling on its next victim. When his estranged wife is kidnapped and he again hears the screams as she calls from her cell phone, his search becomes much more personal and much more urgent.
Mike Dellosso is the author of numerous novels of suspense, including Kill Devil, Centralia, Darkness Follows, Darlington Woods, and Scream. Mike is a popular conference and workshop teacher and an adjunct professor of creative writing. He lives in Hanover, PA, with his wife and five daughters. Mike is also a healthcare worker and survivor of colon cancer.
I wasn’t required to write a review of Scream by Mike Dellosso, but after reading it I wanted everyone to know what an excellent book this is. This is the first book I’ve read by Mike Dellosso and I’ve found another favorite author. I just love this book; Scream is full of mystery, suspense and adrenaline rushing scenes. It is a book that makes you think and want to do something about all of the lost people you meet. Everyone is going to die, but they don’t have to be lost. The character Mark was brought up in a “Christian home,” but they were hypocritical, so Mark wants nothing to do with Christ or Christians. Then one day while talking to his best friend he hears some screams and they seemed to be from Hell itself. Not your normal screams, but hideous ones. Then his friend dies. This happens several times. Also this book is about a guy who kidnaps women and wants to make them pay for something that happened in his past. After a while these two stories intersect and you will find out what it takes to free and help others. This book is so well written, full of interesting ideas and suspenseful that you won’t put it down. I love this kind of book and so glad I have a new favorite author to read his books. A five star book. I highly recommend this book. Right now this book in the eBook format is free. So just go to Amazon and you should be able to get it.
I'm very perplexed about the high ratings this book received, especially those that accompanied words like "a real thriller". I had to wonder if I was reading the same book - I'm not even joking when I say this, I had to examine everything about my book and compare it to the one featured here just to make sure they are both truly one and the same.
For me this book was horrible. I would say the storyline was vapid but I'm unsure about what the storyline actually was. There is no real depth here, and far too much random religious inserts. Nothing really connects as far as a storyline goes, fragmented questions are left without any kind of answer, the characters are one dimensional at best...its just so so so horrible. I was really thrown by all the religious bits thrown in everywhere, stuffed into every possible nook and cranny.
I feel as if I've been taken advantage of in some way, that I was lured into a book, so that I could be "saved" and have one person's religion crammed down my throat, by the pretense of a thriller.
Book Synopsis: "Battling his failure as a husband and struggling with his own damaged faith, Mark embarks on a mission to find the meaning behind the screams and hopefully stop death from calling on its next victim. When his estranged wife is kidnapped and he again hears the screams as she calls from her cell phone, his search becomes much more personal and much more urgent."
My Thoughts: Scary, tragic, fantastic, make you think story. You will have a hard time setting this book down, it is full of non stop action. I couldnt read fast enough.
This is intended to be a "FICTION horror Christian" book, strange to see those three words side by side. It is what it is however. If you are a non Christian, it is still awesome. As a matter of fact a lot of what happens and things that are said would lead you to think its just a really good creepy novel with Christian undertones to it. I recommend this one to everyone.
The author was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2008, this book came out in 2009,. He is a survivor, doing great now in 2015 and truly blessed to have gotten through that.
I feel tricked. Thank goodness this book was free, because had I paid for it I would be straight up belligerent at this point. What started out as a relatively enjoyable scary story quickly deteriorated into the author forcing an insular religious agenda upon me. Thanks, but no thanks.
Ugh... and it wasn't even subtle. How about an allegory? Everyone likes a good allegory. No, it was in your face, agree with me or burn in hell for all of eternity.
Oh and if I ever see or hear the phrase "gnashing of teeth and weeping" ever again, it will be too soon.
Mike Dellosso delivers a knockout in his sophomore suspense novel, Scream. The hero, Mark, is an average guy haunted by a terrible mistake that has driven his wife away and left him questioning everything. Then one day Mark is talking to a friend on the phone when they are interrupted by horrible screams. A few minutes later, Mark’s friend is dead. What follows is one man’s realization that there is something more than this life.
Scream has everything a good suspense story should: a flawed but determined hero, a villain fashioned by the cruelties of life, a crisis only the hero can resolve, and resolution. Some will see Scream as perhaps a little preachy. As far as this reviewer is concerned that is a good thing. The author intends to make us think about something most of us would like to pretend doesn’t exist. Like his characters we are drawn into a world where heaven and hell are the reality they should be in our own daily lives. Kudos to Mike for a a job well done!
Sometimes I really don't understand how I end up with bible thumping "thrillers". I picked this up thinking it would be something exciting to read but no......religious bible bits everywhere and a not great plot. I had to just skim the last 30 or so pages so I could just be done already. Awful unbelievable plots with backwoods hick law enforcement that don't even know how to spell kidnapping. Thank goodness this was free.
This book was unbareable by the end. Had to skim it at the end because I couldn't read another internal monolague re: Jesus and their souls. Not to mention all the divorce talk over A KISS!! Sorry, but I like my horror to scare me, not pontificate endlessly and annoy me. Total flake out wrap up at the end as well.
First off: I thought the plot for this book was a brilliant idea. Someone answering the phone only to hear screams that predict the person's coming death...and the screams turn out to be the "weeping and gnashing of teeth" from hell, therefore a warning that the person is on their way there. Very brilliant and unique; 5 stars to that thought right there.
Second: I'm sorry, but if I kept answering the phone and hearing the screaming that predicted death, I would just stop answering my phone!!
Third: This book fits into the horror as well as the mystery category. Horror because of the nature of the screams, mystery because someone physical is kidnapping women...and the mystery part is done really well because I did NOT expect the kidnapper to be who it was. Did not even see it coming until right before the reveal.
To wrap up, this is a really good book. There were a few points I felt were weak, so I'm not going to rate it 5 because those points could have been better; but this is still a book to read. In fact, I recommend reading it. Christians, read this and even share it. Non-Christians, yeah you read it too; this is definitely not your typical religious fiction. Atheists, oh yeah!! You guys should definitely read this, and I don't think you'll be atheists for too much longer either.
The plot of Mike Dellosso's Scream revolves around a man who hears hellish screams when he's on the phone with certain people...people who end up dead shortly after the phone call. This is confusing enough to him, until he is on the phone with his estranged wife (whom he still loves) and hears the screams. Will he be able to find her in time to save her?
I'm tempted to talk about the major plot twist, but I won't, in the interest of those who haven't read the book. Suffice to say, I thought Mr. Dellosso revealed it too early, but as the story unfolded, the knowledge only added to the suspense. Good job, Mr. Delloso!
Mike Dellosso is not just a Christian writer, not just a suspense writer. He is a Christian suspense writer, skillfully interweaving both aspects of his story. Giving a good twist here and there, just like any good suspense writer ought.
I have to be honest that I was skeptical about how I was going to like this book, seeing as the last Christian fiction book I read was a serious letdown for me. This book completely surprised me, in all the best ways. The story line was excellent, the characters were complex and I felt invested in what was happening to them. Mike Dellosso took an idea that I never could have imagined would do such a compelling job of sharing the gospel...without being corny feeling or forced. I am a Christian, and am secure in my relationship with Christ and in knowing where I am going when I die, but man did this book really drive home the reality that so many people who I love don't have a relationship with Jesus, and the visual (or rather audio) representation of what ultimately awaits those who don't know Jesus...it was very impactful and is a reminder of why we are called to share the gospel. Something happened in the world today, just hours after I finished reading this book, that made this all the more real to me. Someone who boldly declared their love for Christ, had their life taken from them. Knowing his deep love for the Lord, I know that he is rejoicing in paradise with our Savior now, but for people who don't have a relationship with the Lord, that will not be the case when they die, and that is truly terrifying. This book did an excellent job of telling a captivating story, that ultimately addressed the single most important thing we need to ask ourselves...Do we have a relationship with Jesus, and know where we are going to go when we die?
The major theme in this heart pounding, breathing stealing book: Do you hear the screams of hell coming for you?
I started reading this book around 7 pm and couldn't tear my eyes from the pages until I finished shortly before 12.
Just when you thought you figured it out, a curve ball was thrown.
This may be just an entertaining thriller, but it's a story that will have you looking into your own soul: do you really Trust Jesus and Accepted Him or do you laugh at what some would refer to as "religious nonsense"?
I hope the former, because even though this is a work of fiction, the truth is that if you really never accepted Jesus, then the "repo" man will come for you and hell follows him.
Dellosso is definitely on my list of favorite authors and he will always have a permanent spot on my bookshelf.
When you read the synopsis of this book..you think "cool. A horror book." Well...not exactly. I was not expecting the HUGE religious thread to the plot. Not that I am bothered by that, but it would have been nice to know that among the screams, crime, and such there would be "finding Jesus" and "born again Christians". Aside from the unexpected theme...the book just didn't do much for me. Dellosso tries to build a story...almost succeeds in keeping the bad guy a mystery...yet,there was something lacking the whole time. So, only 2 stars...
First and foremost, this book is Christian Horror. I was unaware of this, as I just chose it because it looked interesting, but it's an important detail. Midway through, the plot rapidly dissolves into preaching, and the ending makes no sense other than "they are all saved because they trusted Jesus". It was a promising book, but it became simply irritating when the plot was thrown to the wind and it became a sermon. I'm giving it 2 stars because it was a good book at the beginning, and had potential. Sadly, I'll never read anything by this author again, very disappointed.
I got to page 100 before I gave up. All the main character, Mark, does is complain about how his wife left him. For a horror/thriller novel, the story is oddly slow going and rather boring. I don't even care enough to figure out why the antagonist is kidnapping women. Honestly, I think my biggest problem is the writing. The religion aspect seems somewhat forced and in your face, which takes away from the story. Dellosso just isn't my cup of tea.
I was hoping book as I read this that the heavy handed born again references were just exposition. By and large I was satisfied with the thriller aspects of the book but, by the end, with the survivors off to form their ministry and the others "saved" by Jesus. I realized that I had wasted my time and unfortunately it had taken 250 pages to get there.
It had a theme of "accept Jesus" into your life and pray. I didn't expect that and I'm not really into those type of books.I thought it'd be more type of a horror book, but again, it had a religious aspect to it that I didn't expect and there really wasn't anything horror about it. I was disappointed.
This really seemed to be a decent short story that was bloated to novella size by seemingly helter skelter insertion of various Christian trappings and then bloated again to novel size by typography and line spacings.
If you read The Watchtower religiously (pun intended) you'll find plenty for you in this novel. If, however you are looking for decent thriller, I can't recommend it.
I don't usually enjoy reading faith based books.. I prefer crime/scary stuff. This was a crime book..with a faith background. I actually enjoyed reading it. Sometimes faith based will try to hit you over the head with it..but this one was more subtle. Got the point across without being annoying about it. Well written.
Ok, I enjoyed this book. Seemed a little predictable to me, but not so much that I was bored with it. If people don’t like it when Christian authors “preach” in their books, probably shouldn’t read this one. I didn’t feel like it was overly preachy, maybe a bit cheesy at times, but I still enjoyed it.
hmmm. I honestly feel like I got tricked with this book. It was promoted as a thriller and a horror novel, but as I started to read it seemed like the author pulled a reader in with the promise of a thriller, but his true intention was a religious read that would "save" the reader. I am all for freedom of religion, but don't try to trick your reader. Be up front about it.
The book sounded good on the back cover. The storyline was ok, but it left huge holes as to what exactly the supernatural element was. I liked the story, even with its inconsistencies until it went ultra religious out of nowhere. It came off as religious propaganda in the last quarter.
This was an interesting novel; it had a great premise, in my opinion (involving a guy who hears horrific screams and teeth gnashing during phone calls that are premonitions of the other party's coming death). That part was pretty freaky, and I though the author did a great job describing those moments and the accompanying horror. The character development was decent - some the characters really seemed to stand out in terms of their development while other, not so much. It was a fairly fast read for me, and it held my interest throughout. While it was a fast read, I would say the pacing was still a bit choppy in parts but not enough to take away from my overall enjoyment.
I did feel like there was a dangling plot line or two, however.
The story has some flashbacks to it, explaining the villain's motives. It was a bit painful to read, but it did help move the story along.
It is interesting, because I kept finding myself saying, "What is wrong you, Mark? Why don't you get it?" However, I think the author was realistic in his portrayal of Mark's journey through the narrative until the moment he becomes a Christian and shortly beyond that point. I get frustrated myself, at times, over my "just not getting it," and I sometimes forget I am a work in progress, so I think Mark's journey is fairly real over the course of the novel despite the frustrations on my end and some of the "scenes" feeling a bit clunky and unnatural.
I think that in terms of some specific moments in the book, it is definitely 4-star material. Other parts, though, drag it down a bit and lower it to 3-stars for me. On the one hand, I think the author does a great job, so to speak, of challenging Christians as to why we are not doing more to try and spare people from the agony and torment of a Christ-less eternity. It is a valid question while realizing that each Christian has his or her own unique "responsibility" when it comes to living their lives. Something to think about and ask for Yahweh's help in figuring out how to respond in the future.It is interesting to me that the author will kill of Christian characters. I am not sure why, but I rarely expect a Christian to die, so perhaps his books are more believable in that respect. I think it also highlights that this side of eternity is not all that there is; there is another life (as it were) on the other side after we die and pass one. Deputy Foreman was a Christian, and yet she dies "off-page" by the end of the book. In The Hunted, the author has one or two Christian characters die at the claws of the demonic beast terrorizing the community. So he has done this before, but he still manages to catch me off-guard each time.
It was a good book. It was an interesting and eerie book. It held my attention throughout most if not all of the book (which makes me wonder what happened with the two Jed Patrick books). I do not know how much of a "suspense book/story" it would be, but it was still pretty suspenseful in parts. Overall, I would probably rate it 3.5 stars, rounded down. I found the suspense and "action" and emotional intensity definitely ramping up at the end of the book; that is probably where most of the action takes place. In any case, I am glad that I read this book.
The actual execution of the story is actually pretty good.
Including elements of Christianity/God, etc., I have no issue with at all.
I just can't handle fictional stories that include random sermons in the middle of the story.
Now, don't @ me. I love Jesus. I'm a Christian. I'm all for authors including their faith in their writing. Just not as a sermon. That's what I go to church for. That's what my daily Bible study is for. When I read fiction, I just want story, especially in a thriller. Mostly because 99.9% of Christian fiction, whether it be books or movies, is horribly cheesy. Faith-based stories can be done well, but I have yet to come across one that can include conversations like the ones found in this book that don't make me cringe uncontrollably.
It's a shame, because this is a great book with a unique story and I love seeing faith protrayed in books that isn't over-the-top and villainous. Take out the random passages of sermons, and this is a 4-star read.
I don't know what to say about this book. The idea was interesting but too much was happening at once the real "action" was only in the last 5% of the book. You have to go through a ton of build up for almost nothing.
Being a Christian reader, it felt like there was too much force of religion in it. Almost as if it was being forced on the reader. I expected something like Ted Dekker where it was subtle and well written into the story. It was almost like it was screaming "you need Jesus". Not fun to read sometimes.
I cared nothing for the characters except for Jess the cop. There wasn't enough time to feel for them. More could have been done with the screaming I wish that was more the focus than the abductions.
The premise of the horror component behind this book is wonderful. Did it keep me up at night with nightmares? No. But it was creepy enough to make me want to read more. The ending is the most thrilling part of the whole book. It's a huge plot twist that I'm sure many readers weren't expecting. However, I am aware that the author is Christian, but I felt as though I was being preached to throughout the book. That combined with the underlying "horror" of the story made for an odd duo. Not sure I like the combination of Christian and horror writing. Other than that, great book!!!!
This book was an interesting story about a man whose 12 year old girlfriend was murdered by her older sister and friends but they blamed him. He desired revenge and so he kidnapped 4 girls to be the substitution for the girls who were responsible for her death and tries to burn them. A man who is the estranged husband of one of the kidnapped women figures out his plans and he finds the women but the barn is on fire so he has to get them out. You really need to read this book.
Fantastic book with genuine writing. Entertaining but with a depth that will ignite your senses and make you think further than "Will there be a happily ever after?"
Books like this one, is the best kind to read because it isn't simply a way to escape reality but also a way to connect with it. I highly encourage everyone to read this story. You won't be sorry.
It's really hard to categorize this book. It was a great read but maybe not what you would expect. Well written with in depth characters and an amazing and surprising plot. Well worth the time.