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Riverside Blues
"In RIVERSIDE BLUES, Erik Tomblin attempts something highly audacious and succeeds, telling a chilling and bittersweet story of lost love regained." - Chet Williamson, author of SECOND CHANCE "Fifty years ago, Gordon's wife disappeared without a trace. He still mourns her. In an attempt to keep himself occupied, Gordon decides to clean up their special place along the river running behind his home. It's there he finds something from his wildest dreams and his darkest nightmares that will reveal the lies surrounding his wife's disappearance, lies he has believed for the last half of a century....
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2005
1 person is currently reading
349 people want to read
About the author
Erik Tomblin
9 books43 followersAmazon Author Profile
Though Tomblin enjoyed writing stories at an early age, he spent a good deal of the 90s earning a B.A in Psychology and a Master's in Information Technology. His creative outlet came in the form of penning song lyrics instead of prose. After finally having a bit of life under his belt, he turned his attention back to fiction, writing several short stories that can be found both online and in print. The release of his novella, Riverside Blues, by award-winning publisher Earthling Publications was met with glowing reviews. While he also enjoys photography, reading, and playing guitar, he gets the most joy from being a father.
Though Tomblin enjoyed writing stories at an early age, he spent a good deal of the 90s earning a B.A in Psychology and a Master's in Information Technology. His creative outlet came in the form of penning song lyrics instead of prose. After finally having a bit of life under his belt, he turned his attention back to fiction, writing several short stories that can be found both online and in print. The release of his novella, Riverside Blues, by award-winning publisher Earthling Publications was met with glowing reviews. While he also enjoys photography, reading, and playing guitar, he gets the most joy from being a father.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 1, 2008
Some of the best horror stories are those that center on the fear that we create ourselves; those that start not from without, but from within. Tomblin not only created such a tale, but he mastered it. Not quite a ghost story, but dipped lavishly in the supernatural, this book may just have trumped, nay surpassed, my favorite book of all time. I've been looking for this book since I first discovered horror and I wouldn't part with it for all the tea in china!
The plot is refreshing and original in its narration. Sure, we've seen the set-up and outline before, but once the scene is established, Tomblin takes a 360 turn and takes it in a wicked direction. Full of implied danger and subtle clues, the ending is guaranteed to chill you to the bone. A creepy, psychological thriller, this book can be read over and over again.
Avoiding the allure to drag on long after it's necessary, Tomblin's style of writing is tight and concise. His descriptive narrative brings to life Gordon's surroundings and his dialog adds vitality to it. You can tell that he's comfortable within the boundaries of writing a ghost story, and are shocked and amazed when he breaks free of those chains and revels in his freedom.
Although this book is very involved, it's also, shockingly, a quick and simple read. The pace is set from the moment you enter the book, moving you along peacefully at first and then picking up speed while your eyes were closed. Having read it in only 3 hours, it wasn't until I closed the book that I realized my pulse was racing and beads of sweat were dripping down my neck.
Almost becoming a character itself, the atmosphere is hypnotic and captivating. Tomblin captures the south, immersing you into Gordon's world. You can smell the overgrown greenery and hear the sound of the river flowing. In fact, he does it too well. He calms your senses and whispers assurances into the wind, distracting you from your own fear. Even though you know you're aware something is going to happen, you're too drawn in to pay attention to the signs. It's when you have to be peeled off the ceiling that you realize you were tricked.
Secretly imaging your feet in their shoes, the characters are dynamic and true to life. Allowing the players to unfold naturally, you understand what motivates them and why they're willing to relive nightmares best left in the past. You feel Gordon's loss and frustration over a lifetime wasted and a love that never had a chance. I promise, you will cry and cringe and scream as you accompany Gordon on his journey, but go you will.
The plot is refreshing and original in its narration. Sure, we've seen the set-up and outline before, but once the scene is established, Tomblin takes a 360 turn and takes it in a wicked direction. Full of implied danger and subtle clues, the ending is guaranteed to chill you to the bone. A creepy, psychological thriller, this book can be read over and over again.
Avoiding the allure to drag on long after it's necessary, Tomblin's style of writing is tight and concise. His descriptive narrative brings to life Gordon's surroundings and his dialog adds vitality to it. You can tell that he's comfortable within the boundaries of writing a ghost story, and are shocked and amazed when he breaks free of those chains and revels in his freedom.
Although this book is very involved, it's also, shockingly, a quick and simple read. The pace is set from the moment you enter the book, moving you along peacefully at first and then picking up speed while your eyes were closed. Having read it in only 3 hours, it wasn't until I closed the book that I realized my pulse was racing and beads of sweat were dripping down my neck.
Almost becoming a character itself, the atmosphere is hypnotic and captivating. Tomblin captures the south, immersing you into Gordon's world. You can smell the overgrown greenery and hear the sound of the river flowing. In fact, he does it too well. He calms your senses and whispers assurances into the wind, distracting you from your own fear. Even though you know you're aware something is going to happen, you're too drawn in to pay attention to the signs. It's when you have to be peeled off the ceiling that you realize you were tricked.
Secretly imaging your feet in their shoes, the characters are dynamic and true to life. Allowing the players to unfold naturally, you understand what motivates them and why they're willing to relive nightmares best left in the past. You feel Gordon's loss and frustration over a lifetime wasted and a love that never had a chance. I promise, you will cry and cringe and scream as you accompany Gordon on his journey, but go you will.
June 2, 2013
Kindle. Quick read, pretty good ghost story.
"the air rolled into his lungs like cool riverbed silt". I swear I *smelled* that sentence. There were moments of absolute brilliance in this book. I want to read more of this author's work.
"the air rolled into his lungs like cool riverbed silt". I swear I *smelled* that sentence. There were moments of absolute brilliance in this book. I want to read more of this author's work.
June 15, 2013
Good story, quite unexpected. This is not a long book but well paced. Reminded me of some of Stephen King's type of stories.
July 7, 2013
Wow! This book really surprised me! I couldn't put it down- read it in just one sitting. Great read with an intriguing end that leaves you thinking about it long after you finish the story.
March 23, 2010
It's been ages since I've had the pleasure of reading a good, old-fashioned ghost story. Set in the American South, Riverside Blues unfurls its dark secrets languidly, leading the reader down a strange and unpredictable path. Superbly written and rich in metaphor, it's the kind of novel you should read on a hot summer night, out on the back porch, to the accompaniment of strange things rustling around in the underbrush.
February 28, 2019
This is a nice tale with elements or horror, romance and suspense. I liked it but didn't love it like many reviewers. The twist near the end was interesting and maybe the best part, but seemed rushed. I felt like I was reading a short story, that could have been so much more developed. To me, "Riverside Blues" seemed slow in the beginning, as though the author didn't want to reveal too much, but we all knew where the "Lily" part was going. Then Mr. Tomblin seemed to be in a hurry to end this quaint story. He could have developed the two lovers response to Earl much more and other possible scenarios that they may have tried. I was a bit disappointed that this book wasn't awesome, but I'd still recommend it to those who like soft horror.
January 6, 2018
Mystery and Supernatural !
I was bit disappointed at the end. The build up was good. I was awaiting something better towards the end. It is a short book which can be typically finished in one or two sittings
I was bit disappointed at the end. The build up was good. I was awaiting something better towards the end. It is a short book which can be typically finished in one or two sittings
May 18, 2008
What an intense book! I read it in one sitting, my eyes racing to the next line. I realized after finishing, I had been digging my fingernails into the palm of my hand. I absolutely love Erik's descriptive writing. I could smell the earth, feel the wet heat and hear thunder. Excellently written, great character development.
June 24, 2010
The scorching simplicty and lyrical beauty of this narrative make it a must read for anyone who appreciates honest writing here it is raw, naked and alive . Tomblin's debut marks him out as one of the coolest writers on the block! Be inspired ...........
May 26, 2008
This is a well written tale. There is friendship, loss, hope, and second chances. The moral seems to be true love never ends.
April 24, 2008
Wow!
I had to continue reading it.
Couldn't put it down until I finished.
I had to continue reading it.
Couldn't put it down until I finished.
Want to read
January 10, 2009Sounds interesting!
June 26, 2010
Outstanding - this guy knows how to roll .
March 2, 2011
Wow, this is good so far. Erik is a talented writer, that's for sure.
June 4, 2013
The ending was not quite satisfactory to me. I wanted more of why the killer did what he did not just what he did. But overall, an engaging and creep story.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews