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Cursed!
Albert Shipway is an ordinary guy, an insurance negotiator who likes booze and women and never having to say he’s sorry.
And he thinks this is just another day, another lunch, another order of kung pao chicken. Little does he know that he’s about to meet a little old lady who knows his greatest fear. A little old lady who knows what’s hiding in his heart. A little old lady who dishes up a big stew of supernatural revenge, with ingredients as follows: First you take one psychotic ex from a family of serial killers. Next add a pinch or two of an irrational childhood fear. Now thoroughly mix in an angry sister, a life-stealing great-granddad, and a notorious mass murderer—who happens to be dead but doesn’t know it. Let it stew and froth and bubble thoroughly....
In just a matter of minutes, Albert’s life turns upside down and he enters a world where magic and evil lurk beneath the fabric of Southern California. And all his choices have brewed a perfect storm of broken hearts, broken promises, shattered families, and a couple of tiny problems. Namely, killer mice and a baby.
Albert Shipway is finally getting a chance to right some wrongs.
That is, if it’s not too late.
And he thinks this is just another day, another lunch, another order of kung pao chicken. Little does he know that he’s about to meet a little old lady who knows his greatest fear. A little old lady who knows what’s hiding in his heart. A little old lady who dishes up a big stew of supernatural revenge, with ingredients as follows: First you take one psychotic ex from a family of serial killers. Next add a pinch or two of an irrational childhood fear. Now thoroughly mix in an angry sister, a life-stealing great-granddad, and a notorious mass murderer—who happens to be dead but doesn’t know it. Let it stew and froth and bubble thoroughly....
In just a matter of minutes, Albert’s life turns upside down and he enters a world where magic and evil lurk beneath the fabric of Southern California. And all his choices have brewed a perfect storm of broken hearts, broken promises, shattered families, and a couple of tiny problems. Namely, killer mice and a baby.
Albert Shipway is finally getting a chance to right some wrongs.
That is, if it’s not too late.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2010
104 people are currently reading
544 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Rain
686 books1,727 followersJ.R. Rain is the author of 110 novels and counting. He lives on an island in the Pacific Northwest, where he's hard at work on his next novel... and fighting off sparkly vampires.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 27, 2020
A very unusual horror story!😍 Has it all!😍 BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍
IF YOU WANT A BOOK THAT HAS A VERY AND INTRIGUING BUNCH OF INTERESTING CHARACTERS. IT HAS ALL THE SUSPENSE A READER COULD HOPE FOR!w BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍
IF YOU WANT A BOOK THAT HAS A VERY AND INTRIGUING BUNCH OF INTERESTING CHARACTERS. IT HAS ALL THE SUSPENSE A READER COULD HOPE FOR!w BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍
January 15, 2014
The beginning is a tad somber much like the main character Albert Shipway. There isn't much that isn't wrong about his life and to top it all off he ends up making the acquaintance of an odd old woman who decides he needs to be cursed.Just when you think things can't get worse than they are and you find they can.
In one day Albert gets a curse, becomes a father of a baby kidnapped by his psycho ex-wife and finds there is a small matter of a serial killer gone zombie Golem to deal with. Happy Days.
Oh and of course there is the minor issue of his curse in form of his mouse phobia. They are simply everywhere giving him the major heebie-jeebies. I can't say that mice bother me very much, although I would find it mildly irritating if they were harassing me every second of the day.
The build-up of the evil father-in-law come back to life to kill again was good, however it culminated in a very short ending of said Golem. Shame really seeing as the previous info on the man was quite creepy, I was expecting a lot more from that character.
It is an entertaining read with a sense of morbid and a quirky sense of humour.
This book is part of Sinners & Sorcerers: Four Urban Fantasy Thrillers a box-set with four Urban Fantasy stories.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of the author.
In one day Albert gets a curse, becomes a father of a baby kidnapped by his psycho ex-wife and finds there is a small matter of a serial killer gone zombie Golem to deal with. Happy Days.
Oh and of course there is the minor issue of his curse in form of his mouse phobia. They are simply everywhere giving him the major heebie-jeebies. I can't say that mice bother me very much, although I would find it mildly irritating if they were harassing me every second of the day.
The build-up of the evil father-in-law come back to life to kill again was good, however it culminated in a very short ending of said Golem. Shame really seeing as the previous info on the man was quite creepy, I was expecting a lot more from that character.
It is an entertaining read with a sense of morbid and a quirky sense of humour.
This book is part of Sinners & Sorcerers: Four Urban Fantasy Thrillers a box-set with four Urban Fantasy stories.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of the author.
January 2, 2012
A nice quick read. The story was engaging for most of the book, until the ending arrived and then the story and it's subplots seemed to just be thrown together. Overall, a nice one-day read for fans of horror and suspense.
May 2, 2013
Loved this book. Awesome read that kept you waiting for more.
Good Job Scott and J.R.!!
Good Job Scott and J.R.!!
February 28, 2020
Orange County, CA. Albert “Al” Shipway (insurance negotiator) was informed Amanda Mead (Albert’s mistress) was stabbed to death this morning. She also had a child.
It seems Gerda Shipway (ex-wife) has disappeared.
Detective Tabitha “Tabby” (Amanda’s sister, Fullerton PD Homicide) & Al (narrator) have a kid to save & a murderer to stop.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written cozy crime mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime movie, or better yet a mini TV series. It was just OK for me so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Rain Press; ReadingDeals; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
It seems Gerda Shipway (ex-wife) has disappeared.
Detective Tabitha “Tabby” (Amanda’s sister, Fullerton PD Homicide) & Al (narrator) have a kid to save & a murderer to stop.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written cozy crime mystery book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great crime movie, or better yet a mini TV series. It was just OK for me so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Rain Press; ReadingDeals; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
July 10, 2022
Wonderful entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
Another will written fantasy murder mystery romantic relationship family adventure thriller novel by J. R. Rain and Scott Nickolson about murder, witchcraft, ghost, and horror. A man's 🚹 mistress is murdered. Unknown she has his baby. A witch cast a mouse 🐁 spell on him. A ghost 👻 read for fifteen years appears. It all comes together in the violent end. I would highly recommend this novel to readers of horror mysteries and fans of J. R. Rain ☔. Enjoy the adventure of reading all kinds of different types of novels 👍🔰 and books 📚. 2022 👒😊💑🏡
Another will written fantasy murder mystery romantic relationship family adventure thriller novel by J. R. Rain and Scott Nickolson about murder, witchcraft, ghost, and horror. A man's 🚹 mistress is murdered. Unknown she has his baby. A witch cast a mouse 🐁 spell on him. A ghost 👻 read for fifteen years appears. It all comes together in the violent end. I would highly recommend this novel to readers of horror mysteries and fans of J. R. Rain ☔. Enjoy the adventure of reading all kinds of different types of novels 👍🔰 and books 📚. 2022 👒😊💑🏡
May 15, 2023
Cursed book 2
It must be difficult to write a bloodthirsty, black-magic murderous story and still add enough humor to give yourself relief for all the blood. I am happy Petey gets a happily ever after. Thanx for a terrific book.
It must be difficult to write a bloodthirsty, black-magic murderous story and still add enough humor to give yourself relief for all the blood. I am happy Petey gets a happily ever after. Thanx for a terrific book.
September 18, 2021
Boring
Boring. Boring Boring. Boring Boring. Boring Boring. Boring Boring. Boring Boring. Boring Boring. Boring Boring. Boring Boring. Boring i really did not like this story
Boring. Boring Boring. Boring Boring. Boring Boring. Boring Boring. Boring Boring. Boring Boring. Boring Boring. Boring Boring. Boring i really did not like this story
March 16, 2011
Albert Shipway is just an ordinary guy, with a failed marriage, an alcohol problem, and a lackluster job under his belt. The last thing that he expects is a curse from an unknown woman and an attack from possessed mice, as well as various repercussions for poor life choices. As we find out more about his situation, it is difficult to decide whether he deserves pity or condemnation for being both selfish and clueless.
Cursed! is a relatively quick read, one without extraneous scenes. It stays focused on Al's quest to get his curse removed and to rescue an innocent child from the hands of a killer, in that order. Yes, he is a self-centered individual with an overactive libido, though the situation, along with some prodding from his companion, forces him to act otherwise. In terms of personality, the authors make sure that these salient traits remain consistent throughout the novel, even when he is pushed to act contrary to his own nature. His estranged wife's psychological changes and the factors that caused them are also fascinating. They prompted me to do some cursory digging into her condition, and from what I can tell, the shoe fits.
Some of the images created by the authors succeeded in making me shudder, specifically the ones involving mice or blood. Al's disgust and fear became my own, and I found myself anxiously reading through the scenes, hoping against hope that the repulsive sights would go away and everything would be fine. Childish? Perhaps, but it is a testament to the authors' ability to transport us into their world.
This story is told from Al's point of view, and to some extent, that warrants leniency in terms of grammar. The terse, half-formed sentences matched the poor man's voice quite well, as did a habit of confusing direct objects with pronouns. Even so, the repetitious monologuing got to me after a while. In the first chapter, nearly every paragraph contained the word "booze". Yes, Shipway is overly fixated on alcohol, but it felt redundant and dulled my interest in the story itself. His thoughts also seemed to a bit formulaic: he would wonder at the strangeness of something-or-other, then make a reference to his need for alcohol, his overuse of alcohol, or the possibility that said strange occurrence may be reason enough to cut back on his alcohol consumption. Al Shipway's character was established enough that it didn't need this sort of gimmick to solidify his status as an alcoholic: the number of drinks that he imbibed over the course of the novel renders his thoughts about needing the beverages moot.
While the plot is tight and cohesive, it felt too short. More interactions with various characters or an extension of several plot points would have given a richer experience. For instance, the final confrontation with the kidnapper was an adrenaline rush, but it felt as if it came too easily; the antagonist should have been more difficult to find. The lack of screen time for the golem was also dissatisfying. The concept held a great deal of potential, yet it was underutilized.
Cursed! is a short, straightforward novel with interesting characters and intriguing ideas about dark magic and psychology. While I would have appreciated a bit more development, the conciseness may appeal to those who want a fast-paced, thrilling story that gets to the point.
Cursed! is a relatively quick read, one without extraneous scenes. It stays focused on Al's quest to get his curse removed and to rescue an innocent child from the hands of a killer, in that order. Yes, he is a self-centered individual with an overactive libido, though the situation, along with some prodding from his companion, forces him to act otherwise. In terms of personality, the authors make sure that these salient traits remain consistent throughout the novel, even when he is pushed to act contrary to his own nature. His estranged wife's psychological changes and the factors that caused them are also fascinating. They prompted me to do some cursory digging into her condition, and from what I can tell, the shoe fits.
Some of the images created by the authors succeeded in making me shudder, specifically the ones involving mice or blood. Al's disgust and fear became my own, and I found myself anxiously reading through the scenes, hoping against hope that the repulsive sights would go away and everything would be fine. Childish? Perhaps, but it is a testament to the authors' ability to transport us into their world.
This story is told from Al's point of view, and to some extent, that warrants leniency in terms of grammar. The terse, half-formed sentences matched the poor man's voice quite well, as did a habit of confusing direct objects with pronouns. Even so, the repetitious monologuing got to me after a while. In the first chapter, nearly every paragraph contained the word "booze". Yes, Shipway is overly fixated on alcohol, but it felt redundant and dulled my interest in the story itself. His thoughts also seemed to a bit formulaic: he would wonder at the strangeness of something-or-other, then make a reference to his need for alcohol, his overuse of alcohol, or the possibility that said strange occurrence may be reason enough to cut back on his alcohol consumption. Al Shipway's character was established enough that it didn't need this sort of gimmick to solidify his status as an alcoholic: the number of drinks that he imbibed over the course of the novel renders his thoughts about needing the beverages moot.
While the plot is tight and cohesive, it felt too short. More interactions with various characters or an extension of several plot points would have given a richer experience. For instance, the final confrontation with the kidnapper was an adrenaline rush, but it felt as if it came too easily; the antagonist should have been more difficult to find. The lack of screen time for the golem was also dissatisfying. The concept held a great deal of potential, yet it was underutilized.
Cursed! is a short, straightforward novel with interesting characters and intriguing ideas about dark magic and psychology. While I would have appreciated a bit more development, the conciseness may appeal to those who want a fast-paced, thrilling story that gets to the point.
January 31, 2016
No one really wants to have a curse put on them. They definitely don’t want two of them, but that is exactly what happens to one man named, Al. It doesn’t matter that his life is already falling apart because his wife has left him over an affair and the woman he was having the affair with left because he had a wife. Al is going to grab a quick lunch before heading back to the office only to find himself confronted by the strangest woman who brings back painful and terrifying memories. Minutes later he discovers that his lover has been brutally murdered. And there’s even more to the story that causes the reader’s eyes to grow large.
I have read other stories by these authors, so I kind of knew what I was getting into before I started reading it. I knew I’d like it. But that being said, the story still had enough humor and mystery to keep me reading and wanting to know more.
This author has the ability to blend in many emotions while allowing the main character to keep a type of humor that can be found in his thoughts, words, and actions. The characters were easy to connect to and feel sorry for. Okay, there are a few that you don’t feel any sorrow for until more secrets are revealed. Then you have no idea how you really feel. Your own emotions get all mixed up. Is the bad guy really the bad guy? Maybe he/she is a victim like their own. I can’t say more or I’ll give away so much.
The plot was well done. It kept me hooked. Though I guessed a few secrets, many were complete surprises to me. That is one thing I loved as books that are too easy to guess can have me slower in reading this. I read this book in one sitting. I had to. Though not a long book, there is a lot of action and twists and turns.
If you love mysteries, you have to read this. Now for the warnings. There is some language in it with a few F-bombs dropped. They are not extremely numerous so if you can easily read over them and still enjoy a read, then go ahead and do it. You won’t regret it. It is also very bloody. While it doesn’t get into extreme details, your mind will cringe at the scenes painted before you. There is also a little hocus-pocus in the storyline from the curses being placed on the characters to playing with dark magic that doesn’t have very good results for those performing it always.
Mystery, dark secrets, murder, curses, and unique characters you’ll find yourself connecting to. A great read. I highly suggest you give it a try. Rain and Nicholson are excellent authors.
I have read other stories by these authors, so I kind of knew what I was getting into before I started reading it. I knew I’d like it. But that being said, the story still had enough humor and mystery to keep me reading and wanting to know more.
This author has the ability to blend in many emotions while allowing the main character to keep a type of humor that can be found in his thoughts, words, and actions. The characters were easy to connect to and feel sorry for. Okay, there are a few that you don’t feel any sorrow for until more secrets are revealed. Then you have no idea how you really feel. Your own emotions get all mixed up. Is the bad guy really the bad guy? Maybe he/she is a victim like their own. I can’t say more or I’ll give away so much.
The plot was well done. It kept me hooked. Though I guessed a few secrets, many were complete surprises to me. That is one thing I loved as books that are too easy to guess can have me slower in reading this. I read this book in one sitting. I had to. Though not a long book, there is a lot of action and twists and turns.
If you love mysteries, you have to read this. Now for the warnings. There is some language in it with a few F-bombs dropped. They are not extremely numerous so if you can easily read over them and still enjoy a read, then go ahead and do it. You won’t regret it. It is also very bloody. While it doesn’t get into extreme details, your mind will cringe at the scenes painted before you. There is also a little hocus-pocus in the storyline from the curses being placed on the characters to playing with dark magic that doesn’t have very good results for those performing it always.
Mystery, dark secrets, murder, curses, and unique characters you’ll find yourself connecting to. A great read. I highly suggest you give it a try. Rain and Nicholson are excellent authors.
September 7, 2012
Okay, after reading that synopsis and checking out the cover how could you not at least take a peek at Cursed? It may sound weird, but this paranormal murder mystery was a fun read. Who knew?
Albert isn’t your typical male hero. He’s an alcoholic, adulterer, underachieving coward. But hey, what’s not to love? He finds out within a 24 hour period that the love of his life has been murdered, his hopefully soon to be ex-wife is crazier than even he suspected, he’s been cursed by a witch and he’s a father. Needless to say this book doesn’t slow down until the final page is turned. Also, I’m not sure if I have Scott Nicholson or J.R. Rain to thank for my floor crawling nightmares, but regardless, thank you. Thank you very much! o.O
Cursed was one of those books that had a little bit of everything. It only had a hint of romance, but that’s Okay. It had more than enough humor, mystery, action, suspense and danger (and yes, there was a gross factor too *shivers*) to keep me interested.
Although this is the first book I’ve read by Scott Nicholson, I’ve several of J.R. Rain’s books, which brings me to my guilt factor confession. Looking back, I realized that this is the first of his books that I have reviewed. I guess that means it’s time for some more ‘Deja Vu’ reviews. It’s been a while – guess I’ll just have to force myself to re-read Moon Dance (Vampire for Hire #1), Vampire Moon (Vampire for Hire #2) and Dark Horse (Jim Knight Horse #1). *sigh* The sacrifices I make in the attempt to be a conscientious reader and reviewer. ;) Stay tuned!
I read Cursed as the first boom in the Dark Spells 4-Book set. I’ll be picking these up one at a time. I’ve also downloaded a couple of them separately, so you’ll have to bare with me. I’ll try not to confuse you too much. ;)
Albert isn’t your typical male hero. He’s an alcoholic, adulterer, underachieving coward. But hey, what’s not to love? He finds out within a 24 hour period that the love of his life has been murdered, his hopefully soon to be ex-wife is crazier than even he suspected, he’s been cursed by a witch and he’s a father. Needless to say this book doesn’t slow down until the final page is turned. Also, I’m not sure if I have Scott Nicholson or J.R. Rain to thank for my floor crawling nightmares, but regardless, thank you. Thank you very much! o.O
Cursed was one of those books that had a little bit of everything. It only had a hint of romance, but that’s Okay. It had more than enough humor, mystery, action, suspense and danger (and yes, there was a gross factor too *shivers*) to keep me interested.
Although this is the first book I’ve read by Scott Nicholson, I’ve several of J.R. Rain’s books, which brings me to my guilt factor confession. Looking back, I realized that this is the first of his books that I have reviewed. I guess that means it’s time for some more ‘Deja Vu’ reviews. It’s been a while – guess I’ll just have to force myself to re-read Moon Dance (Vampire for Hire #1), Vampire Moon (Vampire for Hire #2) and Dark Horse (Jim Knight Horse #1). *sigh* The sacrifices I make in the attempt to be a conscientious reader and reviewer. ;) Stay tuned!
I read Cursed as the first boom in the Dark Spells 4-Book set. I’ll be picking these up one at a time. I’ve also downloaded a couple of them separately, so you’ll have to bare with me. I’ll try not to confuse you too much. ;)
November 16, 2012
Keeping up on my steady diet of Scott Nicholson I downloaded this book to my kindle and read it in a day. I saw the good reviews and the story blurbs seemed pretty good and Scott generally doesn't let me down. I wasn't sure about him writing with another author (although one of my favorites is actually the team of Preston and Child..silly me) but I couldn't be happier with the results. This is about as 'can't put it down' as you can get.
Al Shipway has really made a mess of things. Got caught cheating by his wife with a woman who didn't know he was married who subsequently dumps him as well. All decides that booze and just going to work are the answers for the gaping holes in his life that were nobody's fault by his own. See, his affair with Amanda Mead wasn't just a fling. He loved her. Planned to leave his wife for her..eventually..if he wasn't so afraid of his wife that is. His wife isn't all there..she's got a jaded past...but Amanda had her secrets too..not all of which she will take to the grave..oh did I mention she turns up brutally murdered? Oh yeah, Al gets a curse put on him too by a seemingly ancient old lady who looks vaguely familiar...
This is one rapid fire and entertaining read from start to finish. From Albert and his wallowing introspection to the angry sister to the crazy ex and all points in between, each character has their own distinct voice and a life of their own...
Blending mystery with the arcane and a little bit of disturbing imagery here and there you get a very fun, creepy and entertaining read from start to finish.
What's your biggest fear?
HIGHLY recommended.
Al Shipway has really made a mess of things. Got caught cheating by his wife with a woman who didn't know he was married who subsequently dumps him as well. All decides that booze and just going to work are the answers for the gaping holes in his life that were nobody's fault by his own. See, his affair with Amanda Mead wasn't just a fling. He loved her. Planned to leave his wife for her..eventually..if he wasn't so afraid of his wife that is. His wife isn't all there..she's got a jaded past...but Amanda had her secrets too..not all of which she will take to the grave..oh did I mention she turns up brutally murdered? Oh yeah, Al gets a curse put on him too by a seemingly ancient old lady who looks vaguely familiar...
This is one rapid fire and entertaining read from start to finish. From Albert and his wallowing introspection to the angry sister to the crazy ex and all points in between, each character has their own distinct voice and a life of their own...
Blending mystery with the arcane and a little bit of disturbing imagery here and there you get a very fun, creepy and entertaining read from start to finish.
What's your biggest fear?
HIGHLY recommended.
August 23, 2016
Just finished reading “Cursed: A Thriller”, by J.R. Rain and Scott Nicholson. This was a fun lighthearted suspense/horror read. I found myself laughing out loud and being grossed out all at the same time. I’ve read J.R. Rain before, but this is my first read of Scott Nicholson. A very entertaining read...
Synopsis: Albert Shipway is an ordinary guy who's made an extraordinary mistake...a mistake that has left a family in ruins. Unfortunately for Albert, he picked the wrong family.
Now he thinks the past is forgotten and today is just another day, another lunch, another order of kung pao chicken. Little does he know that he’s about to meet a little old lady who knows his greatest fear. A little old lady who knows what’s hiding in his heart. A little old lady who dishes up a big stew of supernatural revenge.
In just a matter of minutes, Albert’s simple life is about to be turned upside down. Indeed, Albert is about to enter a world where magic and evil lurk just beneath the fabric of southern California, where all his past choices have brewed a perfect storm of broken hearts, broken promises, and shattered families...and he's about to pay the ultimate price.
Unless he can start righting some wrongs...and fast.
Synopsis: Albert Shipway is an ordinary guy who's made an extraordinary mistake...a mistake that has left a family in ruins. Unfortunately for Albert, he picked the wrong family.
Now he thinks the past is forgotten and today is just another day, another lunch, another order of kung pao chicken. Little does he know that he’s about to meet a little old lady who knows his greatest fear. A little old lady who knows what’s hiding in his heart. A little old lady who dishes up a big stew of supernatural revenge.
In just a matter of minutes, Albert’s simple life is about to be turned upside down. Indeed, Albert is about to enter a world where magic and evil lurk just beneath the fabric of southern California, where all his past choices have brewed a perfect storm of broken hearts, broken promises, and shattered families...and he's about to pay the ultimate price.
Unless he can start righting some wrongs...and fast.
January 25, 2012
Horror in the midst of realism; Supernatural invading every-day reality; this is the content of which nightmares are constructed. Join Authors Rain and Nicholson as they prove it’s not impossible for an ordinary businessman, with all his faults, foibles, and a few saving graces, to witness the incursion of another realm-a very terrifying and dangerous realm-into his reality, without notice, without warning, but with every terror imaginable.
Sometimes unexpected life-changing (even life-ending) danger arrives in the form of a natural disaster, or an automotive accident, or a train derailment. For insurance claims investigator Albert Shipway, a dedicated alcoholic just past an ugly divorce, lost in his own way, danger comes in the form of a spooky little elderly lady, who looks like she just passed in from an earlier time and place, but who has the power to see his future-and his past-and maybe to foretell his fate.
Terror slinks in with the chill of an uncommon breeze, but it latches on to its unsuspecting victim with an unbreakable, unstoppable grip. Get into “Cursed!” and feel that grip-but don’t read with the lights dimmed!
Sometimes unexpected life-changing (even life-ending) danger arrives in the form of a natural disaster, or an automotive accident, or a train derailment. For insurance claims investigator Albert Shipway, a dedicated alcoholic just past an ugly divorce, lost in his own way, danger comes in the form of a spooky little elderly lady, who looks like she just passed in from an earlier time and place, but who has the power to see his future-and his past-and maybe to foretell his fate.
Terror slinks in with the chill of an uncommon breeze, but it latches on to its unsuspecting victim with an unbreakable, unstoppable grip. Get into “Cursed!” and feel that grip-but don’t read with the lights dimmed!
January 23, 2012
After reading this I will definitely be on the lookout for more for J.R. Rain. He used a real jerk, you know the type everyone loves to hate, but introduced him in a manner that makes you really care about the guy before finding out what a jerk he was. Then the story proceeds to heap punishments on the guy, and while you can't help but root for him a little, you also will likely agree that he deserved at least some of it. The author does a wonderful job at showing just how terrified the main character is, though unless you share his phobias it isn't at all scarey to the reader. Some parts I actually found comical while the main character is wondering if he's stained his underwear yet or not. Overall this was an excellent story and I enjoyed it a lot and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good standalone novel to read.
May 18, 2012
Not many things in life or fiction give me the 'goosie".. but when you have mice covering a man ..eeewwwww.. Loved this book a FUNTASITCAL voyage into fear and facing your demons with some witchcraft and humor... Albert our flawed hero finds himself cursed by the Grandmother of the murdered woman (Amanda) he had an affair with and unknowingly fathered a child (Petey)... Tabby is Amanda's Sister and a cop...Albert and Tabby team up together to find Amanda's Killer and Kidnapper of Petey.. along the way dealing with magic and a serial killer brought back from the dead.. and Albert's INSANE estranged wife.. very good and even in the midst of all the horror you will find in Scott and J.R's way.. humor...
January 26, 2015
Albert Shipway is on his lunch break when he is cursed by a witch. When he gets back to his office there are two detectives waiting to speak with him He is informed that a woman he has not seen in 10 months has been killed and her baby stolen. Al did not know that he was a Dad because Amanda broke it off with him when she found out he was married. Al is now separated and on the way to becoming an alcholic.
I loved this book! The characters are well defined. It is a quick read, hard to put down!
I loved this book! The characters are well defined. It is a quick read, hard to put down!
July 9, 2012
I have read Nicholson books before and enjoyed them. This one I was a little skeptical about, mainly how the story was "really out there", not really believable. But I stuck with it anyway, and am not sorry I did. I thought the ending was going to have twists and I expected them, but actually it ended as I hoped it would, not how I expected it to. I guess not every horror story has to end with terrible results, and I was glad this one didnt. Did I give too much away?
April 30, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Good strong characters and a plot that has a good pace which keeps you gripped. Although I kind of guessed how it might end, there were still some little twists on the way. This is my second Scott Nicholson story and I very much look forward to my third.
September 8, 2012
I'm enjoying it. There's something about the writer's style that is a bit quirky. I can't put my finger on it. Like, its not professional enough. But I am enjoying the read, and the pace. The plot? Hmmmmm????
September 30, 2012
At times hilarious, often terrifying and immensely enjoyable throughout this story of a less than perfect hero who finds himself cursed and forced to face up to the world he has been running from was great stuff. I wasn't scared of mice but I'm not so sure now.
April 5, 2014
Really got into the character of Albert Shipway in the first third of the book (took on his role through his eyes) although after the first third of the book started to disjoint from the book/story, ok though, value read.
September 7, 2015
Thought It Would Be A Normal Thriller
At the beginning I thought this would be thriller without any supernatural elements like the author's other novels but I was wrong. Like his other books supernatural powers come into play.
At the beginning I thought this would be thriller without any supernatural elements like the author's other novels but I was wrong. Like his other books supernatural powers come into play.
October 5, 2015
Absolutely Brilliant, I Couldn't Put It Down!
Wow, what a fantastic book.! I can guaranty that you won't be able to stop reading this book.
It's got thrills, chills, witchcraft, humor and more.
Please, write another one like this one.
Wow, what a fantastic book.! I can guaranty that you won't be able to stop reading this book.
It's got thrills, chills, witchcraft, humor and more.
Please, write another one like this one.
October 17, 2015
'Cursed' was incredibly thrilling. The storyline was full of magic, psycho murderers, curses and some hilarious humor. Tabby and Al made a great team. I loved their sarcasm and humor. This quick read was well written. A great add to your tbr list.
January 4, 2012
Pretty interesting and quite creepy. Makes you wonder........
August 28, 2012
Easy to read book. Curse brings on onslaught of mice which feels real when reading. Good story line.
August 24, 2012
Awesome like all Nicholson's books!
October 1, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. It put me at the edge of my seat a couple of times. I think I just like all of JR Rain's Books.
October 2, 2012
Eh, not that scary or interesting. I didn't become invested with the characters. Writing style was prett basic.
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