Horror Aficionados discussion

Our first-place winner for our December group read is Ghost Eaters by Clay McLeod Chapman. Please use spoiler tags if discussing anything that could spoil the story for other readers. I loved this one and hope all of you do too! Enjoy and get haunted!

amazon link-
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/168...

Author's website-
https://claymcleodchapman.com/

I have had this book on hold from the library for a while now and still in line. Doubt I will have it by Dec. the way it is going.

would definitely like to read this one with the group, but idk when my library hold will come through. hope i can get my hands on it in time! :)

This one sounds good--I have the second one in my pile, but may try to add this one in.

My library has it in CloudLibrary so I’ll start it tomorrow!! Hope it’s good 🙃

I've read this book a few months ago on NetGalley - solid 4 stars for me - I've no idea how to find the link to my Goodreads review, so I'm pasting it here (no spoilers) - hopefully, that's allowed? I'm curious to hear what other people think about it

A well-written and suitably grim horror novel. I very much enjoyed the writing style and the darkness of the story which unfolded with each new page. The narrative seems to flirt with Shirley Jackson's haunted house and Silvia Moreno -Garcia's Mexican Gothic yet adds new original layers to both.

My only critical remark refers to character development - the protagonist Erin Hill hardly changes from the beginning to the end of the novel and keeps on repeating the same mistakes for reasons that weren't made very clear or believable. There aren't many likable or relatable characters, but the plot successfully drives the story until its interesting ending.

Started reading this today, on page 64 and I’m intrigued… it definitely keeping my interest so far!

I read this last month and had mixed emotions about it. I'm interested to hear your thoughts on it.

Here is my review. It doesn't contain any spoilers:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I’m almost halfway done and I’m very intrigued so far!! (And a bit confused, but that’s okay). This is the first book of this author that I’m reading and I really enjoy the writing style, I find it very easy to read

Just picked this one up. Hoping to start soon and join you here. I need to finish a book first.

I just added this to my cart on Barnes and Noble and I'm so excited to get started! Premise sounds really interesting and something up my alley so I'll probably start this as soon as I finish American Psycho!

Edit: I had to take a break from American Psycho (second one) and I started reading this instead. Already halfway through and I'm enjoying it so far.

i Just started it yesterday and it's quite intriguing and well written

I’m done and I’ve been Ghosted!

It actually surprised me, I didn’t expect to finish and was tempted to give up several times. what kept me reading is the writing style!! The story was alright, and I’m glad I kept an open mind.
I’d say it’s not for everyone, and I won’t be surprised if some don’t enjoy it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

You can read my thoughts here

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I’ve just finished this one. I agree that this might not be for everyone, but I really enjoyed it. The horror aspect was good and the underlying story/message really came through for me in the end.

I just started this last night.

I’ve been contemplating this book for a while. Think I might pick it up soon as well. Even though some people give it some solid reviews. It feels as though the algorithms used shed it in a worse light, which is why I haven’t bothered honestly.

Daniel wrote: "I’ve been contemplating this book for a while. Think I might pick it up soon as well. Even though some people give it some solid reviews. It feels as though the algorithms used shed it in a worse l..."

You should defo try it out. It's a strange read at times and most definitely not for everyone but overall I enjoyed it.

my hold came through today! gonna try to finish the hacienda tonight so i can get started on this ASAP. it sounds so promising!

Yay, Rachel! I’m at page 104 and shit’s starting to go down.

I started today. Up to page 65, almost the end of Part 1.
I'm enjoying this. I appreciate the voice of the narrator (Erin) and like her character. The writing feels confessional, like a friend sharing secrets with you over coffee. The opening prologue introduces the characters in an action setting and foreshadows the creepiness, establishing the atmosphere.
Things don't really pick up in terms of horror until the last act of Part One, but I have a feeling it's going to ramp up from there. In the meantime, I've really gotten to know these characters and have a feeling I'll be worrying about them shortly.
There are some nice approaches to presenting this information by the author, most notably in "date stone", the first chapter where Erin assesses her blind date as if she were an EMT and checking the accident victim for a pulse/signs of life.

Started this yesterday and I have to say I'm really enjoying it. Love the writing style. Bonus points for taking me back in time to being on the schoolyard singing that old song a million times "The worms crawl in and the worms crawl out, the worms play pinochle on your snout..." I'm reading several books at the moment, but I've mostly dropped the other ones as this one has me hooked. The idea of the book seems pretty unique to others I've read, and I can't wait to see what happens next. I just hope the end is as good as the first half of the book.

I hope y’all love it.

I borrowed this from my public library yesterday because I was slightly bored with my current read. "Ghost Eaters" is hypnotic, mesmerizing, un-put-down-able!

I'm about 1/3 done, and loving it so far. Whoever nominated this book - THANK YOU!

Just started reading this book before bed last night (not the best idea lol). Excited to read more!

I'm on page 132 and I'm enjoying it as well.

@Michael, I loved that opening scene as well, though it took a moment to catch on that she was not some kind of nurse! LOL

I adore the writing style and the tale has picked up quite a bit from the slower start.

I finished the book this evening. What an addictive read! (haha - cornball joke)

I was completely not expecting the (view spoiler)[mushroom element - it gave the book a very Mexican Gothic and The Girl with All the Gifts vibe. (hide spoiler)]

Char wrote: "Yay, Rachel! I’m at page 104 and shit’s starting to go down."

yes! i just hit page 107, and i'm so invested. can't wait to see the all the ways that this goes wrong, lol.

Not my cup of tea. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

It’s a powerful story that intersects the thrill of paranormal with the tragedy of addiction. The story is unique, and creative, placing the reader in the headspace of the main protagonist, Erin. Unfortunately, I didn’t relate to Erin, nor did I find any of the characters likable or sympathetic, except for the mother who wanted only to fully grieve for her lost baby.

While I liked the writing, it felt like the action was redundant and constantly frantic. Throughout the story, I wasn’t scared, mostly just sad, in particular because Erin’s life seemed truly empty of any healthy human connection. The book has a good and proper ending, not rushed and true to the tone of how life works. The takeaway for me is that addiction is tragic. It’s powerful and all-consuming… and it’s a bitch to kick a habit that’s grown deep into your psyche.

Starting this one in just a bit! Excited to discuss it with you all :-)

Just finished Part 2, and the first attempts at contact with the afterlife. I have an uneasy feeling about this.
Page 103: "I am the house. Every room is a chamber of my heart, every hallway an artery, every beam a bone. All I need now is a ghost. I'm ready to be haunted."

Ruth wrote: "Not my cup of tea. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

It’s a powerful story that intersects the thrill of paranormal with the tragedy of addiction. The story is unique, and creative, placing the reader in the headspace of th..."

You phrased this in such a great way! I'm glad that I wasn't the only one who couldn't quite connect with Erin/the story.

I wish it had worked better for you Taylor and Ruth.


I'm about 40 pages away from the end and I'm still digging it. I'm interested in how the author is going to wind things up. (Forgive the pun, (view spoiler)[ like how Tobias was winding up people like Erin, in shrouds. (hide spoiler)] Now we finally see the reason for what is on the cover of the book.

I finished this last night and I loved it. The quality of the writing, the blood and gore, the mysteriousness of it all.

This was my first group read with you all and it did not disappoint! 🙂 I found this an easy novel to read, with an original premise, though it was not especially surprising in terms of plot twists. The gore picked up a bit in the end, but it wasn’t necessarily the creepiest novel I’ve ever read. Looking forward to the January picks!

I had a lot of fun with this one too! I just finished a few days ago and it really compelled me to keep reading until I was done. I think the author did a great job at assembling an interesting concept of intertwining memory, loss, regret, and pain, and addiction with Ghosts and drugs. Had it gone darker, this would have been something similar to Hellraiser. Story does get a bit overly complicated, but I thought Erin felt like a real, complete person in all her flaws. This was a significantly more interesting book than the one I read during last month's selections. I hoped others liked it too.

Been swamped most of the week but plan to make a nice dent tonight, and tomorrow, possibly even finish it by then. I'm off the next two days from work :-)

LTJ wrote: "Been swamped most of the week but plan to make a nice dent tonight, and tomorrow, possibly even finish it by then. I'm off the next two days from work :-)"

Wishing you a pleasant two days of reading, then, my friend! This book was a wonderfully twisted head fuck, and I hope you enjoy the ride!

@Netanella: Thank you so much, my friend! LoL I can't wait as so far, I've been enjoying it. LoL just haven't had time to sit and really dive in but that changes tonight :-D

I hope you're doing well and that your next cup of coffee or tea is amazing!

Wow baby! On p. 150 & things are really ramping up! Anyone else about halfway through?

Karmen wrote: "I've read this book a few months ago on NetGalley - solid 4 stars for me - I've no idea how to find the link to my Goodreads review, so I'm pasting it here (no spoilers) - hopefully, that's allowed..."

I love Shirley Jackson. I am new to this group but I will see if I can get a copy of this and join. It sounds like it might be a good read. I do a lot of NG but didn't notice this one. I just checked NG and saw it is still available so I requested it. Maybe I will join!

@Crisanne: On Page 99 and enjoying it so far! LoL now I want to get to Page 150 to see what you're talking about! I plan to finish this or get really close to finishing this tonight :-)

@debbicat: I also love Shirley Jackson, especially The Haunting of Hill House! She's an amazing author :-D

Char wrote: "I wish it had worked better for you Taylor and Ruth.


I'm about 40 pages away from the end and I'm still digging it. I'm interested in how the author is going to wind things up. (Forgive the pun,..."

Good pun. I forgive you. Who could resist?

I finished yesterday. I flew through the second half of this book. Really visually disturbing at the end. And I dug it.
Here's my review . . . . .

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Half way through and loving this book. It’s wonderfully creepy.

LTJ wrote: I also love Shirley Jackson,
especially The Haunting of Hill House!
She's an amazing author :-D

Me: I’m not sure anyone has written a better haunted house tale. I’m in total agreement.

Greetings all. I just started this book. After reading some of the comments, I'm excited to get into this book.

Happy holidays.

-George

@Andrew: Oh yes, to this day, nothing has come close to that masterpiece and classic haunted house horror novel :-)

@George: Greetings and awesome! I'm at around the 70% mark and it's just so good, really picks up and gets crazy at around the 50% mark, at least for me :-)

Happy holidays to you as well and happy reading!

I just finished this and I was pleasantly surprised. This was intense.