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stacey332's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A book that follows Tim who, just having gone through a divorce, decides to move on with his life by purchasing and flipping an old farmhouse in a rural area of New Hampshire. He soon discovers that he ended up with more than he bargained for when he realizes that it's haunted by more than one ghost. As he connects with his real estate agent regarding the house's past, they slowly start to unravel the story of several of the previous owners as well as build a new relationship of their own.
This is great example of a horror book that slowly builds more and more tension very well with a few very intense scenes that will have you on the edge of your seat thrown into the mix as well. I enjoyed following Tim's experience and slowly uncovering the mysteries surrounding the story however I didn't love the way that we got some answers towards the end of the book. I would have preferred more logic based steps to the solution of the plot as well as more explanations that pertain to the plot of this book. I'm keen to continue the series and see what else will be uncovered though and feel that in retrospect I may enjoy this entry more once I've received a bit more payoff for some of it (but that's very much a personal preference thing as I also have similar complaints about other insanely popular fantasy series)!
This is great example of a horror book that slowly builds more and more tension very well with a few very intense scenes that will have you on the edge of your seat thrown into the mix as well. I enjoyed following Tim's experience and slowly uncovering the mysteries surrounding the story however I didn't love the way that we got some answers towards the end of the book. I would have preferred more logic based steps to the solution of the plot as well as more explanations that pertain to the plot of this book. I'm keen to continue the series and see what else will be uncovered though and feel that in retrospect I may enjoy this entry more once I've received a bit more payoff for some of it (but that's very much a personal preference thing as I also have similar complaints about other insanely popular fantasy series)!
thewilliamsterling's review against another edition
5.0
Scary as hell, confident, and unabashedly in-your-face, this was exactly the ghost story I was hoping to stumble across.
The trend in modern ghost stories seems to be stressing the ambiguity of it all. "Are these ghosts real?" "Is the protagonist crazy?" Etc.
Clark shuns these questions and instead gives us an antagonist who is clearly real, angry, and dangerous, shifting the narrative questions instead to "what does she want?" and "how can the protagonists get through this?" which makes for an exciting and tense read.
Mildred wells is an evil which will stick in my mind for a long time, and I'm eagerly moving on to book 2. Good luck, readers.
The trend in modern ghost stories seems to be stressing the ambiguity of it all. "Are these ghosts real?" "Is the protagonist crazy?" Etc.
Clark shuns these questions and instead gives us an antagonist who is clearly real, angry, and dangerous, shifting the narrative questions instead to "what does she want?" and "how can the protagonists get through this?" which makes for an exciting and tense read.
Mildred wells is an evil which will stick in my mind for a long time, and I'm eagerly moving on to book 2. Good luck, readers.
catsluvcoffee's review against another edition
4.0
The Patience of a Dead Man is a chilling debut novel. The blurb tells you what to expect—ghosts. However, just acknowledging that there are ghosts doesn't prepare you for what's about to happen. Part mystery, part ghost story, this well-crafted read isn't your typical haunted house fare. Michael Clark is a phenomenal storyteller, ramping up the tension as the story builds. Like Charon on the River Styx, Clark steers the reader through each white-knuckled spectral encounter. Each spine-chilling situation is detailed in such a way that envisioning each and every creak of the house is effortless.
Tim is a likable enough guy, though unmistakably flawed. Though the relationship between him and Holly—the real estate agent turned confidant—develops a bit too rapidly, they make a good team. There were some inconsistencies along the way though. You would think if the diary written by the previous owner and her own experience with the ghosts was so significant, they would have made an effort to read it immediately. Not so much. Clark's protagonists are like the people in horror movies that run up the stairs to avoid the killer, leading to that off-kilter feeling of frustration and the reader attempting to manage the characters through the pages.
The fast pace of the novel meant little or no downtime without the spooks. What moments weren't spent with the disturbing presence were permeated with hunched shoulder anticipation of their reappearance. There's a feeling of wrongness from the very start and it only becomes more expansive as the story continues. While the storyline does jump from present-day 1970s to the time of the previous owner and the life of the haunts, the transitions are easy to follow without confusion. There is a bit of overexplaining at times, specifically where the diary is concerned that could have been trimmed without squandering the plot.
Clark takes the typical haunted house trope and transforms it. Well-plotted and devised, the ebb and flow of dread pulls the reader into the story very quickly and doesn't let go. This is not a book that you will be able to pace yourself contentedly through. Once committed to the story, it will seize you and not let go. My only regret in reading The Patience of a Dead Man was that I didn't read it sooner.
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Tim is a likable enough guy, though unmistakably flawed. Though the relationship between him and Holly—the real estate agent turned confidant—develops a bit too rapidly, they make a good team. There were some inconsistencies along the way though. You would think if the diary written by the previous owner and her own experience with the ghosts was so significant, they would have made an effort to read it immediately. Not so much. Clark's protagonists are like the people in horror movies that run up the stairs to avoid the killer, leading to that off-kilter feeling of frustration and the reader attempting to manage the characters through the pages.
The fast pace of the novel meant little or no downtime without the spooks. What moments weren't spent with the disturbing presence were permeated with hunched shoulder anticipation of their reappearance. There's a feeling of wrongness from the very start and it only becomes more expansive as the story continues. While the storyline does jump from present-day 1970s to the time of the previous owner and the life of the haunts, the transitions are easy to follow without confusion. There is a bit of overexplaining at times, specifically where the diary is concerned that could have been trimmed without squandering the plot.
Clark takes the typical haunted house trope and transforms it. Well-plotted and devised, the ebb and flow of dread pulls the reader into the story very quickly and doesn't let go. This is not a book that you will be able to pace yourself contentedly through. Once committed to the story, it will seize you and not let go. My only regret in reading The Patience of a Dead Man was that I didn't read it sooner.
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booksnink's review against another edition
5.0
The Patience Of a Dead Man starts off in 1965 and at the New Hampshire farm, a huge Manor House with stables and a vast amount of grounds; along with an abandoned Christmas Tree farm at the other side of the grove. The owners at the time are Henry and Annette Smith, they are a happy couple who have had many happy years at New Hampshire.
They share a love of horses and they enjoyed life together and had spent so far over 31 years in their beautiful home and had raised their now grown up children there.
One evening in November, Henry sets out with his hatchet to pick the Christmas tree for the upcoming festivities after Thanksgiving; he makes his way to the abandoned tree farm but ends up dead after a “heart attack”.
Annette who is left behind as a widow becomes a key figure for future happenings.
We then jump to 1971 and we meet Tim Russell. He has separated from his wife and is currently going through a messy divorce. Tim is trying rebuild his life and start again so when we meet him he is being shown round Hampshire Farm.
Holly Burns is the real estate agent who takes Tim round the run down home that is much needed of major renovations. So Tim ends buying the house and his life changes even more than he could ever expect.
The plan is at this point will be to make money, fix up the house and bring it back to its former glory.
It doesn’t take long for Tim to notice strange things start occurring, strange smells, strange noises, bangs and footsteps throughout the house and this is just the start.
Michael Clark writes in such a way that you really get pulled in to the book and my investment with the main protagonist was vast. Some of the events that took place literally scared the living hell out of me and others turned my stomach to the point of turning green.
The sound of a fly buzzing will now make me turn quicker than what they perhaps would have before.
This debut book for Michael Clark was executed to perfection and he had the right amount of everything included in the book. There was a romance side to the story but this didn’t overtake what the book should have been about thankfully and it was just like the cherry on the top of the most stunning cake.
As you got towards the end of the book it really picked up the pace and the tension intensified further, this book was literally on fire.
Never could I have guessed how this book would end in a million years. A woman scorned is a dangerous thing so I can’t wait to pick up the next book as I just didn’t see this particular bit happening at all.
Michael may I congratulate you on a truly fantastic book and I am honoured that you sent me this book over for review. From the cover to the content everything was simply fantastic and I couldn’t have asked for a better book to review. I highly recommend anyone to read this title and I can’t wait to get through the next book and receive the final instalment.
Of this genre this is so far my favourite book of the year
They share a love of horses and they enjoyed life together and had spent so far over 31 years in their beautiful home and had raised their now grown up children there.
One evening in November, Henry sets out with his hatchet to pick the Christmas tree for the upcoming festivities after Thanksgiving; he makes his way to the abandoned tree farm but ends up dead after a “heart attack”.
Annette who is left behind as a widow becomes a key figure for future happenings.
We then jump to 1971 and we meet Tim Russell. He has separated from his wife and is currently going through a messy divorce. Tim is trying rebuild his life and start again so when we meet him he is being shown round Hampshire Farm.
Holly Burns is the real estate agent who takes Tim round the run down home that is much needed of major renovations. So Tim ends buying the house and his life changes even more than he could ever expect.
The plan is at this point will be to make money, fix up the house and bring it back to its former glory.
It doesn’t take long for Tim to notice strange things start occurring, strange smells, strange noises, bangs and footsteps throughout the house and this is just the start.
Michael Clark writes in such a way that you really get pulled in to the book and my investment with the main protagonist was vast. Some of the events that took place literally scared the living hell out of me and others turned my stomach to the point of turning green.
The sound of a fly buzzing will now make me turn quicker than what they perhaps would have before.
This debut book for Michael Clark was executed to perfection and he had the right amount of everything included in the book. There was a romance side to the story but this didn’t overtake what the book should have been about thankfully and it was just like the cherry on the top of the most stunning cake.
As you got towards the end of the book it really picked up the pace and the tension intensified further, this book was literally on fire.
Never could I have guessed how this book would end in a million years. A woman scorned is a dangerous thing so I can’t wait to pick up the next book as I just didn’t see this particular bit happening at all.
Michael may I congratulate you on a truly fantastic book and I am honoured that you sent me this book over for review. From the cover to the content everything was simply fantastic and I couldn’t have asked for a better book to review. I highly recommend anyone to read this title and I can’t wait to get through the next book and receive the final instalment.
Of this genre this is so far my favourite book of the year
karlakayjenniges's review against another edition
4.0
"Every house had its problems. Every house had its problems. Every house had its problems."
" He waited with the patience of a dead man."
This starts out with the author building the setting, characters, and plot. So, as it may seem a bit slow at first, it was super important. The setting was so detailed, it made the story so engaging, and created a feeling of actually walking on the property along side the characters. It became more exciting, suspenseful, and chilling as the story unfolds.
I loved the inclusion of the illustrations, maps, the journals, and the revealing of the backstory.
Chilling, and entertaining, I'm looking forward to reading the other books.
Thinking about what Mildred is going to do next is too frightening to even imagine!
(I'm glad I live in an apartment, not a huge sprawling house on a massive property!!!)
4.5 stars....1/2 star taken off because I didn't connect with the relationship included between Tim and Holly.
" He waited with the patience of a dead man."
This starts out with the author building the setting, characters, and plot. So, as it may seem a bit slow at first, it was super important. The setting was so detailed, it made the story so engaging, and created a feeling of actually walking on the property along side the characters. It became more exciting, suspenseful, and chilling as the story unfolds.
I loved the inclusion of the illustrations, maps, the journals, and the revealing of the backstory.
Chilling, and entertaining, I'm looking forward to reading the other books.
Thinking about what Mildred is going to do next is too frightening to even imagine!
(I'm glad I live in an apartment, not a huge sprawling house on a massive property!!!)
4.5 stars....1/2 star taken off because I didn't connect with the relationship included between Tim and Holly.
readbydusk's review against another edition
I love haunted house horrors and this has a lot of potential. The setting is well-described and there are hints of dark history in the past. However, I thought the story moves really slow and there are too much detail that bogged down the flow. The timelines keep flipping back and forth, it makes the book feels choppy instead of adding intrigue. I gave it to 35% in my kindle but it just doesn't hold my interest. I'm sure this will work for other people but it's not for me.
tiffanyreadsbooks's review against another edition
5.0
I’m not going to lie; I had never heard of this author or this book. I was in a horrible reading slump and couldn’t find anything to drag me out of the pits of slumpdom. One day I was scrolling through one of the social media platforms and I see an ad for a book. Now this cover was very intriguing. Just a woman’s neck covered in flies. Then there was the title, The Patience of a Dead Man. Huh, I wonder where this is going?
Jump to Chapter One. What just happened? And it NEVER stopped! I actually had to put the book down a couple of times (especially at night) because I was so creeped out. And I swear I am hearing footsteps all over my house when no one but me is there. Now that is an awesome ghost story!
This a story of a guy, Tim, who buys a fixer up after a really crappy divorce. This is no ordinary fixer upper though because it’s haunted and when I say haunted, this house is in a league of its own. Tim has to figure out the mystery of the woman who haunts the house before he winds up like all of the former owners. Dead.
This world was so wonderfully written and I was so invested in these characters I genuinely got angry at a certain point of the book. I can not wait to read the next book, Dead Woman Scorned, when it comes out.
Jump to Chapter One. What just happened? And it NEVER stopped! I actually had to put the book down a couple of times (especially at night) because I was so creeped out. And I swear I am hearing footsteps all over my house when no one but me is there. Now that is an awesome ghost story!
This a story of a guy, Tim, who buys a fixer up after a really crappy divorce. This is no ordinary fixer upper though because it’s haunted and when I say haunted, this house is in a league of its own. Tim has to figure out the mystery of the woman who haunts the house before he winds up like all of the former owners. Dead.
This world was so wonderfully written and I was so invested in these characters I genuinely got angry at a certain point of the book. I can not wait to read the next book, Dead Woman Scorned, when it comes out.
wellwortharead's review against another edition
4.0
Tim is recently divorced and close to bankrupt after his ex wife took most of their assets and tied up the sale of their home for 5 years. Losing the biggest part of his business but unable to fathom no longer being his own boss he takes what money he has left and sinks it into a dilapidated farmhouse hoping to fix it up and turn a big enough profit to get back on his feet. From the moment he takes possession of the house there are spooky happenings and strange sounds that simply should not be, There also seems to be the ghost of a child and the foul stench of death and decay emanate from a fly covered corpse that roams the house and grounds at will. Discovery of a journal kept by the previous owner who has documented her own experiences in the home proves to Tim that this haunting is not a figment of his stressed out imagination. He confides in Holly the real estate agent who sold him the house and together they try to solve the mystery of who these spirits were in life and why they have remained after death. Rather than the typical use of flashbacks to reveal the back story of the farm house the author relies more on vivid dreams and the journal to uncover the past. Some readers may take issue with this, but it worked for me, making me feel as if I were in on the investigation.
I received a complimentary copy for review.
I received a complimentary copy for review.
crystal_staley's review against another edition
4.5
This is one heck of a ghost story! We follow Tim, newly divorced and trying to start over. He’s purchased an old farm house in New Hampshire to do just that. But very soon he discovers he’s not actually alone on this property. There’s a woman walking on the property and inside the house! And she doesn’t look very pleasant. This book was spooky! There’s some scenes that definitely made my skin crawl. Incredibly atmospheric. The writing was great and the setting was so vivid. I could visualize everything as was happening on the page. I also loved the 1970s time period, it brought such nostalgia to the story as well. I can’t wait to continue the series to see how this all plays out. I think dear Mildred isn’t finished with us yet.