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darkpsychereads's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars! Impressive, Atmospheric, Visceral and Suspenseful
WHAT I LOVED
This horror thriller hooks you in very quickly, then takes you through a dark, moody and suspenseful police procedural, and then whips you right back once more at the very end with a twist I never saw coming! Surprise whiplash!... I love this story. I love the ending! I love how this author helped me visualise every scene so vividly! I love multiple POVs, and I love the twists and the disturbing factor. And there's also something seductive, alluring and mysterious about the story.
It isn't often a story can keep my attention and surprise me, so I really commend an author when this happens. I also commend the clear character development and the research into scientific terms. I also find the writing very humane, with references to grief, loss and human frailty.
THE STORY is about a writer, a detective and the elusively disturbing "Brethren" cult.
Aspiring author and ex-cop, Alex Palmer, journeys to a small town called Stormer Hill to research inspiration for his latest book. He is guided through the mysterious case of three missing children with Detective Tom Nolan. Both men soon discover some truly gruesome truths, and the psychological spin throughout is priceless!
LET'S TALK ABOUT the amazing atmospheric mood setup! I really loved how the descriptions married mood, visuals and sound! Often blending quirk, chills and other-worldliness.
For example!
Quirky! - "As the rain came down like stair rods, calling to mind the sound of bacon frying in a pan as it landed on Palmer's waterproof coat, Nolan looked soaked to the bone."
Moooood! - "Palmer surveyed the scene and allowed time to lag as he listened to the percussion of nature. The pop of raindrops striking leaves, the delicate dance of birds seeking shelter under bush and shrub. Hanging Lee was pleasant and calming, but he knew evil hid in beauty."
Foreshadowing bone-chills - "A breeze animated the limbs of trees along the route, stirring newly fixed hearts and messages skewered to their branches."
Sense of being watched - "There were framed photographs of Alison with a man on the walls. He assumed this to Jason Legge. In Palmer's experience, photographs rarely portrayed the dangers and evil found in a person... A camera had a way of removing the subtleties that made a person unapproachable and unsafe. He could stare for hours at a photograph of a criminal without ever averting his eyes. From their two-dimensional prisons, they were simple and compliant. But looking at the photographs of Legge gave him a chill. The man was giant with eyes that sparkled with menace and depravity. His stare followed him around the room, and though it was probably a trick of the light, Palmer was sure he saw Jason Legge's smile wane as their eyes met."
CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK
The only reason this didn't get a 5 star for me was just that it was a tad long, I possibly would have enjoyed a few edits. Also, acronyms need to be introduced a few times beforehand for uncommon terms such as SOCO, RTA, FLO, DVR. I also would have liked a bit more backstory for Detective Coonan.
DISCLAIMERS
I read the UK edition, and this had a lot of terms/slang I was unfamiliar with. So keep this in mind (eg. "was stood" is a valid British English phrase). If in doubt, look it up!
Please note: (As of 25/05/20) If you received a copy with grammatical errors, the author sincerely apologises and never meant to frustrate anyone. This is currently being amended, and I am also volunteering my assistance as I love the story too much! Please get in contact with him if you feel you would like an updated version. I honestly think it's a good sign when an author is able to take feedback and build upon it. And this certainly didn't take away from my enjoyment of this book, which is quite amazing, in my opinion. It's easy to make grammatical mistakes, but you can't mistake good storytelling!
TW: Body gore (albeit tastefully written, still warrants foreknowledge)
Thank you Craig Wallwork for my free copy of this ebook! I really look forward to reading more from this talented author!
WHAT I LOVED
This horror thriller hooks you in very quickly, then takes you through a dark, moody and suspenseful police procedural, and then whips you right back once more at the very end with a twist I never saw coming! Surprise whiplash!... I love this story. I love the ending! I love how this author helped me visualise every scene so vividly! I love multiple POVs, and I love the twists and the disturbing factor. And there's also something seductive, alluring and mysterious about the story.
It isn't often a story can keep my attention and surprise me, so I really commend an author when this happens. I also commend the clear character development and the research into scientific terms. I also find the writing very humane, with references to grief, loss and human frailty.
THE STORY is about a writer, a detective and the elusively disturbing "Brethren" cult.
Aspiring author and ex-cop, Alex Palmer, journeys to a small town called Stormer Hill to research inspiration for his latest book. He is guided through the mysterious case of three missing children with Detective Tom Nolan. Both men soon discover some truly gruesome truths, and the psychological spin throughout is priceless!
LET'S TALK ABOUT the amazing atmospheric mood setup! I really loved how the descriptions married mood, visuals and sound! Often blending quirk, chills and other-worldliness.
For example!
Quirky! - "As the rain came down like stair rods, calling to mind the sound of bacon frying in a pan as it landed on Palmer's waterproof coat, Nolan looked soaked to the bone."
Moooood! - "Palmer surveyed the scene and allowed time to lag as he listened to the percussion of nature. The pop of raindrops striking leaves, the delicate dance of birds seeking shelter under bush and shrub. Hanging Lee was pleasant and calming, but he knew evil hid in beauty."
Foreshadowing bone-chills - "A breeze animated the limbs of trees along the route, stirring newly fixed hearts and messages skewered to their branches."
Sense of being watched - "There were framed photographs of Alison with a man on the walls. He assumed this to Jason Legge. In Palmer's experience, photographs rarely portrayed the dangers and evil found in a person... A camera had a way of removing the subtleties that made a person unapproachable and unsafe. He could stare for hours at a photograph of a criminal without ever averting his eyes. From their two-dimensional prisons, they were simple and compliant. But looking at the photographs of Legge gave him a chill. The man was giant with eyes that sparkled with menace and depravity. His stare followed him around the room, and though it was probably a trick of the light, Palmer was sure he saw Jason Legge's smile wane as their eyes met."
CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK
The only reason this didn't get a 5 star for me was just that it was a tad long, I possibly would have enjoyed a few edits. Also, acronyms need to be introduced a few times beforehand for uncommon terms such as SOCO, RTA, FLO, DVR. I also would have liked a bit more backstory for Detective Coonan.
DISCLAIMERS
I read the UK edition, and this had a lot of terms/slang I was unfamiliar with. So keep this in mind (eg. "was stood" is a valid British English phrase). If in doubt, look it up!
Please note: (As of 25/05/20) If you received a copy with grammatical errors, the author sincerely apologises and never meant to frustrate anyone. This is currently being amended, and I am also volunteering my assistance as I love the story too much! Please get in contact with him if you feel you would like an updated version. I honestly think it's a good sign when an author is able to take feedback and build upon it. And this certainly didn't take away from my enjoyment of this book, which is quite amazing, in my opinion. It's easy to make grammatical mistakes, but you can't mistake good storytelling!
TW: Body gore (albeit tastefully written, still warrants foreknowledge)
Thank you Craig Wallwork for my free copy of this ebook! I really look forward to reading more from this talented author!
romysvx's review against another edition
2.0
Miał być pasjonujący, trzymający w napięciu horror z oryginalną, błyskotliwą fabułą, najeżony zaskakującymi zwrotami akcji i pełnokrwistymi złożonymi postaciami. Miał być absolutnie niespodziewany, szokujący finał, który wgniecie mnie w fotel. Miała to być literacka odpowiedź na “Siedem” Finchera, powieść klimatem dorównująca “Dziewczynie z tatuażem” Larssona i „Czerwonemu Smokowi” Harrisa. Miał, miał, miał. Obiecanki cacanki, a finalnie nie wyszło! Wiązałam z “Bad People” Craiga Wallworka ogromne nadzieje, miałam tę powieść na liście czytelniczych priorytetów, a tu takie rozczarowanie!
Po obiecującym, klimatycznym z rzeczywiście mroczną i tajemniczą atmosferą początku dalej była już równia pochyła. Jeszcze parę przebłysków (sceny gore - jak przejeżdżanie po twarzy szlifierką, rozczłonkowane ciała w pojemnikach, pokój wypełniony peklowanymi solą ludzkimi zwłokami) oryginalności i czegoś, co mogłoby być naprawdę niezłą książką się w trakcie pojawiło, ale to były pojedyncze nieliczne fragmenty. Postaci były fatalnie napisane - po łebkach, bez jakiejkolwiek głębi, praktycznie były wyłącznie zarysowane. Mnóstwo wątków było pourywanych, porzuconych bez choćby najmniejszej próby wyjaśnienia, jakby autor sam o nich w trakcie pisania kolejnych rozdziałów zapomniał. A te niby zaskakujące zakończenie? Do przewidzenia w połowie książki.
Naprawdę, kompletnie nie rozumiem skąd tak świetne recenzje tej książki. Bardzo przeciętny, w stronę słabego, thriller, który horrorem jest tylko w nielicznych (i praktycznie jedynych udanych) fragmentach gore. Jak dla mnie, bez dwóch zdań - strata czasu. Z całej książki zdecydowanie najlepsza jest okładka.
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Po obiecującym, klimatycznym z rzeczywiście mroczną i tajemniczą atmosferą początku dalej była już równia pochyła. Jeszcze parę przebłysków (sceny gore - jak przejeżdżanie po twarzy szlifierką, rozczłonkowane ciała w pojemnikach, pokój wypełniony peklowanymi solą ludzkimi zwłokami) oryginalności i czegoś, co mogłoby być naprawdę niezłą książką się w trakcie pojawiło, ale to były pojedyncze nieliczne fragmenty. Postaci były fatalnie napisane - po łebkach, bez jakiejkolwiek głębi, praktycznie były wyłącznie zarysowane. Mnóstwo wątków było pourywanych, porzuconych bez choćby najmniejszej próby wyjaśnienia, jakby autor sam o nich w trakcie pisania kolejnych rozdziałów zapomniał. A te niby zaskakujące zakończenie? Do przewidzenia w połowie książki.
Naprawdę, kompletnie nie rozumiem skąd tak świetne recenzje tej książki. Bardzo przeciętny, w stronę słabego, thriller, który horrorem jest tylko w nielicznych (i praktycznie jedynych udanych) fragmentach gore. Jak dla mnie, bez dwóch zdań - strata czasu. Z całej książki zdecydowanie najlepsza jest okładka.
blog | instagram | facebook
reads_vicariously's review
5.0
When I’m getting strong vibes of Se7en, True Detective, and Red Dragon I know I’m reading something special. If you like any of those then you’re going to love this blend of horror and dark crime thriller. It’s tense, well-paced, chilling, and wonderfully written. It also deals with a sinister cult, so you know I’m hooked
I like how it bounces around from different characters’ perspectives (including the kidnapper), and while all the cast is great, Detective Nolan is definitely my favorite
It does this great thing where you’re introduced to a killer early on, leading you into a false sense of “I know what to expect”. But you don’t. You really don’t. Multiple twists I didn’t see coming, including a mind-blowing ending. Oh and it’s one of those stories where when things are going good for too long you’re waiting with bated breath for the other shoe to drop
I also like how specific and realistic all the police procedural and investigative terminology is. It’s thorough but interesting. Wallwork really seems to know his stuff (hopefully learned on the right side of the law...)
This book is amazing and I’m so excited there’s a sequel coming out soon! My full review will be posted on my blog and Goodreads. Special thanks to author @craig_wallwork for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
I like how it bounces around from different characters’ perspectives (including the kidnapper), and while all the cast is great, Detective Nolan is definitely my favorite
It does this great thing where you’re introduced to a killer early on, leading you into a false sense of “I know what to expect”. But you don’t. You really don’t. Multiple twists I didn’t see coming, including a mind-blowing ending. Oh and it’s one of those stories where when things are going good for too long you’re waiting with bated breath for the other shoe to drop
I also like how specific and realistic all the police procedural and investigative terminology is. It’s thorough but interesting. Wallwork really seems to know his stuff (hopefully learned on the right side of the law...)
This book is amazing and I’m so excited there’s a sequel coming out soon! My full review will be posted on my blog and Goodreads. Special thanks to author @craig_wallwork for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
jdkauthor's review against another edition
4.0
Originally posted over at my personal blog site, Night Terror Novels
“He didn’t like silence. Bad things live in the shadows and silence.”
– Craig Wallwork, Bad People
“He didn’t like silence. Bad things live in the shadows and silence.”
– Craig Wallwork, Bad People
rock_n_reads's review
5.0
I’m fairly certain I can count on one hand how many thrillers I’ve read in the past year or so.
I’ve been so caught up in the world of horror fiction that I haven’t strayed much with my reading choices for a while, but I do enjoy a good crime thriller here and there, especially when the story contains elements of horror. Recently I discovered such a book, when I began reading BAD PEOPLE.
First off, I have to say that while I “see” most stories in my mind as I’m reading, there are certain books that just beg to be adapted to film or television, and this is one of them. Reading this story was like watching a great movie—there are certain scenes burned onto my brain because the descriptions were so vivid. The story starts out rather calm as we’re introduced to some key characters, and I’d say that the first half is a slow burn, but in the best way possible. The author did a great job laying the groundwork with the main character’s background, and the setting itself played a strong role in the dark and moody atmosphere. For the first half of the book, it felt like there were storm clouds hanging overhead, slowly brewing something ominous—and then the downpour was unleashed in the second half. At this point I felt the tension, twists and turns and terror intensify, and I couldn’t put it down.
The character development in this story is well-done. I felt like I had a good sense of who the main players were (despite some surprises), and I got to know them without ever feeling like there was too much information. I grew attached to a couple of the characters and felt a lot of empathy for them. In my opinion, this is one of those books in which there are no wasted words. There were moments in which I actually felt frightened (which doesn’t happen to me often), and just some very cinematic and gruesome moments that I won’t ever forget. I’d like to keep this spoiler free, so I’ll limit myself to a few other thoughts.
When I thought I knew what was happening earlier on in the story, this one kept me guessing. I loved that it kept me on my toes as a reader, and I appreciated the dark and moody vibe that I felt throughout this book. It’s very much a unique story, but as I watched it play out in my mind, it reminded me of how I felt watching some favorite crime thrillers on television (Season One of True Detective came to mind, as did The Killing). There are some supernatural and religious/cultish themes in this story, and I really enjoyed that aspect as well.
Like I mentioned before, it’s been awhile since I’ve read a thriller, and this one was a perfect selection. I did have a few questions at the end, and I just found out today that there will be a sequel coming in the near future. I’ll be on the lookout for the continuation of this story, while also keeping my fingers crossed that we’ll someday see a screen adaptation. This one ranks fairly high for me—I’d gladly place a hard copy on my shelf next to the likes of some other favorite thrillers, by authors such as Gillian Flynn, Dennis Lehane, and Graham Masterton. While I await the sequel, I’ll be seeking out more of Craig Wallwork’s stories to add to my shelf.
I’ve been so caught up in the world of horror fiction that I haven’t strayed much with my reading choices for a while, but I do enjoy a good crime thriller here and there, especially when the story contains elements of horror. Recently I discovered such a book, when I began reading BAD PEOPLE.
First off, I have to say that while I “see” most stories in my mind as I’m reading, there are certain books that just beg to be adapted to film or television, and this is one of them. Reading this story was like watching a great movie—there are certain scenes burned onto my brain because the descriptions were so vivid. The story starts out rather calm as we’re introduced to some key characters, and I’d say that the first half is a slow burn, but in the best way possible. The author did a great job laying the groundwork with the main character’s background, and the setting itself played a strong role in the dark and moody atmosphere. For the first half of the book, it felt like there were storm clouds hanging overhead, slowly brewing something ominous—and then the downpour was unleashed in the second half. At this point I felt the tension, twists and turns and terror intensify, and I couldn’t put it down.
The character development in this story is well-done. I felt like I had a good sense of who the main players were (despite some surprises), and I got to know them without ever feeling like there was too much information. I grew attached to a couple of the characters and felt a lot of empathy for them. In my opinion, this is one of those books in which there are no wasted words. There were moments in which I actually felt frightened (which doesn’t happen to me often), and just some very cinematic and gruesome moments that I won’t ever forget. I’d like to keep this spoiler free, so I’ll limit myself to a few other thoughts.
When I thought I knew what was happening earlier on in the story, this one kept me guessing. I loved that it kept me on my toes as a reader, and I appreciated the dark and moody vibe that I felt throughout this book. It’s very much a unique story, but as I watched it play out in my mind, it reminded me of how I felt watching some favorite crime thrillers on television (Season One of True Detective came to mind, as did The Killing). There are some supernatural and religious/cultish themes in this story, and I really enjoyed that aspect as well.
Like I mentioned before, it’s been awhile since I’ve read a thriller, and this one was a perfect selection. I did have a few questions at the end, and I just found out today that there will be a sequel coming in the near future. I’ll be on the lookout for the continuation of this story, while also keeping my fingers crossed that we’ll someday see a screen adaptation. This one ranks fairly high for me—I’d gladly place a hard copy on my shelf next to the likes of some other favorite thrillers, by authors such as Gillian Flynn, Dennis Lehane, and Graham Masterton. While I await the sequel, I’ll be seeking out more of Craig Wallwork’s stories to add to my shelf.
readingvicariously's review
5.0
When I’m getting strong vibes of Se7en, True Detective, and Red Dragon I know I’m reading something special. If you like any of those then you’re going to love this blend of horror and dark crime thriller. It’s tense, well-paced, chilling, and wonderfully written. It also deals with a sinister cult, so you know I’m hooked
I like how it bounces around from different characters’ perspectives (including the kidnapper), and while all the cast is great, Detective Nolan is definitely my favorite
It does this great thing where you’re introduced to a killer early on, leading you into a false sense of “I know what to expect”. But you don’t. You really don’t. Multiple twists I didn’t see coming, including a mind-blowing ending. Oh and it’s one of those stories where when things are going good for too long you’re waiting with bated breath for the other shoe to drop
I also like how specific and realistic all the police procedural and investigative terminology is. It’s thorough but interesting. Wallwork really seems to know his stuff (hopefully learned on the right side of the law...)
This book is amazing and I’m so excited there’s a sequel coming out soon! My full review will be posted on my blog and Goodreads. Special thanks to author @craig_wallwork for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
I like how it bounces around from different characters’ perspectives (including the kidnapper), and while all the cast is great, Detective Nolan is definitely my favorite
It does this great thing where you’re introduced to a killer early on, leading you into a false sense of “I know what to expect”. But you don’t. You really don’t. Multiple twists I didn’t see coming, including a mind-blowing ending. Oh and it’s one of those stories where when things are going good for too long you’re waiting with bated breath for the other shoe to drop
I also like how specific and realistic all the police procedural and investigative terminology is. It’s thorough but interesting. Wallwork really seems to know his stuff (hopefully learned on the right side of the law...)
This book is amazing and I’m so excited there’s a sequel coming out soon! My full review will be posted on my blog and Goodreads. Special thanks to author @craig_wallwork for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
nerdontheloose's review
4.0
I went in with so much anticipation and it really did live up to my expectations, that is until the final reveal, and for that I'm taking away a star, and it makes me sad!
Dark, gritty, and suspenseful. Just the prologue had me gasping for air, it was so dark and bloody, and promising. I really enjoyed every bit of it. The prose was beautiful too, so well-written and well researched, and just perfect. Each character was told in such a way I could picture them and hear their distinct voices, I mean, isn't that awesome?!
But yeah, that ending though! It was just the last few lines that did the final reveal, and maybe it's just me but it did not make sense to me. I mean, I understand what happened but it's just too farfetched for me.
Recommended anyways 'cause this ride is damn thrilling!
Dark, gritty, and suspenseful. Just the prologue had me gasping for air, it was so dark and bloody, and promising. I really enjoyed every bit of it. The prose was beautiful too, so well-written and well researched, and just perfect. Each character was told in such a way I could picture them and hear their distinct voices, I mean, isn't that awesome?!
But yeah, that ending though! It was just the last few lines that did the final reveal, and maybe it's just me but it did not make sense to me. I mean, I understand what happened but it's just too farfetched for me.
Recommended anyways 'cause this ride is damn thrilling!
brianamorganbooks's review
5.0
This book has been on my radar for quite some time, so I was ecstatic to get my hands on it. Wallwork has a knack for storytelling, worldbuilding, and crafting compelling, realistic characters. This crime thriller kept me on the edge of my seat, and I'm looking forward to reading more of the author's work. Highly recommend!
courtney_g's review
4.0
WARNING: Some small spoilers ahead.
I really loved this book up until the very end. There was a lot of heavy gore but the depth of the plot and the detective work made it much more difficult to put down. I would give this a 4.5 out of 5 as I personally felt the very end was missing something. It almost felt as if there was a cliff-hanger or a solution to the plot that I missed. I loved the following 5 things about this book:
*the detailed imagery throughout the reading made me feel as if I was in the story myself along with each main character
*the general plot of trying to figure out what was happening with the missing children
*the added possibility of a cult influence in the murders and kidnappings
*the element of mystery allowed me to play detective alongside Nolan and Coonan
This was definitely worth the read and I will certainly be on the lookout for more by this amazing author.
I really loved this book up until the very end. There was a lot of heavy gore but the depth of the plot and the detective work made it much more difficult to put down. I would give this a 4.5 out of 5 as I personally felt the very end was missing something. It almost felt as if there was a cliff-hanger or a solution to the plot that I missed. I loved the following 5 things about this book:
*the detailed imagery throughout the reading made me feel as if I was in the story myself along with each main character
*the general plot of trying to figure out what was happening with the missing children
*the added possibility of a cult influence in the murders and kidnappings
*the element of mystery allowed me to play detective alongside Nolan and Coonan
This was definitely worth the read and I will certainly be on the lookout for more by this amazing author.
monty_reads's review
4.0
There is something deeply unsettling about Craig Wallwork's Bad People. As a horror fan for 30+ years, this is a compliment I can't make often. I'm desensitized. Jaded. Too cool for school. When it comes to horror, as much as I still love it, there isn't much that gets to me anymore.
There's a big reveal toward the end of Bad People, the thing you know the book is building toward, something you hope is going to be as creepy as it seems. When it happened I actually said, "Ewwww" out loud. And with enough volume for my wife to call from the other room, "What's up?"
Bad People got to me.
And here's the really cool thing. Not unlike Lauren Beukes' Broken Monsters, the best thing I read last year, it's a seamless blend of horror and mystery. Because this book is ostensibly a mystery, and that lends it a gravitas I often find missing from straight-up horror that deals in the supernatural. Detective Tom Nolan is on the case of several missing children, and his search for the abductors intersects with Alex Palmer, an author visiting the area to conduct research for his next book. How it intersects is the stuff of spoilers, so I won't go into too much detail, but it involves the paintings of Hieronymus Bosch, warped interpretations of religion, and unacceptable uses of kitchen appliances. It's a compelling whodunit, but it's also a disturbing horror story that fully leans into what years of serial killers have revealed about humanity.
Bad People works as well as it does because Wallwork understands that true horror is found in the mundane, horrible acts people do to each other. Hell, it's in the title. I mean, I love Stephen King and Paranormal Activity and all the supernatural creepy-crawlies that have been the stuff of nightmares for eons. But if hell is other people (as Sartre so astutely taught us), Bad People is that lesson brought to life. It's eminently believable. And that's the scariest thing of all.
There's a big reveal toward the end of Bad People, the thing you know the book is building toward, something you hope is going to be as creepy as it seems. When it happened I actually said, "Ewwww" out loud. And with enough volume for my wife to call from the other room, "What's up?"
Bad People got to me.
And here's the really cool thing. Not unlike Lauren Beukes' Broken Monsters, the best thing I read last year, it's a seamless blend of horror and mystery. Because this book is ostensibly a mystery, and that lends it a gravitas I often find missing from straight-up horror that deals in the supernatural. Detective Tom Nolan is on the case of several missing children, and his search for the abductors intersects with Alex Palmer, an author visiting the area to conduct research for his next book. How it intersects is the stuff of spoilers, so I won't go into too much detail, but it involves the paintings of Hieronymus Bosch, warped interpretations of religion, and unacceptable uses of kitchen appliances. It's a compelling whodunit, but it's also a disturbing horror story that fully leans into what years of serial killers have revealed about humanity.
Bad People works as well as it does because Wallwork understands that true horror is found in the mundane, horrible acts people do to each other. Hell, it's in the title. I mean, I love Stephen King and Paranormal Activity and all the supernatural creepy-crawlies that have been the stuff of nightmares for eons. But if hell is other people (as Sartre so astutely taught us), Bad People is that lesson brought to life. It's eminently believable. And that's the scariest thing of all.