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drakaina16's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Thank you to DarkLit Press for providing a review copy.
This book is eerie, surreal, dreamlike - and also all too real. It is incredibly well-written, and therein lies the rub. Massive trigger warnings for heroin addiction. If you've ever wondered what goes through a heroin addict's mind when they're trying to get clean, wonder no more. This book has you covered. I'm almost 9 years clean from heroin and very solid in that, but this book could definitely be triggering. The story is super cool and I really rooted for the protagonist. 4.5 stars
This book is eerie, surreal, dreamlike - and also all too real. It is incredibly well-written, and therein lies the rub. Massive trigger warnings for heroin addiction. If you've ever wondered what goes through a heroin addict's mind when they're trying to get clean, wonder no more. This book has you covered. I'm almost 9 years clean from heroin and very solid in that, but this book could definitely be triggering. The story is super cool and I really rooted for the protagonist. 4.5 stars
alittlemixofvix's review against another edition
4.0
This book was full of chills and suspense – I really enjoyed it. The mood and locations were portrayed brilliantly and I could imagine every part clearly; I even found myself looking over my shoulder a couple of times – and there is no way I’m swimming in a lake again!
I warmed to Elwood and was routing for him to succeed, I also loved Whiskey and Aubrey. The visions were so creepy and realistic, it’s not often a book can actually spook me, but this one managed to. I thought the ending was great too, it cleared up any doubts I had about whether things were real.
The only reason I knocked a star off was at times I found Elwood a bit too clear headed. I felt if he was really trying to go cold turkey, his mind and body would have had a lot more issues along the way.
I can’t wait to see what Chris writes next and would recommend this to anyone who loves horrors or thrillers.
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I warmed to Elwood and was routing for him to succeed, I also loved Whiskey and Aubrey. The visions were so creepy and realistic, it’s not often a book can actually spook me, but this one managed to. I thought the ending was great too, it cleared up any doubts I had about whether things were real.
The only reason I knocked a star off was at times I found Elwood a bit too clear headed. I felt if he was really trying to go cold turkey, his mind and body would have had a lot more issues along the way.
I can’t wait to see what Chris writes next and would recommend this to anyone who loves horrors or thrillers.
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
michael_benavidez's review against another edition
5.0
This book!
What I'm about to say, I don't say lightly. I even understand that it'll set expectations for new readers, however I don't think I can go forward without outright saying it.
This book evoked the writing of peak Stephen King. From the small getaway town with it's colorful cast, to the vivid poetic descriptions of the horrors paired with simple layman narration, this could easily fit within King's bibliography.
That said, I don't want people to think it's purely a King rip-off. In fact I think it's a perfect standalone story, unique and successful in its delivery. I don't want to spoil the book, but there is a progression in arc, in subtlety, and in the way the story weaves through a complicated story with such ease that I stopped writing to read. It had my attention even when I couldn't give it. Much like the junkie, I was hooked.
The writing is smooth. From the first page to the last, ramping up for a finale that I was almost sure was going to be a let down, that there was no way it could be sustained to the end, not with where it was going. And I was wrong. It held it, surpassed my expectations.
If I did book of the year, this would be a top contender. An absolute must read. Flawless in my eyes.
What I'm about to say, I don't say lightly. I even understand that it'll set expectations for new readers, however I don't think I can go forward without outright saying it.
This book evoked the writing of peak Stephen King. From the small getaway town with it's colorful cast, to the vivid poetic descriptions of the horrors paired with simple layman narration, this could easily fit within King's bibliography.
That said, I don't want people to think it's purely a King rip-off. In fact I think it's a perfect standalone story, unique and successful in its delivery. I don't want to spoil the book, but there is a progression in arc, in subtlety, and in the way the story weaves through a complicated story with such ease that I stopped writing to read. It had my attention even when I couldn't give it. Much like the junkie, I was hooked.
The writing is smooth. From the first page to the last, ramping up for a finale that I was almost sure was going to be a let down, that there was no way it could be sustained to the end, not with where it was going. And I was wrong. It held it, surpassed my expectations.
If I did book of the year, this would be a top contender. An absolute must read. Flawless in my eyes.
georgesreads's review against another edition
3.0
Ghostly astronauts.. a series of murders.. a missing bag of heroin.. if that doesn’t sound interesting, I’m afraid you’re just dull. Those you Killed by Christopher Badcock, whilst being an eerie and atmospheric horror novel in its own right, is a poignant exploration on the consequences and dangers of addiction, well, and staying in your dodgy friend’s cabin in the middle of a secluded lake.
Elwood Cathis has struggled with his heroin addiction for a while now. At first it was to inspire his horror novels, but alongside his wife, daughter and friends his career prospects have vanished to. After thinking long and hard about himself, Elwood is staying at his “friend” Casper’s cabin in a secluded town in an attempt to get clean. Maybe it’s the fact he’s numbing the pain with liquor and weed, maybe it’s his withdrawal symptoms, or maybe he’s just plain mad, but something is telling him he’s not alone.
Elwood Cathis has struggled with his heroin addiction for a while now. At first it was to inspire his horror novels, but alongside his wife, daughter and friends his career prospects have vanished to. After thinking long and hard about himself, Elwood is staying at his “friend” Casper’s cabin in a secluded town in an attempt to get clean. Maybe it’s the fact he’s numbing the pain with liquor and weed, maybe it’s his withdrawal symptoms, or maybe he’s just plain mad, but something is telling him he’s not alone.
southernstephreads's review against another edition
5.0
If you like psychological and creepy thrillers, this book is for you! In the beginning we meet Elwood Cathais and all he wants is to get clean. The needle has replaced every good thing in his life. His wife has left him, he has no relationship with his daughter, and his writing career has gone down hill. He takes some time away from his life in LA to try to get sober on his own at Lake Chance. But, of course, Lake Chance has a history plagued with disappearances, murder, and of course - demons. The story starts out a bit slow with Elwood experiencing hallucinations. However, the hallucinations get worse and before you know it, its 3 am and you’re in a tailspin of creepy chaos. I had my theories and thought for sure I had some of the story figured out (I didn’t). I for sure thought Elwood was some crazed killer and he was just experiencing the hallucinations because of his own guilt. One of my other theories was that he was having one of those inception moments.
itsrosebish's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I genuinely loved this book! A real mix of emotion, addiction, terror, self reflection, demons and floating astronauts. I like to guess what will happen in the end of a book after the first few chapters, and I never could have guessed the outcome of this! I was hooked and couldn’t wait to find out what was happening next!
pbanditp's review
5.0
Addiction is not just a monkey on your back, it is a demon. In Those You Killed you get to join Elwood as he faces his demon and tries to get his life back. Elwood is an author that dabbled in drugs just to spark some creativity. It didn’t take long for the master to become the slave and Elwood lost his wife and daughter as well as everything he loved. Time to quit
Elwoods dealer actually helped him out and let him stay in a remote cabin to try to go cold turkey. Withdrawal leads to hallucinations that just seem too real, and maybe a bit familiar.
Reality comes into question when Elwood discovers the past of this little town and its history of disappearances.
This has a great cast of characters as you witness the transformation of Elwood from junkie back to someone who cares about people other than himself.
There is a cinematic climax type ending that will have you jumping out of your seat. Whether it is because you are mad or happy is something you’ll have to find out for yourself.
I listened to the audiobook of this and the narration by Thomas Gloom was spectacular.
Elwoods dealer actually helped him out and let him stay in a remote cabin to try to go cold turkey. Withdrawal leads to hallucinations that just seem too real, and maybe a bit familiar.
Reality comes into question when Elwood discovers the past of this little town and its history of disappearances.
This has a great cast of characters as you witness the transformation of Elwood from junkie back to someone who cares about people other than himself.
There is a cinematic climax type ending that will have you jumping out of your seat. Whether it is because you are mad or happy is something you’ll have to find out for yourself.
I listened to the audiobook of this and the narration by Thomas Gloom was spectacular.
davemusson85's review
5.0
The book follows Elwood Cathis, once a great writer, husband, and father, now a junkie with just about nothing good left in his life. To try and get clean and start to rebuild, he heads to a villa owned by his dealer on the mysterious Lake Chance. When Elwood starts seeing all kinds of weird stuff, he first thinks it’s just a symptom of his detox - only to later discover there is something sinister about this part of the world, particularly for people like him.
For a debut novel, this is absolutely fantastic. Christopher Badcock has not only created a protagonist you will like, loathe and, ultimately, root for, but surrounds him with an excellent supporting cast. The two locals who don’t turn their nose up at Elwood - Whiskey and Aubrey - are cut from the same of cloth that Stephen King uses to shape some of his best-loved extras. They’re old, wise, but also grizzled and unwilling to give a fuck what people think. On the flip side is Casper - Elwood’s dealer and someone who just sounds nasty…even from the end of a phone, you immediately know he is not someone you would ever want to meet.
The scares here are great too. There’s a moody, chilling ghost story vibe throughout the entire text, that is punctuated with some cracking set pieces that get your heart thumping and have you guessing as much as Elwood. In particular the astronaut (you’ll see when you read it) gave me the creeps and for a long time had me trying to work out if it was a product of the junk, or something supernatural.
A big part of this story is the self-imposed isolation that Elwood faces and, as such, he’s alone for long periods, which makes sections of dialogue and conversation rare. In turn, that means there are some quite long passages that are description heavy - we’re there in Elwood’s head as he mulls things over and chews on past regrets. There is absolutely nothing wrong with these passages - they’re excellently written - but I wonder if they could have been stronger if there were more use of flashbacks and more conversation. Not only to keep the pace up, but also because the dialogue in this book is really well done.
But, that’s a pretty minor point. This is an excellent novel that shows real potential - as well as an already impressive ability to deliver a scare, to get under your skin, and to to discombobulate you - but in a good way, a way that keeps you pushing on to find out more. One heads up, there are a couple of chapters here that feel wildly out of place when you first get to them - literally like they are from another book - but stick with it…Badcock pulls it all together as it goes on.
If, like me, you’re a fan of Stephen King - particularly 90s King - you’ll have a lovely time with Those You Killed. There are touches of Bag of Bones, Gerald’s Game, Dolores Claiborne and even Storm of the Century peppered throughout these pages, while some of the monsters Badcock creates will satisfy fans of early King; if some of these creatures had made their way to Lake Chance after a stay a certain hotel in Colorado, you wouldn’t be surprised.
In short, this is great and looks like the arrival of an exciting new voice in horror.
For a debut novel, this is absolutely fantastic. Christopher Badcock has not only created a protagonist you will like, loathe and, ultimately, root for, but surrounds him with an excellent supporting cast. The two locals who don’t turn their nose up at Elwood - Whiskey and Aubrey - are cut from the same of cloth that Stephen King uses to shape some of his best-loved extras. They’re old, wise, but also grizzled and unwilling to give a fuck what people think. On the flip side is Casper - Elwood’s dealer and someone who just sounds nasty…even from the end of a phone, you immediately know he is not someone you would ever want to meet.
The scares here are great too. There’s a moody, chilling ghost story vibe throughout the entire text, that is punctuated with some cracking set pieces that get your heart thumping and have you guessing as much as Elwood. In particular the astronaut (you’ll see when you read it) gave me the creeps and for a long time had me trying to work out if it was a product of the junk, or something supernatural.
A big part of this story is the self-imposed isolation that Elwood faces and, as such, he’s alone for long periods, which makes sections of dialogue and conversation rare. In turn, that means there are some quite long passages that are description heavy - we’re there in Elwood’s head as he mulls things over and chews on past regrets. There is absolutely nothing wrong with these passages - they’re excellently written - but I wonder if they could have been stronger if there were more use of flashbacks and more conversation. Not only to keep the pace up, but also because the dialogue in this book is really well done.
But, that’s a pretty minor point. This is an excellent novel that shows real potential - as well as an already impressive ability to deliver a scare, to get under your skin, and to to discombobulate you - but in a good way, a way that keeps you pushing on to find out more. One heads up, there are a couple of chapters here that feel wildly out of place when you first get to them - literally like they are from another book - but stick with it…Badcock pulls it all together as it goes on.
If, like me, you’re a fan of Stephen King - particularly 90s King - you’ll have a lovely time with Those You Killed. There are touches of Bag of Bones, Gerald’s Game, Dolores Claiborne and even Storm of the Century peppered throughout these pages, while some of the monsters Badcock creates will satisfy fans of early King; if some of these creatures had made their way to Lake Chance after a stay a certain hotel in Colorado, you wouldn’t be surprised.
In short, this is great and looks like the arrival of an exciting new voice in horror.
bobmetal's review
5.0
An author heads to a decaying vacation spot in an attempt to get clean from heroin addiction, but he is convinced that there's something odd going on in the woods or is it just his brain playing tricks as he goes cold turkey
So much to like about this book, Elwood is a great character and his addiction and withdrawal are so well written and believable. The horror starts slowly before ramping up and up. It's dark, psychological and beautifully written.
Well worth reading
So much to like about this book, Elwood is a great character and his addiction and withdrawal are so well written and believable. The horror starts slowly before ramping up and up. It's dark, psychological and beautifully written.
Well worth reading
vszcecilia's review against another edition
3.0
Right, so maybe I was in the wrong mood for this, or maybe I’m just too impatient or whatever other excuse one can make up as to why I really did not enjoy this book.
It started off well, with the astronaut, sure, but then it was just sooo slow and nothing was happening.
I actually dnf-ed it 300 pages in, with 80 pages remaining because I just so could not care less and was looking up free little libraries to rid myself of this disappointment sitting on my shelf as soon as possible.
I am so upset both by this book but also by myself, because I had such high expectations with all the great reviews, like what is wrong with me, why did I not enjoy this as much? But yeah, I just really could not care less for the ending for whatever reason that I can’t quite put into words. Of course there were some great moments as well, especially in the beginning, some great quotes and the depiction of addiction was very well done (hence why I am givinng it 3 stars), but it could have been half the length it was and the story I feel like would have been the same if not better. It was just sooo tedious by the end that I literally couldn’t bring myself to finish the last sprint and it was giving me anxiety every time I was about to pick the book up. Now I’m sad and disappointed so hopefully onto better things (for me anyway).
Also sidenote that didn’t actually add to my low rating and disappointment in this book, but I think is important to mention: this book could have used some proofreading before getting published…
It started off well, with the astronaut, sure, but then it was just sooo slow and nothing was happening.
I actually dnf-ed it 300 pages in, with 80 pages remaining because I just so could not care less and was looking up free little libraries to rid myself of this disappointment sitting on my shelf as soon as possible.
I am so upset both by this book but also by myself, because I had such high expectations with all the great reviews, like what is wrong with me, why did I not enjoy this as much? But yeah, I just really could not care less for the ending for whatever reason that I can’t quite put into words. Of course there were some great moments as well, especially in the beginning, some great quotes and the depiction of addiction was very well done (hence why I am givinng it 3 stars), but it could have been half the length it was and the story I feel like would have been the same if not better. It was just sooo tedious by the end that I literally couldn’t bring myself to finish the last sprint and it was giving me anxiety every time I was about to pick the book up. Now I’m sad and disappointed so hopefully onto better things (for me anyway).
Also sidenote that didn’t actually add to my low rating and disappointment in this book, but I think is important to mention: this book could have used some proofreading before getting published…