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beastreader's review
1.0
I have tried and tried and tried to finish this book. In fact, I tried four times and only could get forty percent of the way into the book. I was really looking forward to a horror book. Instead, I got a snooze fest of a read. There was nothing appealing about the characters and nothing scary about the monsters that resided behind the door.
This is because the story moved extremely slow; as if to build up the big show down that was to come. However, when the story moves at a snail's pace, you have to have good character development in order to keep the reader's interest. For me, I lost interest. Within the forty percent that I read, I needed something to happen to keep me hanging on. The door can remain closed on this book for me.
This is because the story moved extremely slow; as if to build up the big show down that was to come. However, when the story moves at a snail's pace, you have to have good character development in order to keep the reader's interest. For me, I lost interest. Within the forty percent that I read, I needed something to happen to keep me hanging on. The door can remain closed on this book for me.
dnemec's review
4.0
"In the town of Zarephath, Pennsylvania, just past the Pennsylvania-New Jersey border and northwest of Dingmans Ferry out by the Delaware Water Gap, there is a Door." It stands with no support amid oak trees that don't grow too close. You go alone at night with a letter. Said letter must clearly state your wish and be sealed with wax that includes a drop of your blood. Slip it under the door and in three days, the Door gives you what you want for better or for worse. No one can use the Door twice, and never EVER open the door.
Kari, a bereft mother mourning the loss of her daughter three years in the grave, decides that her wish wasn't granted to her satisfaction so she's going to open the Door. Naturally, all hell breaks loose. All the wishes are returned, so to speak. And the dying begins.
Former sheriff Bill Grainger calls in Kathy Ryan, who is something of an expert in the strange and unusual. With Kathy's help, Bill and current Sheriff Timothy Cole join together to try and save the townsfolk of Zarephath from their tortured pasts and them behind the Door.
This was really interesting. I put off reading it because I could not get into the last title I attempted to read by Mary SanGiovanni. I really enjoyed this one though! Imagine if there was a place where you could go to rid yourself of your problem, whatever it may be - cancer, unwanted pregnancy, brutal war memories - and poof! gone. A fascinating concept, provided of course some idiot doesn't come along and open the door as in this story. Fast-paced and fun. 4 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Kari, a bereft mother mourning the loss of her daughter three years in the grave, decides that her wish wasn't granted to her satisfaction so she's going to open the Door. Naturally, all hell breaks loose. All the wishes are returned, so to speak. And the dying begins.
Former sheriff Bill Grainger calls in Kathy Ryan, who is something of an expert in the strange and unusual. With Kathy's help, Bill and current Sheriff Timothy Cole join together to try and save the townsfolk of Zarephath from their tortured pasts and them behind the Door.
This was really interesting. I put off reading it because I could not get into the last title I attempted to read by Mary SanGiovanni. I really enjoyed this one though! Imagine if there was a place where you could go to rid yourself of your problem, whatever it may be - cancer, unwanted pregnancy, brutal war memories - and poof! gone. A fascinating concept, provided of course some idiot doesn't come along and open the door as in this story. Fast-paced and fun. 4 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
corrint's review
2.0
I'm having a difficult time figuring out how to rate this book. The story is engaging, and the prose is decently written. I found myself relating to a couple of the main characters, and some of the characters had a good deal of depth, especially toward the beginning of the story.
But one of the characters who should not have been written in a sympathetic light was, and that kept pulling me out of the story. Other characters did not relate to that one in any kind of believable way.
Also, the book needs some trigger warnings, which I'll discuss in the spoilers.
Trigger warnings:
Story-related spoilers giving more depth on the sympathetic light and on the trigger warnings:
But one of the characters who should not have been written in a sympathetic light was, and that kept pulling me out of the story. Other characters did not relate to that one in any kind of believable way.
Also, the book needs some trigger warnings, which I'll discuss in the spoilers.
Trigger warnings:
Spoiler
This book contains discussion of child molestation and child suicide.Story-related spoilers giving more depth on the sympathetic light and on the trigger warnings:
Spoiler
A child molester who caused a young girl to commit suicide gets a redemption arc. Not only is he portrayed as almost heroic at the end, but the mother of that young girl tries to help him. Nothing about other characters' reactions to him comes across as realistic; everyone seems to accept him as basically a decent guy with a small character flaw. I could not get past that, and it pulled me out of the story time and time again.aly36's review
5.0
This book was so exciting for me. What is behind the door? One wish you can write on paper and slip under the door. Would you do it? What would you ask for? This book had me on the edge of my seat. I wanted to know all about it and see what else the author had in store for us the readers. I could not put this book down. It was a great book of suspense and wonder for me! *This book was given to me for free at my request from NetGalley and I provided this voluntary review.*
spookshow's review
4.0
Don't open the door, never open the door...
This is one of the main rules of The Door that resides in the woods in Zarephath, Pennsylvania. No one really knows where the door came from, or when it came to be, they just know that it is. Stories have wound their way through generations of the townsfolk of Zarephath, if you have a problem, or a wish, write a letter, make sure that it is worded EXTREMELY carefully so as not to backfire, and go to the door. You must go to the door alone, and at night, slip your letter, sealed with a mix of wax and your own blood, under the door, and walk away. In three days, what you've asked, will come to pass, though not necessarily in the way you had hoped for.
The story opens with a small synopsis about the door and it's short, unknown history, followed by the introduction of some of the townspeople, each with a problem, and each wanting it fixed. We are introduced to a mother, Kari, who's twelve year old daughter died three years ago, suicide. Deets, a young man who accidentally hit and killed a young man while he was driving drunk. Toby, a young man, a pedophile, who preys on little girls, but wants the urges to go away forever. And Ed, an old man who works in the local hardware store, also a pedophile, and Toby's only friend. Toby hears about the door from Ed, Kari hears about it from Cicely, her older and only friend in the town she chose for her new start after her daughter's untimely death, as well as her marriage's. Kari toys with the idea of asking for her daughter back, however, this is soon quashed by Cicely and a story she tells, she saw what happens when people wish for the dead to come back to life when she was a little girl, and it was not pretty. Once Kari decides that she can no longer handle the pain associated with thoughts of her daughter, she writes her letter. Once delivered, three days later she finds that she is starting to forget her daughter all together, not at all what she had wanted. Running on panic and the need to remember, Kari goes to the door, not to use it for a second time, oh no, that is also not done, for those who use it a second time wind up dead, no matter what. Kari wants her letter back from "them" who reside behind the door. In a desperate action, not knowing what else to do, she opens the door...
I found this book definitely fit it's genre, horror. It gave the feeling of complete hopelessness, of wishes turned wrong, and what happens when those wishes and wants are rescinded. The oppressiveness of the atmosphere associated with that which got out, along with the things that joined it definitely invites unease. These creatures with no sure form, except, many mouths, moving eyes, and fluid bodies and bones, bringing to life that which the users of doors wished away.
The authors voice was very clear and concise, I found it a very pleasant and easy read. The inclusion of the pedophiles did elicit feelings of being uncomfortable as I didn't realise when I was first introduced to these characters that they would be remaining as semi-big players in the story itself, however, it wasn't enough to turn me off the story at all. The character's wrong doings to their victims is not really explored, though it is hinted at. If you find this subject something that you cannot stomach, maybe not the book for you as it does invite sympathy for one of these characters through his thoughts and his actions.
Kathy Ryan, she is the occult specialist called in by a retired sheriff, Bill Grainger. This is number two in the Kathy Ryan series, I haven't read the first one, but didn't feel like I'd missed much in Kathy's story, besides a bit of personal backstory. I was under the impression that Kathy would be the forefront character in this story, however found that not to be entirely true. She comes across as more a supporting character, which worked well for the story. I am incredibly intrigued to learn more about this character and her story, so am hoping that more of that comes to light in later books.
There wasn't really a mystery aspect to this story, which wasn't hinted at, but I've found to be quite common in accompanying the horror genre. It was a fast paced race against the clock, would the townspeople, the local sheriff's office and their called in expert on the occult, Kathy Ryan, be able to beat the door and monsters before they devour the town and everyone in it, in the guise of the town's most horrific secrets?
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of the main rules of The Door that resides in the woods in Zarephath, Pennsylvania. No one really knows where the door came from, or when it came to be, they just know that it is. Stories have wound their way through generations of the townsfolk of Zarephath, if you have a problem, or a wish, write a letter, make sure that it is worded EXTREMELY carefully so as not to backfire, and go to the door. You must go to the door alone, and at night, slip your letter, sealed with a mix of wax and your own blood, under the door, and walk away. In three days, what you've asked, will come to pass, though not necessarily in the way you had hoped for.
The story opens with a small synopsis about the door and it's short, unknown history, followed by the introduction of some of the townspeople, each with a problem, and each wanting it fixed. We are introduced to a mother, Kari, who's twelve year old daughter died three years ago, suicide. Deets, a young man who accidentally hit and killed a young man while he was driving drunk. Toby, a young man, a pedophile, who preys on little girls, but wants the urges to go away forever. And Ed, an old man who works in the local hardware store, also a pedophile, and Toby's only friend. Toby hears about the door from Ed, Kari hears about it from Cicely, her older and only friend in the town she chose for her new start after her daughter's untimely death, as well as her marriage's. Kari toys with the idea of asking for her daughter back, however, this is soon quashed by Cicely and a story she tells, she saw what happens when people wish for the dead to come back to life when she was a little girl, and it was not pretty. Once Kari decides that she can no longer handle the pain associated with thoughts of her daughter, she writes her letter. Once delivered, three days later she finds that she is starting to forget her daughter all together, not at all what she had wanted. Running on panic and the need to remember, Kari goes to the door, not to use it for a second time, oh no, that is also not done, for those who use it a second time wind up dead, no matter what. Kari wants her letter back from "them" who reside behind the door. In a desperate action, not knowing what else to do, she opens the door...
I found this book definitely fit it's genre, horror. It gave the feeling of complete hopelessness, of wishes turned wrong, and what happens when those wishes and wants are rescinded. The oppressiveness of the atmosphere associated with that which got out, along with the things that joined it definitely invites unease. These creatures with no sure form, except, many mouths, moving eyes, and fluid bodies and bones, bringing to life that which the users of doors wished away.
The authors voice was very clear and concise, I found it a very pleasant and easy read. The inclusion of the pedophiles did elicit feelings of being uncomfortable as I didn't realise when I was first introduced to these characters that they would be remaining as semi-big players in the story itself, however, it wasn't enough to turn me off the story at all. The character's wrong doings to their victims is not really explored, though it is hinted at. If you find this subject something that you cannot stomach, maybe not the book for you as it does invite sympathy for one of these characters through his thoughts and his actions.
Kathy Ryan, she is the occult specialist called in by a retired sheriff, Bill Grainger. This is number two in the Kathy Ryan series, I haven't read the first one, but didn't feel like I'd missed much in Kathy's story, besides a bit of personal backstory. I was under the impression that Kathy would be the forefront character in this story, however found that not to be entirely true. She comes across as more a supporting character, which worked well for the story. I am incredibly intrigued to learn more about this character and her story, so am hoping that more of that comes to light in later books.
There wasn't really a mystery aspect to this story, which wasn't hinted at, but I've found to be quite common in accompanying the horror genre. It was a fast paced race against the clock, would the townspeople, the local sheriff's office and their called in expert on the occult, Kathy Ryan, be able to beat the door and monsters before they devour the town and everyone in it, in the guise of the town's most horrific secrets?
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
moonlit_shelves's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
catsluvcoffee's review
3.0
In the middle of the woods stands the Door.
No one knows what it is or where it comes from.
All they know it what it does.
For generations, the townspeople of Zarepath have passed down the knowledge of the Door and the rules of use: Write a letter for what you want. Go at night, alone, and pass the letter under the Door. Wait 3 days for it to come to pass. It may not happen exactly the way you are expecting, but you only get to use the Door once so make it count. And most importantly, Never, Ever, Open the Door.
It's the perfect premise for a horror novel because as we know, protagonists in horror always do exactly as they are told. *eye roll* For Kari, mourning the loss of her young daughter to suicide, the wish doesn't go as planned, and she opens the Door to try to take it back. Just like Pandora's box, all the evil is released back into this world.
Thanks a lot, Kari.
Read the rest of the review at Cats Luv Coffee
No one knows what it is or where it comes from.
All they know it what it does.
For generations, the townspeople of Zarepath have passed down the knowledge of the Door and the rules of use: Write a letter for what you want. Go at night, alone, and pass the letter under the Door. Wait 3 days for it to come to pass. It may not happen exactly the way you are expecting, but you only get to use the Door once so make it count. And most importantly, Never, Ever, Open the Door.
It's the perfect premise for a horror novel because as we know, protagonists in horror always do exactly as they are told. *eye roll* For Kari, mourning the loss of her young daughter to suicide, the wish doesn't go as planned, and she opens the Door to try to take it back. Just like Pandora's box, all the evil is released back into this world.
Thanks a lot, Kari.
Read the rest of the review at Cats Luv Coffee
melissalynne81's review
3.0
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the first part of the book, but it went downhill for me after that. I wasn’t a fan of the characters. And the ending felt rushed and it just ended abruptly.
The writing was good and I will try this author again. I just wasn’t a fan of this book.
I enjoyed the first part of the book, but it went downhill for me after that. I wasn’t a fan of the characters. And the ending felt rushed and it just ended abruptly.
The writing was good and I will try this author again. I just wasn’t a fan of this book.
wellwortharead's review
5.0
This is a series I will most definitely want to stick with. I had previously read "Chills" by the same author which is where I first met the character Kathy Ryan. I loved her then and I love her now. In fact I think she was my favorite part of Chills.
The people in the small town of Zarepath have more than their share of secrets. The deepest and darkest secret of them all is one they have shared amongst the townspeople for generations. Hidden in the woods is a door that can rid you of your misery or it can rain misery upon you if you don't follow the rules. Your request must be in writing and you are in for a world of suffering if it isn't worded exactly the way you intend.
The characters are perfectly imperfect and managed to evoke my sympathy for them even as I raged against the pain that some of them had caused and things they had done. The fright factor is deliciously high and the writing style is imaginative and flows beautifully.
I received an advance copy for review
The people in the small town of Zarepath have more than their share of secrets. The deepest and darkest secret of them all is one they have shared amongst the townspeople for generations. Hidden in the woods is a door that can rid you of your misery or it can rain misery upon you if you don't follow the rules. Your request must be in writing and you are in for a world of suffering if it isn't worded exactly the way you intend.
The characters are perfectly imperfect and managed to evoke my sympathy for them even as I raged against the pain that some of them had caused and things they had done. The fright factor is deliciously high and the writing style is imaginative and flows beautifully.
I received an advance copy for review
elise1995's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Pedophilia