GtPGKogPYT4p61R1biicqBXsUzo" /> Google+ Michael West Spook House Tour: Review + Giveaway | I Smell Sheep

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Michael West Spook House Tour: Review + Giveaway

There are some places in this world that go far beyond any normal definition of “haunted.” These places are so evil, so diabolical, that they become gateways to Hell itself. The Fuller Farm is one such place.

It is said that old man Fuller conducted unspeakable acts, blood rituals and human sacrifices, all in an attempt to gain the ultimate knowledge, the ultimate power. And then, he was killed–horribly murdered on his own lands, leaving the house to stand as a vacant monument to his wickedness. But once a door is opened, it can never really be closed.

Now, the stars are right. The gateway is ready to once more unleash unspeakable horror upon the town of Harmony, Indiana. And this will be one Halloween that they will never forget!

First, I want to make a shout-out to artist Matthew Perry for the kick-ass cover of Spook House, as well as the two interior pieces. Seventh Star Press was smart when they grabbed this guy for their books.

Spook House is actually the third book in West’s Harmony, Indiana series. I haven’t read the first two, but you don’t need to read the books in order because they are self-contained stories that happen in the same small town. There is an overlapping arc but you are given just enough information about it in Spook House to understand the motivations behind our protagonist, Robby Miller, and to entice you to read the first two books and find out those stories.

This was an old-fashioned horror story with likable characters and a smart plot. Robby Miller is an EMT in the town of Harmony. Twenty five years ago something bad happened to him and his friends in a corn field and the guilt still plagues him, so he is trying to learn more about the evil that secretly preys on the town and do something about it. I really liked his character and hope he appears in future books because he is level-headed and a really decent guy. The first chapter is like the start of any horror movie out there: a guy and girl check out the old rotting house with a murderous past. Guy says he just wants to have a look around… but in this case the girl, Sheri Foster, stays in the car. Guy doesn't come back… ever. Sheri and Robby must stop a zealot on a mission to finish opening a “door” that Farmer Fuller started over 40 years ago in his cellar. To complicate matters, the door to hell is below the Harmony Fire Department’s haunted house attraction. There are spider-dogs, tentacles, ritual human sacrifices, a fanatical Irishman, a sharp dagger, and even a little romance.

West writes a damn fine story. The characters are well-developed and the story is rich and intelligent. Where you find monsters you will also find gory deaths, but it isn't done in a gratuitous manner. The story has a few lulls between the fast paced action scenes, but overall this is a quick read and good time for any fan of horror. If you like Stephen King or Scott Nicholson, then you will enjoy this.



4 "good spider-doggie" Sheep



about the author:
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Michael West is the critically-acclaimed author of The Wide Game, Cinema of Shadows, Skull Full of Kisses, and The Legacy of the Gods series. He lives and works in the Indianapolis area with his wife, their two children, their bird, Rodan, their turtle, Gamera, and their dog, King Seesar.

Every Halloween, he turns his garage into a haunted house




13 comments:

  1. The description sounds great! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Oh and I've found haunted houses to be both scary and fun...if it's a good one :)

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  2. yes i have visited a haunted house and went on a haunted hayride. i find them more scary than fun. lol

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  3. We have a haunted house tour every year at the old jail. It is very scary. Never know what's going to come out of the darkened cells. And there is a huge fire breathing dragon that rises up over the top of the building outside. Scares you every time!

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  4. Thanks for the review! Much appreciated! :)

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  5. I've never been to a haunted house, but I love this book!

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  6. Amazing covers and visuals. Thanks so much for sharing.
    debby236 at gmail dot com

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  7. I love horror related anything. I love visiting the haunted houses during Halloween. Don't knwo what I would do in a real one..spooky.

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  8. I love how the monsters about to get him! lmao So fun :)

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  9. I've been to a haunted house. Nice review.

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  10. I always get scared in them!!! Someone has to go with me, and they have to be in front of me at all times so I can clutch on to them for dear life, hahaha.

    x

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  11. I visited them when I was younger so they were always scary. I think if I went now, they would be fun. Maybe I will go next year!

    The books looks great.

    Happy Holidays,
    Marlena
    charmedpoms(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  12. contest is over. The winners are listed in the raffledude. I will be sending you emails! You will have 3 days to respond. Thanks to everyone who stopped by. This is really a fun story!

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