October Reads: 13 Spooky Books Ranked

November 1, 2020 milelongtbr 1 Comment

It’s hard to believe October is already over. It’s one of my favorite months, both for reading and otherwise. I have been planning my spooky month TBR since May, and while I didn’t get to everything on the list, it was a great reading month overall. October reads are the best.

I think I really read a diverse assortment of books here- everything from classics to thrillers to magical realism and even some sci-fi and horror. Some of these genres are definitely outside of my comfort zone, but I’m glad I made the choices I did.

There are thirteen books here overall, so let’s jump in and look at the books I loved, the ones I liked, and the ones that ultimately were not for me.

October Reads I Loved

Ring Shout

This book was probably the furthest out of my comfort zone, yet offered the biggest reward. I’ve seen Ring Shout on many must-read lists this year and hope from this review you can see why it earned a spot there. This is my first read from award-winner Clark and I’m eager to check out his earlier works.

You can read my full review of Ring Shout here.

Don’t Look for Me

This one is up there as being one of my favorite reads in one of my favorite genres- thrillers- this year. Don’t Look For me is the story of a woman who disappears. The signs all point to her walking away from or life and family willingly- but did she?

You can read my full review of Don’t Look For Me here.

Rebecca

This was my first time reading this Gothic classic all the way through and I’m so glad I finally did. The book is atmospheric and chilling- the perfect classic read for October. I loved everything Du Maurier achieved in writing this. For those interested in the film adaptations of Rebecca, check out my guide to three different versions here.

Magic Lessons

Pratical Magic is one of my favorite books, so this prequel was one of my most anticipated releases of 2020. It did not disappoint. Magic Lessons is a beautiful story that takes us back to the Salem Witch Trials and the beginning of the Owens line. It’s filled with the magical wisdom and ethereal prose readers have come to love from Hoffman’s books and it’s sure to be loved by old fans as well as those just discovering the series.

October Reads I Really Liked

Sia Martinez and the Moonlight Beginning of Everything

Sia Martinez and the Moonlight Beginning of Everything is a great YA story that has a little something for everyone. It’s a coming of age story, there’s a mystery element, a love story, family drama, a bit of sci-fi and magical realism, and discussion of important topics such as immigration, ICE, and sexual assault.

It’s a great story and perfect to listen on audio.

Safe

Safe is a wild ride. When a missing girl returns home after many years it should be a wonderful reunion. But it quickly becomes clear that everything is not as it seems- who is fooling whom in this wild, mysterious thriller?

My Sister the Serial Killer

I really enjoyed this short, smart novel about a young woman whose younger sister has a nasty habit of killing her boyfriends. I loved the story, characters, and satire- my only complaint here is that I would have liked more.

The Request

Another twisty, edge of your seat thriller, this one featuring old friends bound by a dark secret. I did guess a couple of the surprises, but there were so many and things were changing so fast it’s hard to guess how everything comes together.

Home Before Dark

I loved the latest from Riley Sager and the fun, creepy ghost story set in a haunted house in a small town that we get in Home Before Dark. It was a fast read- I loved the multiple timelines and the book within the book.

Coraline

I’ve loved the story of Coraline since the movie was released, but this was my first time reading the Gaiman novel it was based on. I found them to be very close in plot and characters and enjoyed reading the book and the eerie world that the author creates.

Hallowe’en Party

This Poirot novel takes place after a party on Halloween- where a little girl says she’s witnessed a murder and then ends up a murder victim that same night. Fans of Christie’s other works may recognize another character- Ariadne Oliver who also makes an appearance in other books like Elephants Can Remember.

October Reads That Weren’t For Me

Mexican Gothic

This book has been getting a lot of buzz, but I think ultimately it wasn’t a book for me. I really enjoyed Noemí’s character and the creepy atmosphere of the house. Ultimately, though, the pacing of the novel made it hard to get into and I would have liked the book to be a little more developed and for the focus to be more on the scary than the bizarre.

Nancy Drew The Secret of the Old Clock

I really wanted to enjoy Nancy Drew for my first time reading as an adult, but ultimately found the writing stiff and the characters a little too idealistic for my taste. I was having a hard time getting into it, but eventually, it got interesting enough for me to finish. Of course, everything worked out perfectly for everyone. I didn’t hate it, but I’m not in any rush to read more of the series.

Alright, there’s a quick take on each of the books I read in October. Have you read any of these ones?

I’d love to hear your thoughts and your favorite book of Spooky month.

13 ASMR Rooms Perfect for Writers

October 30, 2020 milelongtbr 3 Comments

ASMR rooms have been one of my favorite additions to my reading life in 2020 and with National Novel Writing Month just around the corner, I wanted to put together a list of rooms with writers in mind.

With so many write-in events cancelled worldwide and people not feeling comfortable writing outside of the home, ASMR rooms may be the answer for those of you looking to create some ambiance and have consistent background noise.

For those of you unfamiliar with the term, ASMR is an acronym for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, which essentially means that the noises here are meant to soothe and trigger a brain response that leads to deep relaxation.

This is, of course, an overly simplified explanation, but you can read more about the science behind ASMR here. There are over 15 million ASMR videos on YouTube, with videos featuring everything from haircuts, book pages turning, and eating being done in a repetitive and soothing enough manner that people want to watch for this response.

Personally, I love ASMR rooms, which feature animated scenes and accompanying background noise to create whatever ambiance is desired. I’ve found this not only relaxing and enjoyable but that it helps improve my focus when reading and my productivity when writing. They’re also great for studying and getting work done on the computer- any time you want a little white noise in the background.

Also, as a bonus, all of the rooms featured here are free from ads in the middle of the video to keep you focused.

Additionally, if you’re looking for something a little more seasonally inspired, here are 10 ASMR rooms with autumn vibes that I’m loving this fall.

Whether your dream writing environment is a clean home office, a coffee shop, a library, or somewhere with a view, I have a list of great suggestions here. Happy writing, everyone!

1. Charles Dickens Writing Room

This is the perfect Victorian study- it’s not hard to imagine Dickens sitting at the desk working on drafts of Little Dorrit or one of his other classics. This room features rain on the window panes, logs on the fire, and rustling of paper as if someone is reading and writing in the room.

2. Writer’s Library from the 1930s

With all the books in this beautiful library it’s hard to not want to sit down and write one of your own. This ASMR has cozy vintage vibes and features a crackling fire nearby and birdsong outside. There’s also the sound of creativity in progress- writing, sketching, and turning pages.

3. Friday Cafe

If your dream writing environment is a busy café with jazz playing and lots of noise from nearby conversations, this is the room for you. This ASMR video features a number of different cafe scenes with consistent audio. There’s even the sounds of coffee being made in the background- When the steam starts hissing you can almost smell it!

4. Desk In Front of a Rainy Window

For a more contemporary home office, this ASMR room is hard to beat. It earns bonus points for having one of my favorite A. A. Milne quotes on the wall and a cute animated tabby on the desk. The audio features the rain outside and some handwritten notes in this otherwise quiet work space.

5. Cozy Cabin Ambience

Getting to work on your next novel in a remote cabin in the woods sounds like a dream to most writers. It’s scenic and away from distractions – what more can you ask for? Set up camp at your work station with this cozy ASMR room and have a virtual getaway while you write. There are typewriter sounds and a thunderstorm outside the windows to provide ambient noise.

6. Cozy Autumn Cafe

If you’re looking for a quiet café with the vibe of an independent bookstore and colorful leaves falling outside, this is the perfect room for you. This ASMR room is so tranquil- there’s no music, just distant chatter and faint birdsong from outside. Pull up a chair next to the sleeping kitty and get writing!

7. Luxury Train & Rain

If you find yourself missing travel then hop aboard this ASMR room set in a first class train car. You can hear the rain outside and the sounds of the moving train as you write and imaging you’re off to a picturesque location. The inside of the cabin is stately, but the real beauty lies out the window. The train goes through forests, mountains, and a number of quaint little villages, each of them unique.

8. Easy Breezy Fall Study Ambience

This video features birds chirping, chimes, and beautiful falling leaves in the background. I especially love it for the inspirational note and picture of the cat on the desk. Our desks might not be this clean and organized, but with this video, it’s not hard to imagine! I love this video for when I’m working on my computer.

9. Relaxing Morning Ambiance

If the sun streaming through the windows doesn’t make you want to sit down and write a few chapters, I don’t know what will. This ASMR room is so inviting. My kitchen doesn’t get this beautiful light in the golden hours, but if it did I’d be here with a cup of tea every day. Listen to the soft sounds of fire and kitchen sounds. If you’re finding it hard to write you may look up to see rose blooms- or pancakes fly across the room!

10. Outdoor Coffee Shop

Do you prefer writing outside? This gorgeous ASMR room takes you to the streets of a picturesque European village. There’s birdsong and chatter from passersby, but overall this is a quiet room. The real magic is that night falls on this quiet town and then the sun rises again during the duration of the video.

11. Old Library

If you love the idea of being surrounded by books and listening to a storm outside, this is your ideal ASMR Room. The thunder and rain are distant, but soothing and the ambiance of this library is fantastic for those who want to write their next novel surrounded by inspiration. You can also hear the sounds of others working nearby.

12. Study Room

More office goals in this ASMR video that features a fire crackling in the distance and the sounds of someone writing on paper. The streams of light and antique book collection really set this room apart.

13. Writer’s Room

This fun writer’s room is a little on the spooky side- but it’s fun and realistic. There’s lots of typing on the keyboard, some handwritten notes being written down and wind howling outside.

Which ASMR room are you trying out first?

I hope you’ll give one of these ASMR rooms a chance next time you’re sitting down to wrote and see what it’s like to work in one of these inviting environments. Your word count will thank you for it.

Ultimate Guide to Rebecca- the Book and its Film Adaptations

October 29, 2020 milelongtbr Leave a Comment

Welcome to the ultimate guide to Rebecca!

Daphne du Maurier’s most famous novel is a masterpiece of Gothic fiction, and has unsurprisingly inspired a number of adaptations over the years.

With the recent release of Netflix’s latest interpretation of Rebecca the story is being introduced to a new generation. This is great, but it’s a good time to look at the other versions of the film and how they all stack up- against each other and the novel.

Keep reading this guide to see what each Rebecca gets right- and learn its shortcomings. In this guide we’ll look into everything from casting, set, and storyline to see which Rebecca is the ultimate winner.

Note: The narrator of the film Rebecca in the novel and all adaptations is a narrator known only as the second Mrs. de Winter. From here on out she’s referred to as TSMdW.

Hitchcock’s Rebecca (1940)

Joan Fontain reads this iconic first line of the novel as the movie begins, showing the Manderley grounds just as TSMdW dreamed them. It continues to stay close to the novel in the opening chapters as they holiday in Monte Carlo, though a few liberties are taken to advance the plot.

When the de Winters go to Manderley it’s clear that the honeymoon is over- there’s an immediate shift in both the mood and in Maxim’s demeanor and the film captures it well.

Joan Fontaine is charming and naïve and captures the personality of TSMdW perfectly. Laurence Olivier was a good Max, embodying that unique blend of polish and abrasiveness that Mr. de Winter possesses. Judith Anderson’s Mrs. Danvers really stole the show here- she’s a bit younger than the character I had in mind while reading, but her portrayal is perfection.

The main part where the film deviates from the book was in the details of Rebecca’s death- done to please the conservative censors of the day. This was Hitchcock’s first American film, and though it was wildly successful and went on to win an Academy Award for Best Picture, he was not pleased to have the limits on his films.

Spoilers hidden – highlight to read

Rebecca’s death was said in this adaptation to be an accident during a disagreement with Maxim, as the Motion Picture Production Code prohibited the film from having the plot follow the book. Maxim could not kill her out of rage unless he faced consequences for his actions. Given this dilemma, I think Hitchcock made a good decision.

Additionally, in the final scene of du Maurier’s Rebecca Manderley being on fire is only hinted at. Readers surely think it likely Mrs. Danvers started the fire, though it’s never said outright. In this movie, she is shown setting it ablaze and burns along with Manderley. This is certainly more cinematic and is a happy balance between giving an ending without taking too many liberties.

Final Thoughts

This is Old Hollywood at its finest, and while I wish the film were a little more British, it absolutely deserved the Best Picture win.

Hitchcock’s Rebecca is in many ways the truest to the novel and the liberties he took and changes he made because of the regulations of the time did not detract from the movie overall.

Not only that, but the black and white format is not at all a hindrance here. Hitchcock’s use of shadows here is spectacular and help create the ominous atmosphere.

BBC’s Rebecca (1997)

This imagination of Rebecca is very British, as it was made by BBC ,which is definitely in its favor. The actors in this one are quite plain. They look like ordinary people.

In the case of TSMdW, this is not at all a bad thing as she is said in the book to be plain. Max is said to be handsome by TSMdW’s employer while they’re in Monte Carlo, but since that is subjective and she could be blinded by his wealth it could be easy enough to overlook.

Unfortunately, the casting missed the mark here. TSMdW too self-assured, Max too amiable, Mrs. Danvers a little too soft. Though Game of Thrones fans may be pleased to see Charles Dance (Tywin Lannister) as Maxim, he seems the most miscast of all.

This book shows the two seem to genuinely care for each other in the beginning and the first shifts occur while they’re on honeymoon. They’re shown as a passionate couple more so here than in any other version and Max’s temper shows itself just as strongly. He does do a convincing job at this from time to time, but he nearly as condescending to TSMdW as in the book or earlier adaptation.

Throughout the book most of the plot followed the inspiration closely – including the manner of Rebecca’s death. There are two notable exceptions to this, both of which are poor choices in my eyes.

Spoilers hidden – highlight to read

One of the most unique elements to Rebecca is that the title character is only mentioned in the story- she never makes an appearance. Except for in this version. For me, this was almost unforgivable, even though Rebecca’s appearance was in a brief dream of TSMdW. They didn’t show much of her- but the way she was obscured by a hat or shown at close range so we could only see her mouth made it feel cheap. I feel that having her make this appearance in the adaption was a lay choice- they should have worked harder to make her presence felt without being seen or heard on screen.

The other difference is of course, the ending. In this book we see a bit more after the fire at Manderley is discovered- and it would have served the movie better if we hadn’t.

Like in the Hitchcock film, Mrs. Danvers is shown to have started the fire, but it goes on to show her then cozying up with Rebecca’s lingerie before laying in Rebecca’s bed to await the flames.

As if this wasn’t strange enough, it gets worse. When Mrs. Danvers is unaccounted for during the fire Maxim runs into the burning building to save her. It seems to be done to try to absolve Max after he’s revealed a murderer, but it’s inconsistent with his character and an unsatisfying ending overall.

Netflix’s Rebecca (2020)

The much-hyped Netflix adaptation of Rebecca had all the ingredients to make a great film, but from the beginning, TSMdW’s monologue takes a turn from the source.

This was a disappointing choice. Though the cinematography is great and it’s clear from the onset from the sets will be opulent it does little to set the stage for the mystery of Manderley.

Lily James makes a decent TSMdW- probably a little too fashionable and self-assured, but she nails the character’s awkward nature.

When Armie Hammer is introduced he’s far from the Maxim those familiar with Rebecca would expect. He’s supposed to be twenty plus years her senior, but in this version is much closer in age to TSMdW, which changes the dynamic.

Of course, a man twice a woman’s age calling her an idiot while proposing might not sit well with 2020 audiences. Still, I think this changed the nature of the character. Indeed, this version is more a romance than any of the others and I don’t think this does it any favors.

As another point, a absolutely hated the character of Mrs. Van Hopper. When TSMdW is serving as a ladies companion in Monte Carol her boss is not supposed to be an especially favorable character. She’s a social climber, but in the novel and the two other mentioned adaptations, she’s a source of comedic relief. In the BBC version, she was fun and in Hitchcock’s classic, she was superficial and daft. Though she was not particularly a likable person her character was interesting and amusing. In the latest version, she was none of these things and was absolutely loathsome.

Kristin Scott Thomas was a good choice for Mrs. Danvers, though I found something about her performance to be a bit off. She had a menacing smile, but as Judith Anderson’s Danvers in the 1940 version is the epitome of “resting bitch face” this seemed a poor twist.

Things started to fall apart as the film reaches the end. The discovery of Rebecca’s boat and the inquest into her death are rushed. Perhaps if the movie had spent a little less time showing off the grand sets and costumes there would have been adequate time to develop this twist.

Spoilers hidden – highlight to read

The fire scene is oddly rushed and drawn out at the same time. There’s no twisted drive and subtle discovery, the couple instead driving straight up to the building as Max declares it’s a fire.

Mrs. Danvers is seen setting it, but is not in the house or on the grounds as everyone is rushing around. TSMdW then goes down to the cliffs and find Danvers at the edge. After a brief confrontation Danvers jumps to her death.

I feel this was extremely anticlimactic and then they tried to manufacture some of the drama lost- but it didn’t work.

Unfortunately, that’s not the end.

The movie then cuts to Cairo where Mr. and Mrs. de Winter are living out their happily ever after- TSMdW’s final words to Mrs. Danvers being that they would be happy. This was just a bit too much, but again, Netflix seemed to want to make this more a glitzy historical romance than the Gothic suspense it is. This ending may be more “Hollywood” but is certainly unsatisfying for fans of the book and the 1940 masterpiece alike.

After an in-depth look at three of the most popular adaptations, it’s clear which ones stick close to the novel and which change the plot and mood. This ultimate guide to Rebecca wouldn’t be complete without a chart ranking which movie does the best and worst at each character and element.

Take a look at this guide to Rebecca films to see which one you see as the ultimate winner.

	BEST	WORST
Maxim	Hitchcock	Netflix
Mrs. Danvers	Hitchcock	BBC
The Second Mrs. De Winter	Hitchcock/ Netflix	BBC
Mrs. Van Hopper	Hitchcock	Netflix
Costumes	Netflix	BBC

Mood	Hitchcock	Netflix

Faithful Adaptation	Hitchcock
Satisfying Ending	Hitchcock	Netflix

The opinions in this chart and the entire ultimate guide to Rebecca article are my own.

Alright, there you have it. Three cinematic adaptations of this classic Gothic suspense compared in-depth.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and whether you agree with my take on the films.

Which version of Rebecca are you most eager to watch after reading this ultimate guide to the adaptations?

Don’t Look For Me by Wendy Walker Review

October 27, 2020 milelongtbr 1 Comment

This was the thriller I’ve been waiting for. I waited way too long to actually start it, but after seeing it all Bookstagram and reading @a_novel_idea11 ‘s review, I knew it had to be on the top of my October TBR. Once I started the book I could not put it down- and finished it 16 hours later. (I was sleeping for at least a few of them.)

Does this one have the makings for best thriller of the year, or is it another average release? Keep reading this review of Don’t Look For Me to find out!

Don’t Look For Me Synopsis:

(From the publisher to keep it spoiler-free.)

“They called it a “walk away.” The car abandoned miles from home. The note found at a nearby hotel. The shattered family. It happens all the time. Women disappear, desperate to start over. But what really happened to Molly Clarke?

The night Molly disappeared began with a storm, running out of gas, and a man offering her a ride to safety. But when the doors lock shut, Molly begins to suspect she has made a terrible mistake.

A new lead brings Molly’s daughter, Nicole, back to the small, desolate town where her mother was last seen to renew the desperate search. The locals are sympathetic and eager to help. The innkeeper. The bartender. Even the police. Until secrets begin to reveal themselves and Nicole comes closer to the truth about that night—and the danger surrounding her.”

Analysis:

Don’t Look For Me is a gripping story sure to be an absolute binge read for thriller lovers. My heart was racing the entire time I read the book- the tension in this one is high and constant, with one unexpected twist after another.

There were so many times my jaw dropped, so many times I could see what was about to happen just before the events unfolded and yet was shocked by how they played out. Honestly, I don’t think there’s ever been a book where I’ve wanted to grab the characters and say “No, don’t do that, girl!” so many times.

And it’s not because of any fault of the characters. It’s just that with alternating timelines sometimes the reader knows more than they do and the pressure is so high you know something bad is hiding at every turn if the page.
In a world of thrillers oversaturated with unreliable, unlikable, female narrators it’s great to have these believable and strong characters.

Walker did an excellent job crafting this novel and I look forward to reading more from her. The story was told from two different timelines a few weeks apart -from the night of Molly’s perspective, starting the night of her disappearance, and then from the point of view of her daughter-Nicole a few weeks later as she looks for answers about what happened to her mother.

Takeaway:

If you’re looking for an intense five-star thriller to read during spooky season, this is it, yall! Currently, Don’t Look for Me is neck and neck with The Night Swim for favorite thriller of the year.

Many thanks to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the advance copy.

Don’t Look For Me Content Warning:

death of child, trauma, kidnapping/abduction, child neglect, child abuse, murder, wrongful imprisonment

Nonfiction November: 5 Titles on my TBR

October 26, 2020 milelongtbr Leave a Comment

Hi, readers! November is around the corner, meaning it’s time for one of my favorite reading challenges- Nonfiction November.

This is a great way to read out of your comfort zone if nonfiction doesn’t featured on your TBR throughout the year. If you do like to incorporate nonfiction titles, this is a great way to read more of them and branch out to different subgenres.

I feel like nonfiction often gets a bad rap because people think the reading can be dry and boring, but if you choose the right title for you it can be anything but that.

Reading nonfiction offers an opportunity to learn something new. It lets us see something from a new perspective, and gain a deeper understanding of subjects.

From memoirs to true crime, here is a list of five titles on my Nonfiction November TBR to inspire you when in making your own.

Memoirs for Nonfiction November

You Belong: A Call for Connection

First on my list is You Belong, part memoir, part self-development. Sebene Selassie, “Nerdy Black Immigrant Tomboy Buddhist Weirdo” may seem like an outsider, but this book is a deeply personal account of how connected we all are.

This message is needed now more than ever, and Selassie’s experiences and stories work to show us embracing connectivity is an important part of feeling at peace in uncertain times.

Apple

Apple is a unique YA novel in verse, a format I’m loving lately. Gansworth turns a racial slur on its head and uses it to reclaim and reaffirm his identity. This is a great crossover between Nonfiction November and Native American History Month, which also falls in November.

I look forward to reading this lyrical and intimate account from this own-voice author.

Nonfiction November for Animal Lovers

Tales from Beyond the Pawprint

This book will touch the heart of anyone who has ever loved an animal, and is especially soothing to those grieving the loss of a beloved pet.

The book was inspired by Micky Golden Moore’s loss of her own pets and the lack of recourses and understanding she found when dealing with her grief. She used that experience to create the Beyond The Paw Print group. It offers support to those who lose their pet. This book tells the story of 22 group members’ life with their furry friends ― “from first hello through goodbye.” It’s complete with beautiful portraits of the pets and comprehensive lists of resources for those who need them.

I lost one of my cats in May of this year, and am finding comfort in reading the stories in this book. I look forward to finishing it in November.

Nonfiction November for Bibliophiles

Furious Hours

This book tells a fascinating true crime story alongside the narrative of Pulitzer Prize winning author Harper Lee, who researched the case. She planned to write a true crime book about it, inspired by friend Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood. It would have been a great follow-up to To Kill a Mockingbird, but never completed the project.

Lee was an enigma in her life. She never published another book and stayed out of the spotlight, so this book has been on the TBRs of those who love American Literature and True Crime alike.

The Polysyllabic Spree

Finally, we have The Polysyllabic Spree. The subtitle “A Hilarious and True Account of One Man’s Struggle with the Monthly Tide of the Books He’s Bought and the Books He’s Been Meaning to Read” should give you a good idea of why this one has secured a spot on my TBR. It’s essentially an analog book blog, a bookstagram before bookstagram was a thing.

This is sure to be a fun and relatable read for bibliophiles! I can’t wait to read Hornby’s essay collection.

There you have it, friends!

I hope these 8 nonfiction titles have inspired you in deciding what books to read for Nonfiction November.

Be sure to check back next week for a list of my all-time favorite nonfiction titles for more ideas!

What are you reading for Nonfiction November? Do any of these titles make your list?

I’d love to hear what you’re reading.

Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark – a Review

October 23, 2020 milelongtbr 1 Comment

Ring Shout or Hunting Klu Kluxes in the End Times came out earlier this month and I’ve seen nothing but rave reviews pouring in for it.

It’s billed as dark fantasy and horror- and I certainly see elements of both genres present in the story, but for me, it was the speculative fiction element that made me pick up the book.

Keep reading this full review of Ring Shout to see if it lives up to the hype and if it’s a good choice for genre readers or for everyone.

Synopsis:

Essentially, Ring Shout is a genre-bending novella set in the 1920s Deep South that reimagines KKK members as literal monsters from hell.

Here’s a summary from the publisher:

IN AMERICA, DEMONS WEAR WHITE HOODS.

In 1915, The Birth of a Nation cast a spell across America, swelling the Klan’s ranks and drinking deep from the darkest thoughts of white folk. All across the nation they ride, spreading fear and violence among the vulnerable. They plan to bring Hell to Earth. But even Ku Kluxes can die.

Standing in their way is Maryse Boudreaux and her fellow resistance fighters, a foul-mouthed sharpshooter and a Harlem Hellfighter. Armed with blade, bullet, and bomb, they hunt their hunters and send the Klan’s demons straight to Hell. But something awful’s brewing in Macon, and the war on Hell is about to heat up.

Can Maryse stop the Klan before it ends the world?

Analysis:

I’ve said many times that one of the features I appreciate most in a novel is the author’s ability to transcend and jump between genres, and Clark has proven himself a master of this here.

Maryse may just be my favorite heroine of the year. She is a force; hunting down monsters, yet still showing her vulnerability and softness.

This book is harrowing, intense, and profound. There’s a lot of commentary on race, humanity, rage, and hate that’s very relevant in our world today, making it a very important read.

There’s so much going on in the story. It moves fast- it has to fit so much action and world-building in less than 200 pages. My only criticism is that at points it’s a lot to keep up with- though it’s a small problem, and one I admit may be my own fault. My typical reads are usually set in reality and don’t involve this level of world building.

There’s also a significant amount of gore- again, typical given the horror genre- so keep that in mind along with the other content warnings at the end of the article. I point these things out only so that you go in with these things in mind and don’t hold it against the book in reviews on retailers sites. These reviews can prevent a book from getting to the audience who needs to read it, and that’s never a good thing!

Audio Review:

The audio was narrated by Channie Waites, who did a phenomenal job bringing this story to life.

She did different coices for a number of the characters- both human and supernatural, and it definitely added to the tension of this book. The sense of urgency she created to the characters is unparalleled and she did the more tender moments of the book just as well.

This was my first time listening to Waites narrate, but I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more of her projects after this.

Go over to Libro.fm to get a copy of Ring Shout for free with my link and choose a Black-Owned Bookstore to support with your subscription.

Takeaway:

I’ve seen Ring Shout on many must-read lists this year and hope from this review you can see why it earned a spot there. This is my first read from award-winner Clark and I’m eager to check out his earlier works – even if they’re out of my genre comfort zone.

Go ahead and add this five-star read to your TBR- it’s a fast read so there’s no reason not to!

Many thanks to RB Media and NetGalley for the ALC.