Biology Professor Kevin Ballard finds his quiet life rocked by a series of vicious mysterious events.First, his mother is slain in his childhood home. Then his girlfriend (and research assistant) is kidnapped from their cabin and he finds that the plant he’s studying is apparently being used in strange local rituals.To top it all off, the police think Kevin is somehow involved. Who wants to wreck … wreck his life and why?
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This book was more of a thriller than horror and was extremely heavy on religion. Dr. Kevin Ballard is a scientist who teaches and writes about evolution. His parents were very religious and feared for his soul. When Dr. Ballard and his assistant, Kate, go to the mountains of Kentucky to study an endangered plant, they are drawn into the depraved mind of a religious zealot.
The pair first stumble upon the desecrated body of a young woman, then an old man is killed after talking to them about the plant. When Kevin goes to visit his mother, he finds that she has been murdered. Is someone stalking Kevin or has God decided to reign his judgment on Kevin because of his unbelief?
Parts of this book were tension filled and creepy, but the pacing and storyline were hard to follow at times. The book relied heavily on Scripture and the villain was genuinely horrific. However, I would have enjoyed the book more if it had been easier to follow and if the characters had been a little more developed. Also, the ending was so abrupt and unresolved after all of the mayhem that I was a little disappointed.
The narrator, Sean Duregger, actually saved this book for me. If it hadn’t been for his wonderful pacing, voices and performance, I don’t know that I would have finished it. I was given the chance to listen to this audiobook by the author/narrator/publisher and chose to review it.
This book gave a whole new meaning to the phrase “pay for your sins.”
Kevin is a successful biology professor. Problem is, his parents, who were strictly religious, frowned on his chosen profession. Kevin doesn’t let it affect him much, until news comes of his mother’s brutal slaying. When Kevin goes back home, his girlfriend is kidnapped, and he fears the people who slayed his mother are responsible. When he finds his mother’s journal, things start to come together, and he doesn’t like the story that it all tells.
Although this was a rather short listen, it was an interesting take on horror that took religion and obsession to new and terrifying depths. I really wasn’t sure what to expect with this story, but I love the psychological aspects behind the not knowing. The characters in this story were well-fleshed out and felt real. Especially the people in the church. The whole icy tone of the town really added to the worldbuilding and the suspense.
Narration was a perfect match to the story.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
When Kevin and Kate get a grant to study the white haired golden rod plant a plant on the in danger list. They go and rent a cabin in the Daniel Boone state park in Kentucky. While out on a hike they find a white haired golden rod and Kevin takes a picture only to notice the leaves have been cut off, recently. Although this is weird this is an as weird as it gets. When Kevin leaves Kate to take a weekend to visit his mom while stopping to get gas he finds the cashier dead behind the counter in a pool of blood with a wrist cut. He calls 911 and wait for the police, but this too isn’t it strange as it gets and this isn’t the only dead body Kevin will find that night.
Just when you think you know what is going on you find out you know nothing. This book is so good I thought I had it figured out but I was way off and really didn’t know anything until the last chapter and OMG what a book. I received an arc copy of the audiobook and I’m leaving this review completely voluntarily. I absolutely love Sean Dragers narration and all The different voices he had to remember. What an excellent job he did! I didn’t really like Kevin and Kate they were pompous and thought they knew everything and stereotyped everyone. Especially Christians in the locals and anyone else who got on their radar. By the end though you really feel sorry for both of them especially poor Gavin. My heart just broke for him. I didn’t even get to Detective Terry but OMG his story is heartbreaking as well. They are so many layers to this story I highly recommend it it is so so good! This summary doesn’t even cover 30% of the book and trust me when I say there is a lot and as crazy as it is it’s all plausible I was stuck to my phone the whole time the book played and didn’t put it down until it was over in this book I believe is non-hours long, but so so good!