They were only going out to dinner and a movie.
But their plans go astray, and friends Cassie, Mary, Denise, and James decide to take a detour down a lonely mountain road. A felled tree blocks their passage and forces them to turn around in a clearing containing a disturbing arrangement of four deer carcasses.
Then their truck breaks down, and their cell phones don't work. They must brave the cold December air, nightfall, and a long hike. Yet their troubles are just beginning. Tension runs high between the four young friends ... and they are not alone. Each step brings them closer to safety, but will they make it to the main road alive?
My review:
It was suppose to be a fun winter night touring the back roads with old friends, but a tree blocks the trail and the old truck breaks down. There's no light, warmth, or cell phone reception. Cassie, Mary, Denise, and James decide to walk the few miles back to the main road. The cold and darkness adds friction to an already disgruntled group, and Cassie's scary story doesn't help ease the tension. There's also something stalking them in the woods. Perhaps Cassie's story holds more truth than they want to believe.
Cherie Reich has managed to pack vivid detail and nail-biting suspense in this short horror tale. I can still feel the cold and hear the strange cracks from the woods. It seemed like a normal night for the young folk, but I fast on the edge of my seat, and I couldn't relax even when I reached the end. The most unique part of this story is that the reader is allowed to see through all the characters' eyes. Each of the four characters have their own sections and it's like peeling back layers of an onion. More is revealed about the dynamics of the group and each individual's inner most feelings. Cherie does a marvelous job with characterization. This is the perfect story for a cold, dark night when you're bundled up in bed. You'll need a big blanket when those chilly goose bumps crawl up your arms!
You can download Once Upon a December Nightmare at:
Author bio:
A self-proclaimed bookworm, Cherie Reich is a writer, freelance editor, book blogger, and library assistant living in Virginia. Her short stories have appeared in magazines and anthologies, and her ebooks include a horror novelette titled Once Upon a December Nightmare, a short story collection with authors Aubrie Dionne and Lisa Rusczyk titled The Best of Raven and the Writing Desk, a space fantasy trilogy titled Gravity, and a fantasy series The Foxwick Chronicles. She is a member of the Virginia Writers Club and Valley Writers and Untethered Realms.
Find Cherie at: Website * Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads *
You still have time to enter The Harbinger blog tour giveaway for your chance to win the first four ebooks in the 13th Floor series!
I haven't read any of Cherie's books, but it sounds intriguing, the blurb got my attention!
ReplyDeleteAs for your cover, it is great, just like your stories are, so, it was my pleasure.
Have a wonderful day, filled with inspiration!
Already own it!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my favorite stories written by Cherie! Everyone should get their own copy!
ReplyDeleteAwesome- I'll be sure to share. Thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteSounds like my kind of book!
ReplyDeleteGood thing my kindle can't get full.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting the review! I really appreciate it! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's a fantastic story! Thanks for stopping by, everyone. :) And you're welcome, Cherie.
ReplyDeleteSounds awesome. Cherie is a great writer.
ReplyDeleteSounds intense, have to get myself a copy!
ReplyDeleteI have this one. I'm looking forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteHeading to Smashwords...
ReplyDeleteLove seeing this everywhere today . . .what amazing support! hope to read it soon:-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool book... thanks for the free giveaway.. will be getting myself a copy
ReplyDeleteI'm headed for the free copy. Sounds scary. Ooooo! I need to wait until my husband is home to read it. I don't want to scare myself to death.
ReplyDelete