This is my all time favorite Hautala novel. A little boy sees his mother killed by 'little brothers' that live in underground tunnels that criss cross his hometown. Now the monsters want him as well. Of course, being a Hautala novel, there is a lot more going on in the tightly wound plot than first meets the eye. The reader of this book is in for a real treat. Recommended.

Jenna Blake is back for another round, and this time around, things are gonna get hot! When a man bursts in to flames for no apparent reason, Jenna finds herself wrapped up in yet another mystery. The writers take us on a rollercoaster ride, as we watch things unravel, up until the very end, when a vicious killer attempts to take the life of someone very near and dear to Jenna.

This book follows in the footsteps of its predecessors, and lives up to the standards set by them. If you are a Jenna Blake fan, you will enjoy this book as well.

Three people are mysteriously burned to death, two of whom in front of a multitude of eyewitnesses. "How could something like this happen?" is the question on everyone's mind, especially when a member of the Somerset Police Department's own becomes the fourth victim of the flames. Could spontaneous human combustion, the ability of a person to burst into flames without reason, be the cause of these deaths? Or, could a man named Victor Frost have single-handedly murdered these individuals with the touch of a finger?
I give this book five stars, because it was an excellent mystery that kept me in suspense. The cause of the murders (pyrokenesis) was fascinating, but even more remarkable was the insight of the main character, Jenna. The authors too, clearly demonstrated a keen knowledge of the events that occurred in the novel, making the plot realistic. I would recommend "Burning Bones" to anyone looking for a good mystery with a surprising twist.

Burning Bones was overall was suspenseful, and certainly not predictable. So far I have followed every book, and I do think this was one of the most trivial cases, but what puzzles me is that it is so far from human belief, where all the other books are more murder/ish cases- I'm not ruling out the whole idea, because I do believe anything is possible, but it seems unlikely in the series. But I suppose that's why they wrote it like this??? Overall, the book is great and almost makes me want to be an ME, or at least the assistant, and if like mysteries but not the same old monotonous mysteries, I recommend this book- or any other Body Of Evidence book!

Vampire explores the depth of your character, Werewolf explores your dedication, Mage your resourcefulness. Wraith simply searches out the point you crack, and give in. The setting is darkly superb and detailed. The gameplay is an exercise in psychosis. Quite radically different in it's gameplay to any other game I've played to date, and despite it being superbly intense, I'm afraid it now sits gathering dust on a shelf. It's not that it's unplayable (quite the opposite), it's simply that the players (and myself) refuse to play it. If you feel you can hack depression, and the intense conflict (in party) that Wraith generates, then play away... The experience is a double edged sword.

As a player, I love the World of Darkness series from White Wolf. I have not yet had the pleasure of Storytelling a game, but I hope that will change soon. Wraith: The Oblivion is put together very well (AND IT'S ALSO SCARY!). The character creation sytem is not for the lazy gamers, it actually forces the players to think. (Some of the people I play with don't like to think all that hard, but I aim to make them be serious.) Anyway, you really need to think about your character, unlike in Mage where all you have to do is give the guy disgusting amounts of magick to make him good and fun to play. I found the theme of Wraith to be a bit disturbing, with all the darkness and depression and whatnot, so I believe I'm going to grey the World of Darkness a bit in my attempt at Storytelling. I hope it all works out. Overall, I think that Wraith is one of the better games of the sieries, even if the Werewolves can tear people limb from limg or the Mages can warp reality itself. Congratulations, White Wolf.

Wraith: The Oblivion is far and away the BEST of White Wolf's "World of Darkness" role-playing games.

The world is grim and forbidding... far more so than even the typical WoD setting, but without the flagrant overstatement occasionally found in Vampire or Werewolf. The backdrop is absolutely perfect for the story... Imagine the frustration, pain, and tragedy of being able to see and feel and hear the world you left behind... but being unable to move or manipulate that world. Imagine seeing your ex-wife grow old and die... or feeling the impotent rage of watching the bastard who raped and murdered you stalking his next target. Calling the setting "gothic" is a horrible injustice; it is akin to dismissing Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy as "a story about elves."

The emphasis is overwhelmingly on role-playing; combat junkies and munchkins need not apply. Although physical conflict and neat toys and powers have their place in the sepulchral setting of Wraith, the game is such that your character won't even SURVIVE for long without thoroughly roleplaying the Passions and beliefs that fuel her post-mortem existence. Emotions run high; it's not unusual for one or more players to end up in tears during a gaming session. I have even seen a real-life romance blossom from the results of in-character roleplaying. The triumphs and defeats, joys and sorrows, of the characters are raw and clear by their players.

In short, this game is absolutely wonderful- even for people new to the "World of Darkness" or who are not normally interested in "gothic horror." If you enjoy roleplaying with a heavy emphasis

If you are looking for a rock em sock em....this is not the book for you. If you are looking for an emotionally taut peice of work, this is right up there in quality. I disagree wholeheartedly with the person from from Kirkus. David IS an intersting hero who continually strives to save his daughter and become a better stronger man in himself. There is character development on both sides of life as well as action scattered like garnish. When I met Rick Hautala he said that there were supposed to be stories for all three knives, but white wolf dropped the idea. I personally am upset by this, I want to see the story conclude!!! Write white wolf and let them know that it should be given the ability to FINISH!

If Wagner were alive, he might write an opera about this one!

David is in the underworld with all its terror and mystery. But he can still see the world of the living, where he discovers his widow (ex-wife, actually) is in danger. Their daughter, also in the land of the dead, has dangers of her own which her father must overcome.

I was drawn in by the characters and challenges and the mystery of "the other side."

As with other contemporary horror scribes, Hautala plays down a lot of the supernatural and monster aspects of his tales, instead concentrating on the human elements. Here we have a recently reformed family faced with tragedy both in its past and present. An enthralling and creepy read that, like other Hautala tales, backs an emotional punch.

But this book is absoulutely amazing I can';t put it down! infact its in front of me now! People who love books you can't put down and love the feeling of sheer terror I really sugest this book! It is broken up into pieces so you surely won't try and skip through and read the ending! You can't miss a word of it! READ IT! I love it! I'm going to read it over and over! It's that good!

Have you ever started reading a book and as you get into it, find yourself wondering why you continue to read it? That's what happened to me with "Impulse." Granted, Rick Hautala has created one of the most vile and despicable villains I've encountered. Greg Newman, the sociopath in this novel, has no redeeming qualities. What can you say about a [sick man] who: pees in his ailing mother's water; spits ... into same; strangles a helpless stray cat; kills a black Labrador with a baseball bat; wounds another dog; beats to death an old woman, a convenience store clerk, a wino, a valet, and to top it off, he murders the book's short-lived hero, John Ross. And that's only the beginning. Watch out for the grisly and nerve-wracking finale, too!
First off, let's look at the back of the book and it's description: it intimates that this worthless scumbag is seeking forgiveness from the policeman's widow; now, where in the world in the book is that ever seen? And, it says he is getting close to her children (physically, maybe, but not in the affectionate terms).
The book has a lot of stereotypical characters and situations; widowed Angie and her kids, who actually are nothing but teenage brats. She is constantly battling with them; they are constantly battling each other; her little boy is even battling other kids in his new school. Sometimes there are so many scenes of this familial discord that it makes you want to scream or slap Angie! Not to mention the overuse of Greg Demento's voices urging him on to kill. The book also never says whether Angie takes the job that took her to Maine in the first place. Brandy and her boy friend, Evan, are like two [X-rated] stars in their frequent sexual attempts, with Brandy whining she doesn't want to go all the way with Evan---yet....hmmm..could've fooled me.
But the biggest indicator of this book is its editing. I think they must have been drunk when they did it. Here's some rich examples:
a)The first time we meet Angie and her two young ones, she is on their cases for being up so late, particularly on a school night. She goes on and on; the kids battle back, and you think, wow, what a family. The next time we see them, and this is the next morning, the kids are amazingly not in school. Little JJ is off playing computer games, and Brandy has traipsed off to the mall. Why all this [stuff] about being up on a school night?
b)Later on, when cop John is on the phone with his friend, Frank, John's character mysteriously becomes Frank. Hautala writes, Frank said..when it's really John!
c) Okay, here we go again. Nutcase Greg is hauling his killer bat around, ready to pounce and the author calls it his basketball bat? Now have you ever played basketball with a bat?
d) In several spots, Greg's name is mistyped Grey.

Being picky? No, just amazed that someone of Hautala's stature is represented so poorly by these editing faux pas.

Oh, well, I had to read the whole thing to make sure that Greg gets his just desserts. He does, but not before blazing one of the most sadistic murderous paths in fiction since the Marquise de sade!

This is a very uncomfortably dark book; there are no safeties in this one; bad things happen to good people, and you shudder as they do.

I recommend it if you find it in a bargain or used book bin, but prepared for one disturbing read.

This book is so great even though it's 400+ I've read it twice! A man searching for forgiveness from a woman that doesn't even know he exists. But not only for forgiveness but to rid her of the knowledge he thinks she has of her husbands death by tracking her all the way to another state. It not only is a thriller and has a force that pulls you in, but a plot of disgust and perversion, something America can't get enough of!

I love this book, it is the best I've ever read, it sounds like something that could really happen with an unsuspecting family and a demented psyco. You have to read it!

This is a very good book with a HELL OF AN ENDING!! Hautala turns the tried-and-true ghost story into a different kind of story. He weaves a complex and interesting plot to a NEVER SEE IT COMING conclusion!!

Hautala would have gotten the highest honor, a 5-star rating, but the book moves slowly at times. However, it is still a very impressive novel any HORROR LOVER SHOULD HAVE!!! If you enjoy Hautala, ITS A MUST BUY!!! (No I didn't get paid to endorse it, it is just that damn good)

I think Hautala is underappreciated in the horror field, just look at his cult classic, Little Brothers. That was a great 5-star book! He has been on the best-seller list, but I am not aware of him having ever won a Stoker or award from HWA! If I am wrong, please email me at darren.jacks@blueshieldca.com

A fabulous writer!!

Rick Hautala never ceases to amaze me. Shades of Night is more than just a simple ghost stary, so much more. Hautala has the enviable gift of being able to place the reader in a shared intense emotional experience with his characters. The reader feels and fears for their plight. This is one of his best. An excellent book from an excellent writer. Recommended.

Lara DeSalvo wakes up one night and finds a strange woman standing at the foot of her bed. The woman beckons for her to follow. The incident frightens Lara, and she passes it off as a nightmare. When it keeps happening, she begins to suspect that someone is breaking into her house. By the end of the story, Lara will realize who this woman was, what she was trying to say, and the shocking secret her husband tried to hide. The plot was rich and tight, with several subplots weaving into it. However, I thought Lara was too whiny and passive. I would recommend it, though, to anyone who likes ghost stories.

I have all of Rick's novels... yes, I mean ALL. Moondeath, Moonbog, Night Stone, Winter Wake, Dead Voices, etc. Even when he wrote under the name A.J. Matthews. On the whole, I have enjoyed all his work (except Mountain King). However, being a good novelist doesn't always mean you are effective at writing short stories. In this case, I think Rick is a better novelist. I knew the ending to most of the short stories way before their conclusion. Yes, they are well written, but I've read similar stories like them before. The only real gem in the collection is "...from a Stone". Other good ones are, "The Back of My Hands", "Colt .24", and "Rubies and Pearls". With all that being said, Bedbugs is still worth a read.

Those who only know Rick Hautala as a novelist might be surprised to learn that he's a talented short story writer as well. Ample proof is available in BEDBUGS, a collection of 26 tales of horror, suspense and the macabre.

One has to be impressed by Hautala's versatility. Many of his short stories capture the style, feeling, and, sometimes, the very intensity of writers as diverse as Edgar Allen Poe ("The Back of My Hands"), Robert Bloch ("Colt .24"), Joe R. Lansdale ("... from a Stone") and Gary Braunbeck ("Schoolhouse"), even as he puts his own spin on the material. Hautala's also proven that he can deliver even when constrained by narrow or quirky
themes, as in his stories originally written for theme anthologies. Tales such as "Winter Queen" (from Dark Destiny), "Surprise" (The Ultimate Zombie), and "Piss Eyes" (Frankenstein: The Monster Awakes) demonstrate his consummate professionalism and extensive range.

As Matt Costello notes in his afterward, Hautala brings "... a special freedom to his short fiction ... as though the short stories didn't have to fit in a certain niche of Rick Hautala books, and he could just wail." This assertion is proved repeatedly as Hautala takes readers on an oft-times bizarre tour of the human psyche. In "Crying Wolf," a tale dedicated to Richard Laymon, they're introduced to Billy Lewis, a sociopath
who'd give Todd Hunter of "Apt Pupil" fame a run for his money. In "Sources of the Nile," they meet a narrator who takes his eye fetish to extremes. Finally, there's "Rubies and Pearls," featuring a serial killer whose M.O. is sure to raise a few hackles.

Such is Hautala's craftsmanship that many readers won't even notice it. Take the opening paragraph of "Speedbump":

"I can't go swimmin' anymore, 'n all because Phil had to go and kill our son-of-a-b**** of a boss, Lester Croix. I suppose it was bound to happen, but I dunno. I think Phil coulda done a better job of it. Lucky thing for Phil, though, I work with him and was the first one to notice Lester's body -- his hand, anyway. That way, just as a favor to Phil, I could clean things up to make sure no one else ever found out about what he had done."

Hardly anyone reading lines like these is apt to stop. Openings like this are only one indication of Hautala's abundant literary gifts, all of which are on display in this estimable collection.

Bedbugs is an excellent collection in every respect but then why wouldn't it be? Rick Hautala is a first-rate talent who deserves much more note and notice than he's received lately. In addition to being a great storyteller, Rick has a good deal to say about our time. His stories are often wry comments on life in the new century. Spooky and cautionary tales. Bedbugs has something for every taste, from a few that EC Comics would have published with delight, to some horrifying psychological suspense stories that Ruth rendell readers will appreciate. A fine introduction to Rick's work--and a guaranteed pleasure to read for readers of all kinds.

Rick Hautala, Winter Wake (Warner, 1989)

During the eighties, Rick Hautala was touted by the in-crowd as the next Big Thing in horror fiction; Fangoria even predicted Hautala would be the next Stephen King. But Hautala's meteoric descent into obscurity as the decade turned could be predicted by anyone who knows the unwritten (until now) rule of horror fiction blurbs: the more obscure the previously-famous blurb writer for an author, the more likely it is that the blurbed will make the same descent. And the blurb for Winter Wake comes from John Coyne, second only to Frank de Felitta in seventies horror, and just as obscure by the time Winter Wake appeared in 1989.

The rule of horror fiction blurbs wasn't necessarily the only way to prophesy Hautala's downfall. Winter Wake suffers from the traps of many genre horror novels, specifically overdramatized writing and about ten times the number of necessary exclamation points. Neither of these things prevents an author from attracting a core audience and achieving longstanding fame, however, as the example of Brian Lumley shows us. And what beyond that may have erased Hautala's name from the bestseller list is something of a mystery. Winter Wake is not a bad book by any means, despite the shortcomings mentioned above. It's not a great one, either, but no one lined up to give the Pulitzer to Dean Koontz for Darkness Falls, either.

The story presents us with the Carlson family: father Frank, son John, son's wife Julia, and son's stepdaughter Bri. Frank has recently suffered a stroke, and his rehab is taking longer than usual, so John and his family move back to the homestead on a small Maine island to help Frank around the house. Frank and John have never gotten along too well, though, and while Julia and Bri start feeling affection for the old guy almost immediately, things just get worse and worse between father and son. To throw an extra monkey wrench into the works, the house seems to be haunted, and the haunting seems to point to a dark secret in John's past.

The encapsulation above seems to point to Russell Bank's Affliction, doesn't it? Frank Carlson is a lot more affable, and John Carlson isn't quite as dysfunctional, but there's something to be said for the comparison. A family disintegrating over the gradual uncovering of a secret. Hautala, though, doesn't have the deftness of foreshadowing that Banks uses throughout his work; often, there might as well be THIS IS IMPORTANT in foot- high neon red over certain passages in Winter Wake. And while the actual dark secret is somewhat different than what one would expect, Hautala chose to channel the dark secret into an avenue where the logical choices the reader could guess are limited enough that the revelations at the end are still somewhat predictable. The book also suffers from the same unaccountable mood swings that seem to pervade just about every piece of fiction I've been reading recently. John and Julia go from yelling at one another to laughing to sullen silences in the space of a few minutes without any real triggers that we can see. It makes things simple and moves the plot along, but there's a strong feeling of attempted emotional manipulation, and it's just a little too close to the surface. When you can see it, it doesn't work.

Whether Hautala deserves the obscurity in which he finds himself these days is an arguable point; lord knows hundreds of best-selling authors have the same, or far worse, flaws in their various stories than these. The problem is there's not enough here to really start any kind of revival movement. ** ½

When a man returns home with his family to aid his ailing father, the spirit of his long deceased high school sweetheart begins to wreak havoc. Creepy atmosphere and character oriented plot. Recommended.

I've slammed Hautala in the past for some of his other work but Winter Wake was a really satisfying read. I've read it twice now and I enjoyed it both times. An average American family moves home to a small town in Maine to take care of an elderly relative. They soon find they are being stalked by a kind of wraith that seems to be related to a dark secret from someone's past. Hautala has fun with the idea and it really comes across. There's a lot of genuinely creepy elements to the story (even in the background,) and it makes for a great read. Find it. Read it. Enjoy it. I may even read it again.

It stinks! This man has simply lost his magic from his earlier works.

When I first started Hautala's The Mountain King, I have to admit that I felt like this was going to be just another shlock horror book. But the more I read on, the more I got into the story. This one is pure horror; a book that relies on plot and mood more than anything else. And surprsingly enough, it works superbly!

Mark and Phil are hiking across the mountains somewhere in Maine when a horrible accident leaves Phil badly injured. As Mark is about to rescue his friend, he sees a large hairy beast steal Phil's body away. From then on, the book follows Mark's trek as he tries to rescue his friend from this unknown creature.

There is also a subplot about Mark's daughter and wife that I truly enjoyed. The good thing about this book is that you cannot really predict what will come next. The events are truly original and often terrifying. The book is somewaht of a cross between Jack Ketchum's Off Season and John Darton's Neanderthal. If you liked either of these books, or if you're a fan of the horror genre, then you should really enjoy this one.

My only problem with the book was its length. It's very short, not even 300 pages long. At least the writer was good enough to provide us with three additional short stories in order to have the book clock in at a more reasonable 380 pages. These short stories are fun and enjoyable, if only that. So overall, not a bad one at all. It surprised me and I cannot wait to read another book by this author!

I really enjoyed this book. It was not boring,Kept your attention and interest. Hautala is a favorite of mine. He has a wonderful imagination and has a great way with words. This was one of those books that I had a hard time putting down.Some books it takes me as long as a week to read, this one I read in 2 days. Am looking forward to more of his books.