Long before the film there was the written word. Long before we settled down in
front of video or now DVD players for our fright-fests, we would read tales of 
terror by candlelight.
For most, this has been lost, however there are still those that prefer the pages
to celluloid or even both and why not?
This section then is for you. To help you to search through the rubbish and find
stories worth your time to read. If you're an avid reader of horror novels then
why not join 'Castle Dracula' as an official 'staff member' reviewing them.
To do so, just click on the 'Join My Staff' link in the menu to the left for details
of this and other vacancies.

- Celia -
- Ruby Jean Jensen -

'Durk Nolan' is a cruel specimen of a man. Taking young 'Celia' at an early and naive 
age, he made her his wife but kept her in a private home deep within the swamps and 
ruled her by physical fear and mental terror. He abuses all three of his children, 
and is beginning to set sights on the daughter 'Jonie' for something a bit MORE physical. 
His job is taking dogs from peoples houses, strays, etc., and putting them into small 
dirty cages until he sells them to animal labs for research experiments. It should be 
easy to see why 'Celia' and her kids left, and also in reality why they ran into the 
man again, and finally what forced the young woman to do what she had to do to ensure 
her and her family's survival. However, 'Durk' wasn't lying when he whispered threats 
of turning into a monster upon his death, fed from the swamp, all those years.
From page one the action is set; the murder has taken place and they are already on 
the run. From then on it's nonstop violence, fear, sadness, and a tight plot. 
Everything flows together smoothly and you have to keep reading to find out which 
monster will pop up when you switch chapters.
The atmosphere is dark, morbid, creepy. The settings of the Swamp especially. (Personal 
swamp fear here). 
Every scene is described in enough detail to make you clearly see the place, feel the 
wind, smell the air.
All characters are superbly developed. We truly believe 'Durk' is the scum of the earth. 
'Celia' comes across as sweet and intelligent, just trapped and cut off from the outside 
world. The fantasies of the children are precious. The main caretaker, 'Mel,' who travels 
with them to different destinations, has a tear-wrenching secret all his own.
One thing Ruby Jean Jensen always does is put you into the heads of all involved and 
makes it realistic. We see their own torments and past tortures relevant to the novel. 
She makes sure you like them, but that doesn't mean their lives are safe. Jensen's style 
is cold and dark but simple to understand and beautifully worded. Ruby Jean Jensen is 
not a "nice author." People who are easily disturbed should NEVER read her books. 
Within these pages are stories of horrid child abuse and death. Animals being tortured 
and killed. People you genuinely like getting slaughtered. Desperation, a sense of 
hopelessness, fear, and anger at all the predators of the world.
I would never call this a "light" read. Her books never are; I have read a few of them. 
Don't go into this one expecting a sense of peace or easy enjoyment -- because you 
won't get it. I had tears in my eyes on more than one occasion involving another 
character explored. She is indeed one of the most morbid authors ever, especially in 
other novels I've devoured.
For originality, for sheer emotion, for superb characterization, an enthralling read, 
and non-stop stalking suspense, you simply MUST check this book out. Read with one 
eye on the book and the other on the evening news.

Reviewed By Erin Williams.

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