Will Haunt You by Brian Kirk (ARC) - Review

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I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

You don't read the book. It reads you. Rumors of a deadly book have been floating around the dark corners of the deep web. A disturbing tale about a mysterious figure who preys on those who read the book and subjects them to a world of personalized terror. Jesse Wheeler--former guitarist of the heavy metal group The Rising Dead--was quick to discount the ominous folklore associated with the book. It takes more than some urban legend to frighten him. Hell, reality is scary enough. Seven years ago his greatest responsibility was the nightly guitar solo. Then one night when Jesse was blackout drunk, he accidentally injured his son, leaving him permanently disabled. Dreams of being a rock star died when he destroyed his son's future. Now he cuts radio jingles and fights to stay clean. But Jesse is wrong. The legend is real--and tonight he will become the protagonist in an elaborate scheme specifically tailored to prey on his fears and resurrect the ghosts from his past. Jesse is not the only one in danger, however. By reading the book, you have volunteered to participate in the author's deadly game, with every page drawing you closer to your own personalized nightmare. The real horror doesn't begin until you reach the end. That's when the evil comes for you.

Will Haunt You by Brian Kirk sounded like it had so much potential. The synopsis is really drew me in. I couldn't help but think of a combination of The Ring meets We Sold Our Souls by Grady Hendrix which sounds like a winning combination to me. Unfortunately, the novel didn't quite win me over. At times it's just too outright weird (and that's coming from someone who generally appreciates that quality) and confusing. That said there were some elements I enjoyed, but I think a visual element would really help this story. Personally, I think seeing it adapted to the big screen could be what it needs to really come together. While this novel wasn't a favorite, I still want to try other things from Brian Kirk because of all of the potential here. Thanks again or the opportunity, NetGalley.


I read this ARC on March 7, 2019 and my review is also on Goodreads.  Will Haunt You by Brian Kirk has been released on March 14, 2019.