Anathema

By: Nick Roberts

Narrated by: Joe Hempel

Length: 8 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

Bryan and Ellie Stockton hope they left behind their demons when they move to their idyllic new home in southern West Virginia. Above all, they want a fresh start for their young son, Derrick, who witnessed the tumultuous first years of their marriage—years that were rife with substance abuse, rage, and resentment. Their bright hope for the future is darkened when a child disappears from their neighborhood. The couple becomes suspicious of a reclusive resident with a degenerative brain disorder. Strange events begin to happen in their house just as Derrick tells them about a new friend who visits him at night. Their son may be acting out from the trauma he endured, or he could be the obsession of something much more sinister.

©2020 Nick Roberts (P)2023 Tantor

Great story and perfect narrator.

Joe Hempel is quickly becoming one of my favorite narrators and he was the perfect pick for this great story. The story is cruel, startling, and well paced - traits that fit us disturbed Horror readers well. After this story, I look forward to checking out what other stories Nick Roberts has to offer!

Excellent

You never quite know where Nicks story lines are going to go and this was no exception. Just when you think you have it figured out you’re wrong in all the best ways. His horror is some of the best you will find. Absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to read more!

Great horror story

I really enjoyed this book. The narrator did a great job and there were a lot of creepy aspects to the book!

Completely gutted me.

This novel was like watching a train that you know has no brakes rushing towards the end of the line and you have no way to help. Helplessness and frustration were the emotions I felt most. Sure, there was love and beauty hidden within the pages but listening to the story completely gutted me. Totalities are hard to grasp and pure evil is perhaps the hardest for us to comprehend. It’s why serial killers fascinate most people; “How could somebody do this?”

This book is so dark that I felt claustrophobic at times. I’ve read a lot of dark stories but this one had a hold of me and wouldn’t let go. Just as I thought it was too dark and grim, I found some light in the shadows albeit not much. But even the faintest light is enough to cut through the thickest of darkness. Great story from a very talented author.

Amateurish

I couldn’t wait for it to end! Sounded like something written in a creative writing class in high school.

very creepy

it was gross in places but very original. i really enjoyed the book and will look for other titles from this author.

Good Story

I really liked the story. It’s interesting. The narrator gave a good performance. Each character had a distinct voice.

Is it a movie yet?!?!

I'm speechless, this is a brilliant book! I totally didn't feel like I was reading "more of the same", which is amazing! it's original, it's scary, it's awesome! 👍🏻☺️

Checking my closets!

Such a genuinely creepy story that drags you in to feel a part of this family! Roberts does it again with the story of a recovering family in the web of someone, or something, wicked!
Absolutely recommend! Finished it in a weekend!

gruesome and descriptive

Not my cup of tea. It was still well written. Very descriptive. I was expecting something different. The characters especially the parents made me frustrated and hated them. The evil characters you just wanted them to die. this book gave me anxiety in areas. very suspenseful. finished in one sitting. I came from reading the exorcist house and then went to this one. so, I was expecting paranormal and ghostly aspects. this was not. this was serial killer vibes. the author continues to write a movie picture in my mind as I read his books. if you like gore and torture this is the book. it wasnt scary it just made me uncomfortable. give it a shot if you like this author