The Haunted

By: Michaelbrent Collings

Narrated by: Paula Slade

They have the beginnings of a perfect family. A husband, a wife, a baby on the way. But something will stop them from being happy as they move into their new house: the power of the undead that roam the halls of their home. The demons that have come to claim them. The darkness that seeks to destroy them.

©2012 Michaelbrent Collings (P)2014 Michaelbrent Collings

Not too bad.

I truly did not see the end coming. This was a great book you will enjoy!

Had potential but drags

I have read a few of his books and enjoyed them so I thought I would give this a listen. Quite frankly, the story could have been cut in half and not been any worse for the wear. I give the orator an "A" for effort but I swear if I hear "leave, get out..." one more time I would have lost it. I admit I didn't see parts of the end coming. The major part yes, but not one of the details. I feel like there were some questions left unanswered and parts that didn't make sense based on my feelings about ghosts and such. Not terrible but could have really shone.

Hearing Is Believing

What did you like best about The Haunted? What did you like least?

While I'm normally a fan of mysteries/thrillers, I've not dabbled much in the realm of the paranormal. A coworker recommended the story and I'm pleased that I opted for the audiobook version rather than the print version. Some stories are better told by a interpretive narrator, although the action verbs, descriptions, structure and other story elements have to be in place. To the author's credit, they are. Least liked? Some of the unfolding was a little plodding and repetitive and at times I was "aware" of the manipulations and less inclined to go into that mode of "suspended disbelief."

Would you be willing to try another book from Michaelbrent Collings? Why or why not?

I might. Have several other titles/authors stacked up and should I make my way through and in a mood to give it a go, perhaps. As I said, I've not dwelled in this genre before so it would be worth my while to explore.

What does Paula Slade bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

As I noted above, the narration brings so much to the experience. Sure it's the author who populates the story with words, descriptions and plot elements, but what Ms Slade does is bring artistic brush strokes to the narrative and dramatist personae. And silly as it may sound, for a scary book its good to have a live person along as the tale unfolds. She has a knack for getting into the minds and souls -- let's call it inner voices -- of Cap and Sarah and thus becomes a trusted teller of terror.

Was The Haunted worth the listening time?

What I like about audiobooks works well with The Haunted. Some stories are consumed in "binge listening", others favor certain times and settings. Like a good bedtime story that can take one's mind safely away from all other distractions and surroundings. I chose to take more time to allow the power and impact have its full effect.

Spookily Done

Any additional comments?

This is my first experience with Mr. Collings’ work, but it won’t be the last. I thought I knew where the story was headed, but I was quite wrong. He is very inventive. It’s actually a rather difficult book to review without giving a spoiler. Let me just say your spine will be chilled and your hair will be curled. If you like horror stories give this one a try!

Ms. Slade’s performance brought extra depth to the book. Her ability to be at turns old and young, male and female, soft and gentle, hard and hateful, terrified and terrorizing is amazing. Not to mention her sound effects. If you don’t jump when she goes “slam” your nerves are better than mine! Lastly there is not a single “speako” to annoy and break the mood – other narrators would do well to pay as much attention to proper pronunciation.

WOW

What made the experience of listening to The Haunted the most enjoyable?

Paula Slade made the story come alive.

Have you listened to any of Paula Slade’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This was my first book narrated by Paula Slade.

If you could rename The Haunted, what would you call it?

I would call it the Haunted House.

Any additional comments?

I love a good ghost story and this one did not disappoint. My house is surrounded by woods, and I'm not sure why, but I listened to this story sitting outside by the roar of a fire in our fire pit - I kept hoping I wouldn't see anything coming out of the woods! Great summer reading material.