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Max China
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Don't Turn on The Light: Crossing the Line Kindle Edition

by Max China (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
3.7 out of 5 stars 322 ratings

Some doors should never be opened...

When Frank and Shelley Cassidy move into an isolated house in Lower Graces, Essex, they hope for a fresh start. But the rusting radio tower looming over their land is just the first omen of something deeply wrong. Beneath their feet, in the house's hidden basement, a locked room bears a chilling warning: Do NOT turn on the light.

Frank, an electrical engineer with a troubled past, can't resist the lure of the unknown. One flick of a switch, and he vanishes—trapped in a nightmarish limbo where time is no longer linear, and reality itself bends to the will of a long-dead magician.

A century earlier, Edward Sparkes, the so-called "Doctor of Electricity," sought to transcend the limits of time and space. His disastrous final performance condemned him, his troupe, and an innocent woman to a fate worse than death. Now, Frank finds himself entangled in Sparkes' dark experiment, where shadowy figures linger, a grieving caretaker guards terrible secrets, and the echoes of past and present collide.

As Frank's family fights to uncover the truth, his daughter, Frankie, begins to see what no one else can. And with every moment that passes, Sparkes' influence grows stronger—his power stretching beyond the walls of the house, beyond the confines of time itself.

Some experiments should never be repeated. Some doors should never be opened. But when the past calls… can you resist the urge to answer?

A gripping blend of historical fiction, horror, and science fiction, "Don't Turn On The Light: Crossing the Line" is a chilling tale of obsession, the fragility of reality, and the darkness that lingers when we cross the line between what is possible… and what should remain untouched.

What readers say about Don’t Turn on the Light: Crossing the Line:
UK Kindle reviewer: “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was going on a trip and wanted something to read. It was so good that I ran my kindle out of juice the first day. Well written, fantastic, interesting concept and fleshed out characters that you really cared about. I’ll definitely be buying his other books. Highly recommend!”
USA Kindle reviewer: “A very interesting and unusual tale. Good writing. Gratifying and interesting characters. A truly fascinating yarn. Kind of leaves one wondering.”
Australian Kindle reviewer: “If you like crime and mystery books that don’t follow the run-of-the-mill type blueprint, this book may be for you.”
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  1. Print length
    334 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    April 20, 2016
  4. File size
    2.8 MB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Max China's fourth book explores the realms of Victorian science and science fiction, blending magic and mystery, as well as unsolved crime and centers around an old house in the country and what happens when Max China's fourth book explores the realms of Victorian science and science fiction, blending magic and mystery, as well as unsolved crime and centers around an old house in the country and what happens when Frank Cassidy, a man recovering from a nervous breakdown, disappears after moving in with his young family...Essex Review

The author took his short story, 'Don't Turn On The Light' and turned it into a full novel. After moving into a new home, Frank an electrician goes into the basement to check on the wiring. He ignores a sign that says 'Don't turn on the light' and disappears. His family is left wondering what happened to him. A novel that has elements of sci-fi, and horror within its pages.
Frank Cassidy, a man recovering from a nervous breakdown, disappears after moving in with his young family...

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01AVAKQQG
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ skinnybirdproductions
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 20, 2016
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 3rd
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.8 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 334 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0993548413
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.7 out of 5 stars 322 ratings

About the author

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Max China

Max China

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WHERE CRIME MEETS THE SUPERNATURAL—AND THE PAST NEVER STAYS BURIED.

Max China is a British author of dark, genre-blurring fiction that blends psychological suspense, crime, and the supernatural. His debut novel, The Sister, opened to mixed but mostly favourable reviews and was praised for its haunting atmosphere and taut narrative.

In 2014, Max was named one of The Top 50 Best Crime Writers to Watch, alongside Lee Child and Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling). Known for his chilling villains and layered plots, he writes thrillers that explore morality, trauma, and the lasting grip of the past.

Titles like The Night of the Mosquito and The Crane Wife showcase his gift for immersive, unsettling storytelling that keeps readers hooked until the final page.

Based in the UK, Max draws inspiration from the British countryside and is currently working on his next novel.

Customer reviews

3.7 out of 5 stars
322 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and well-written, with interesting characters and a suspenseful plot. One customer notes the time travel elements woven into the narrative.

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6 customers mention "Interest"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and a great read.

"...determination and epic victories woven into the storyline keeps the reader engaged, and on edge, throughout!" Read more

"...Well written, fantastic interesting concept and fleshed out characters that you really cared about. I'll definitely be buying his other books...." Read more

"I was hooked... It was a good read, but I am disappointed in the ending...." Read more

"A very interesting and unusual tale. Good writing. Gratifying and interesting characters. A truly fascinating yarn. Kind of leaves one wondering." Read more

4 customers mention "Writing quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book.

"...It was so good that I ran my kindle out of juice the first day. Well written, fantastic interesting concept and fleshed out characters that you..." Read more

"A very interesting and unusual tale. Good writing. Gratifying and interesting characters. A truly fascinating yarn. Kind of leaves one wondering." Read more

"Interesting story, well written and spaced just enough to keep you reading...." Read more

"Very short story, but man; Max China can write!" Read more

3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"...in by evoking an intense emotional attachment to his cast of unforgettable characters!..." Read more

"...Well written, fantastic interesting concept and fleshed out characters that you really cared about. I'll definitely be buying his other books...." Read more

"...Good writing. Gratifying and interesting characters. A truly fascinating yarn. Kind of leaves one wondering." Read more

3 customers mention "Suspenseful story"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the suspenseful story of the book, with one customer highlighting its unexpected twists and turns, while another appreciates how time travel elements are woven into the narrative.

"...This story is laden with suspense, heartbreak and brutality yet the courage, determination and epic victories woven into the storyline keeps the..." Read more

"A very interesting and unusual tale. Good writing. Gratifying and interesting characters. A truly fascinating yarn. Kind of leaves one wondering." Read more

"Interesting story, well written and spaced just enough to keep you reading...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Suthranne
    5.0 out of 5 stars The author effectively blends love, action
    Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Once again, Max China reeled me in by evoking an intense emotional attachment to his cast of unforgettable characters! The author effectively blends love, action, scientific theories and time travel into a complex story full of unforseen twists and turns. What should have been a bright start in a new home for Frank and Shelley Cassidy and their two young children is thwarted by dark and ruthless time traveling magician, Edward Sparkes. We soon learn this egotistical villain with a propensity to play God is behind more than one disappearance in their home over the years and takes perverse pleasure in creating overwhelming adversity for Frank and his wife. What transpires is a testament to belief, love and sacrifice. This story is laden with suspense, heartbreak and brutality yet the courage, determination and epic victories woven into the storyline keeps the reader engaged, and on edge, throughout!
    8 people found this helpful
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  • zoogirl0
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I wasn't sure what to expect but I was going on a trip and wanted something to read. It was so good that I ran my kindle out of juice the first day. Well written, fantastic interesting concept and fleshed out characters that you really cared about. I'll definitely be buying his other books. Highly recommend!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Que Sera Sera
    3.0 out of 5 stars Three Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    was alright
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  • katherine cowart
    5.0 out of 5 stars Where's part two??
    Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I was hooked... It was a good read, but I am disappointed in the ending. If there was a second book it would be better, but as far as i can see on Amazon I guess we are just left hanging.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • He will be back
    1.0 out of 5 stars Not good
    Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Wasted money on this one. I am used to everyone not coming up to Stephen King but this wasn't even in the same solar system.
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  • claudia
    2.0 out of 5 stars No.
    Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    I almost tossed the book away around 15% because it was draggy and more than a little dull. I plugged on, skimming quickly until around 35% when I got hit in the face with a vivid sex scene I wasn't expecting. At that point I called it quits. If that's the only way the author knows how to add any "excitement" to the story, I'm not interested in continuing.
    17 people found this helpful
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  • dixie desomer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Unique
    Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    A very interesting and unusual tale. Good writing. Gratifying and interesting characters. A truly fascinating yarn. Kind of leaves one wondering.
    Helpful
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  • Above The Rim
    3.0 out of 5 stars Has potential
    Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2016
    Interesting concept but the story went nowhere and there were too many unanswered questions at the end.
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thoroughly enthralling
    Reviewed in Australia on October 11, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    A weird but suspenseful story of a time traveller who went backwards but could never go forward joined with a man who accidently went back and couldn't find a way forward
    Report
  • Belle
    3.0 out of 5 stars Teresa
    Reviewed in France on October 4, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Started well with an interesting premise - promised much. Started to get a bit bored half way through but stuck with it. It was an Ok read, I can't say I didn't want to put it down. The ending is awful in my opinion. Is there supposed to be a second book? I doubt it. Very unsatisfactory- I don't like loose ends.
    Report
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 6, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed reading this book. It kept me captivated all the way through. With references to real life characters it became believable.
    Report
  • Raymond Mathiesen
    4.0 out of 5 stars Old World ... New World ...
    Reviewed in Australia on June 17, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This is an interesting time travel novel. It has some original spins on that old plot line.

    Frank, the hero of the story, is an intelligent, but quite a mild-mannered chap. The villain, Edward Sparks, is quite dastardly in a manner reminiscent of arch fiends of yore.

    China manages to create an old-world charm, while at the same time capturing the reader's interest with plot twists and interesting character developments. I found myself liking these characters and hoping that things turned out for the best.

    I am happy to award this novel 4 stars
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  • Mrs J Frain
    4.0 out of 5 stars Different
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 21, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I have just discovered Max China and I must say I am impressed. This book is quite different from most thrillers and kept me enthralled up to the final page . Well done Max, keep them coming
    Report

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