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Tommy B. Smith

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The Mourner's Cradle: A Widow’s Journey Kindle Edition

by Tommy B. Smith (Author), Crystal Lake Publishing (Editor) Format: Kindle Edition

12 ratings

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The tale of a widow's harrowing journey through grief and peril into the cold remnants of a dead world.

Damon Sharpe had in part found victory, he believed, in his battle to unearth a truth obscured by time. By autumn, he was dead, leaving to his wife Anne a house of unfulfilled wishes, remnants, and the key to the enigma of his obsession, the Mourner’s Cradle.

A journey through grief and peril delivers Anne Sharpe from her home in St. Charles to the faraway skeletons of a long-dead civilization where she will find the desperate answers she seeks…or die trying.

This horror novel is perfect for fans of…

The Silent Corner by Dean Koontz
The Fisherman by John Langan
The Grieving Stones by Gary McMahon
Daphne du Maurier
Thomas Ligotti
Shirley Jackson
Dan Simmons

Proudly represented by Crystal Lake Publishing—Tales from the Darkest Depths.

Interview with the author:

So what makes this horror novella so special?
It’s a story of inner darkness and shattered remnants. Not everyone is comfortable confronting tragedy and loss, yet it’s something most of us must eventually face. If the things we love are stripped away, what will remain? The Mourner’s Cradle is the story of a widow, Anne Sharpe, and her battle to make sense of her husband’s death, which places her on a dark and perilous path.

Tell us more about your lead character.
The invisible woman reveals herself. Her name is Anne Sharpe. People hardly noticed her before her husband’s death. Not everyone understands her. Her grief has brought out a dark fury in her, though perhaps it has been there for some time and her husband’s death was the catalyst for its liberation.

Why should readers give this book a try?
For a glimpse into the human abyss and a cold journey to long-forsaken pinnacles. So be careful, dear readers. You dance with skeletons.

Do you have other books featuring these characters?
The Mourner’s Cradle shares its setting of St. Charles with my debut horror novella, Poisonous. Some readers will find some familiarity in this, though The Mourner’s Cradle is its own story and a different tale of a different time.

From the Publisher

Where Stories Come Alive

Since its founding in August 2012, Crystal Lake has quickly become one of the world’s leading publishers of Dark Fiction and Horror books. In 2023, Crystal Lake officially transitioned into an entertainment company, joining several other divisions, genres, and imprints, including Torrid Waters, Crystal Lake Comics, Crystal Lake Games, Crystal Lake Kids, and many more.

	Urban Legends: Three New Tales of Terror (Dark Tide Horror Novellas Book 20)	Doctor Frankensdice: Monster Mayhem	White Death	Demon Drink	Monsters of Mt. Hope	What Swallows the Light: Alien Horror Novellas (Dark Tide Horror Novellas Boo...
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Customer Reviews	24	—	47	3	38	25
Price	$4.99	$3.99	$3.99	$4.99	$3.99	$4.99
Category	Novella Anthology	Novel	Novel	Novel	Novella	Novella Anthology
Blurb	Enter the world of terrifying urban legends where the lines between myth and reality blur into a nightmare of unexplainable horrors.	Join Clara Cogsworth, a bold young inventor with a heart full of imagination and a satchel full of gears, as she defies the odds to enter the world’s most prestigious invention competition—The Great Monster Maker Championship.	White Death plunges readers into the chilling and treacherous world of the Great Plains in 1888, where a deceptively warm winter day quickly turns into a fight for survival.	Black Wattle’s residents are plunged into a nightmare of infection and blood-curdling transformations.	Perfect for fans of middle-grade horror, spooky adventures, and spine-chilling mysteries, Scareville is an unmissable series that will keep young readers on the edge of their seats.	Three stories. One terrifying truth: we are not alone!

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is non-stop action. It grabs your attention at the beginning and does not let go. This is a character-driven story. Whether it is the protagonist or antagonist, both jump out from the page, right into your mind." - PopHorror.com

"A strong heroine is always to be desired, and in THE MOURNER'S CRADLE author Tommy B. Smith offers us one of the strongest. Newly widowed Anne Sharpe, wife of an unfortunately discredited historical/archaeological researcher, is nearly indefatigable. Not a superman (in the Nietzschean meaning), but an individual who withstands far more than most in contemporary pampered culture could tolerate. I think she's become one of my idols. Like the Timex watch of the 1950's, she "takes a licking and keeps on ticking." And as long as she keeps her purpose in mind, she's unstoppable.
From the US to the Peruvian Andes, on the trail of what might be one of the most startling and powerful archaeological discoveries of our time, Anne Sharpe, heroine extraordinaire, keeps her purpose in her mind and perseveres, despite the odds arrayed against her. Anne Sharpe rocks." - Into the Abyss

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07GXT4SCG
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Crystal Lake Publishing (September 14, 2018)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 14, 2018
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 4.2 MB
Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 140 pages

Best Sellers Rank: #3,875,561 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #8,726 in Horror Suspense
- #75,763 in Horror (Kindle Store)
- #97,228 in Suspense Thrillers

Customer Reviews:
12 ratings

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About the authors

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Tommy B. Smith
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Tommy B. Smith is a writer of horror and dark fiction whose works meander through the darker spaces of the psychological and the cosmic. A two-time Imadjinn Award-winning author and 2023 nominee for the Michael Knost Wings Award, he has been featured in numerous publications to span the years, and is the author of the Black Carmenia series. As well, he serves as secretary for the Kansas-Missouri chapter of the Horror Writers Association, also known as Horror in the Heartland. His presence currently infests the west Arkansas River Valley, where he resides with his wife and five cats.
See more on the author's page
Crystal Lake Publishing
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Since its founding in August 2012, Crystal Lake Publishing has quickly become one of the world’s leading publishers of Dark Fiction and Horror books in print, eBook, and audio formats.
While we strive to present only the highest quality fiction and entertainment, we also endeavour to support authors along their writing journey. We offer our time and experience in non-fiction projects, as well as author mentoring and services, at competitive prices.
With several Bram Stoker Award wins and many other wins and nominations, Crystal Lake Publishing puts integrity, honor, and respect at the forefront of our publishing operations.
We strive for each book and outreach program we spearhead to not only entertain and touch or comment on issues that affect our readers, but also to strengthen and support the Dark Fiction field and its authors.
Not only do we find and publish authors we believe are destined for greatness, but we strive to work with men and woman who endeavour to be decent human beings who care more for others than themselves, while still being hard working, driven, and passionate artists and storytellers.
Crystal Lake Publishing is and will always be a beacon of what passion and dedication, combined with overwhelming teamwork and respect, can accomplish. We endeavour to know each and every one of our readers, while building personal relationships with our authors, reviewers, bloggers, podcasters, bookstores, and libraries.
We will be as trustworthy, forthright, and transparent as any business can be, while also keeping most of the headaches away from our authors, since it’s our job to solve the problems so they can stay in a creative mind. Which of course also means paying our authors.
We do not just publish books, we present to you worlds within your world, doors within your mind, from talented authors who sacrifice so much for a moment of your time.
There are some amazing small presses out there, and through collaboration and open forums we will continue to support other presses in the goal of helping authors and showing the world what quality small presses are capable of accomplishing. No one wins when a small press goes down, so we will always be there to support hardworking, legitimate presses and their authors. We don’t see Crystal Lake as the best press out there, but we will always strive to be the best, strive to be the most interactive and grateful, and even blessed press around. No matter what happens over time, we will also take our mission very seriously while appreciating where we are and enjoying the journey.
What do we offer our authors that they can’t do for themselves through self-publishing?
We are big supporters of self-publishing (especially hybrid publishing), if done with care, patience, and planning. However, not every author has the time or inclination to do market research, advertise, and set up book launch strategies. Although a lot of authors are successful in doing it all, strong small presses will always be there for the authors who just want to do what they do best: write.
What we offer is experience, industry knowledge, contacts and trust built up over years. And due to our strong brand and trusting fanbase, every Crystal Lake Publishing book comes with weight of respect. In time our fans begin to trust our judgment and will try a new author purely based on our support of said author.
To date we’ve published around 100 books, and with each launch we strive to fine-tune our approach, learn from our mistakes, and increase our reach. We continue to assure our authors that we’re here for them and that we’ll carry the weight of the launch and dealing with third parties while they focus on their strengths—be it writing, interviews, blogs, signings, etc.
We also offer several mentoring packages to authors that include knowledge and skills they can use in both traditional and self-publishing endeavours.
We look forward to launching many new careers.
This is what we believe in. What we stand for. This will be our legacy.
Welcome to Crystal Lake Publishing—Tales from the Darkest Depths.
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Customer reviews

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Hernan
A Thrilling Dark Story About A Horrifying Personal Journey - A Great Read!
Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2019
Verified Purchase

A great horror story, brooding, intense, thrilling. Intriguing characters and situation. Despite the strong conflict set up against her, and the inner conflict and pain she struggles with, the protagonist manages to keep going and finds a motivation to fight back. She's the kind of character you want to follow along. The pacing is good and the story flows really well, making it easy to read and entertaining at all times.

I reviewed a digital ARC generously provided by the publisher, at no cost, obligation, or remuneration. I opted to review this title.

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Amy's Bookshelf Reviews
Raw and gritty
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2019
Verified Purchase
Smith pens a great horror story in The Mourner's Cradle. It's an interesting story featuring Anne Sharpe. This story takes the reader on Anne's journey. It's filled with intrigue and grit, and I enjoyed this story. There was an intense feeling that lingers throughout the story. It gives a sense of despicable behavior of the human condition, while also sharing grief and even a bit of insanity. This story was well-written, and the pace of the story was part of great flow from beginning to end. Yes, it's a horror story, but there are no outright evil monsters, which makes it all the more terrifying. A great story. I look forward to reading more by this author.

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Zombie Inkpot
Interesting
Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2020
Verified Purchase
After the death of her husband, obsession drives his widow on a quixotic quest, which might just bring about the end of the world.
I found parts of the story interesting. The main characters annoyed me.

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pvlimbaugh
A Perilous Journey!
Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2018
The Mourner’s Cradle: A Widow’s Journey by Tommy B Smith has been touted as a story regarding grief, I found it as one about finding validation for one’s being.

Anne Sharpe has more or less lived in her husband’s shadow for years, he was, after all, the Damon Sharpe. Damon an archaeologist was on the cusp of his most important discovery when he was struck down by a heart attack.

Although, ridiculed for his research others have been trying to steal his findings. When confronted with an intruder in her home immediately after Damon’s funeral, Anne makes an impetuous decision and takes off to Peru to complete what was started. While en route, Anne reaches out to an old friend of Damon’s and asks him to join her.

Unbeknownst to Anne, they have been followed and her quest to find the legendary Mourner’s Cradle, an old graveyard of a long-gone civilization will be thwarted at every turn. With the steely determination of a superwoman, Anne will not be deterred no matter the cost!

While the story clips along at a fairly good pace I felt that it was a bit too rushed toward the ending. I also felt that the characters needed more depth especially Anne as she is the heroine of the story. I just didn’t feel for her one way or the other. I’m sure others will disagree with my opinion as there are some really good reviews on Amazon. For me, this was okay, and I do think it’s worth reading especially because there are plenty of reviews that praise the book. Remember my reviews are just my opinion. So, why not check it out for yourself!

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Intriga
A widow’s journey
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2022
A well written horror story with suspense. The story takes you a journey of a widow and what she is experiencing. The story intensified as the reader continues on with the story and it comes to a satisfying finish. The author has a great grasp of this genre.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Awesome Kindle Customer
If you like dark, brooding horror, this is the one for you.
Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2018
Description:The Mourners Cradle by Tommy B. Smith was received direct from the publisher. Crystal Lake Publishing rarely, if ever, puts out a book I dont like. This is no exception, though if you know my reviews, you know I am more inclined to enjoy good creature or slasher horror novel. I will not go into the plot of this one, as I never do and others always do, but if you like dark, brooding horror, this is the one for you or whomever you buy gifts for.

3 stars

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Ann Keeran
A Widow's Quest
Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2018
When Damon Sharpe dies, his wife begins an adventure to finish what he had started. She travels halfway around the world through all kinds of adversity. A thrilling read.

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Yvonne
A story about grief
Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2018
When Damon, Anne Sharpe’s husband suddenly passed away, all she wanted to do was to prove his name. Ridiculed in his academic field, Damon was trying to prove that the Mourner’s cradle, an old burial ground was real, and he thought he found it. Traveling to Peru, she not only has to battle the cold but other’s out for the research.
Whilst she did not know exactly what Damon was trying to do, her determination and sheer stubbornness, helped her through this trying time. Going with her was Ruben, a work colleague and friend of Damon. Whilst he did not believe the myth about the Mourners Cradle, he felt that it was his duty to protect her.
As you are reading this story you are following Anne on a perilous journey. Her grief is raw and shows the dedication that Anne had for her husband. Whilst this is not horror it the scary monster sense, it shows the true horror of human nature and there are some heart stopping moments. Especially on the mountain. Once I started this story I could not stop as I wanted to see if Anne survived. The intensity continued to the end of the story and when I finished I felt mentally drained and felt that I had took the journey with Anne.
This was the first story that I had read by this author and will look out for others.

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Top reviews from other countries

Yvonne
A story about grief
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 14, 2018
Verified Purchase

When Damon, Anne Sharpe’s husband suddenly passed away, all she wanted to do was to prove his name. Ridiculed in his academic field, Damon was trying to prove that the Mourner’s cradle, an old burial ground was real, and he thought he found it. Traveling to Peru, she not only has to battle the cold but other’s out for the research.
Whilst she did not know exactly what Damon was trying to do, her determination and sheer stubbornness, helped her through this trying time. Going with her was Ruben, a work colleague and friend of Damon. Whilst he did not believe the myth about the Mourners Cradle, he felt that it was his duty to protect her.
As you are reading this story you are following Anne on a perilous journey. Her grief is raw and shows the dedication that Anne had for her husband. Whilst this is not horror it the scary monster sense, it shows the true horror of human nature and there are some heart stopping moments. Especially on the mountain. Once I started this story I could not stop as I wanted to see if Anne survived. The intensity continued to the end of the story and when I finished I felt mentally drained and felt that I had took the journey with Anne.
This was the first story that I had read by this author and will look out for others.

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