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What Hides Within Kindle Edition
This psychological thriller, infused with dark humor, plunges readers into a horror-filled mystery where the ordinary masks extraordinary evil.
Leading a routine life, Clive's world is jolted when a chattering spider, a creature of supernatural horror, takes up residence inside his psyche. As a series of unexplained deaths befall his once-quiet town, Clive grapples with a chilling possibility: could this tiny intruder be orchestrating the terror? Racing against time, he's ensnared in a treacherous game of cat and mouse with a keen detective hot on his trail. Friends morph into suspects, and the lines between reality and nightmarish fantasy blur. To save himself and those he cherishes, Clive must confront an ancient evil lurking in the shadows of his mind. Dive into a tale where even the smallest of beings can wield unimaginable power, and where horror and mystery intertwine in a dance of psychological suspense.
Fans of David Wong, Chuck Palahniuk, Ronald Malfi, Kristopher Triana, Aron Beauregard, Duncan Ralson, Ronald Kelly, and Jonathan Janz will find themselves captivated by this haunting journey into the depths of the human psyche
Proudly represented by Crystal Lake Publishing—Tales from the Darkest Depths.
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateOctober 25, 2023
- File size2.0 MB
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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, launching several other divisions, genres, and imprints, including Torrid Waters, Sinister Smile Press, Crystal Lake Comics, Crystal Lake Games, Crystal Lake Kids, Crystal Cove Press, and many more.
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Category | Novel | Novel | Novella Anthology | Novel | Novella | Novel |
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"A delicious, horrifying, cringe-worthy, Kafka-esque, and hilarious story that takes readers deep into every arachnophobe's worst nightmare."—Sarah C., Line Editor, Red Adept Editing
"Jason Parent is a master storyteller. From the first word, you will be lost in the story."—Confessions of a Reviewer
"Jason Parent's new collection, Wrathbone and Other Stories, includes some wonderfully original tales of horror... If you have yet to discover Jason's work, this book will serve as a worthy introduction."—Cemetery Dance
"An enjoyable thriller that will appeal to fans of many different genres and Jason Parent is definitely an author to watch."—The Horror Bookshelf
About the Author
Either way, be sure to say, "hello." If he's asleep just poke him with a stick. Jason always welcomes the chance to meet readers and to field their questions and comments, be it in person or through his website, authorjasonparent.com.
Product details
- ASIN : B0CLRRVY88
- Publisher : Crystal Lake Publishing
- Accessibility : Learn more
- Publication date : October 25, 2023
- Language : English
- File size : 2.0 MB
- Simultaneous device usage : Unlimited
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 364 pages
- Page Flip : Enabled
- Best Sellers Rank: #1,456,984 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #13,734 in Psychological Thrillers (Kindle Store)
- #18,494 in Psychological Thrillers (Books)
- #29,720 in Horror (Kindle Store)
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors
In his head, Jason Parent lives in many places, but in the real world, he calls New England his home. The region offers an abundance of settings for his writing and many wonderful places in which to write them. He currently resides in Rhode Island.
In a prior life, Jason spent most of his time in front of a judge . . . as a civil litigator. When he wanted a change, he traded in his cheap suits for flip flops and designer stubble. The flops got repossessed the next day, and he's back in the legal field . . . sorta. But that's another story.
When he's not working, Jason likes to kayak, catch a movie, and travel any place that will let him enter. And read and write, of course--he does that too sometimes.
Please visit the author on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJasonParent?ref=hl, on Twitter at https://twitter.com/AuthorJasParent, or at his website, http://authorjasonparent.com/, for information regarding upcoming events or releases, or if you have any questions or comments for him.
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.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers praise the book's multiple intriguing storylines with many twists and turns, and its perfectly paced narrative that builds into a real page-turner. The horror elements are well-executed, with one customer noting its wonderful tapestry of black comedy and horror, while the writing is extremely well done and the characters are believable. Customers appreciate the book's dark tone and humor, with one review highlighting its snappy dialogue.
AI Generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the book's multiple intriguing storylines with many twists and turns, and appreciate its perfectly paced narrative.
"...This author, if he sticks to writing the well-crafted, gripping stories hinted here, will surely see "Best Selling Author" next to his name very soon..." Read more
"...My favorite thing about this story is how the twists and turns build throughout the book until you reach the point where everything flips on its head..." Read more
"The story itself was good. Definitely makes you think a little. But some of the transitions were a bit rough...." Read more
"...With fun and developed character interactions and a perfectly paced storyline, What Hides Within flowed so smoothly that I found myself buried for..." Read more
Customers enjoy the horror content of the book, finding it effective and ever so suspenseful, with one customer describing it as a wonderful tapestry of black comedy and horror.
"...Hides Within is thrilling, at times laugh out loud funny, and ever so suspenseful. He has the ability to reel you in, and keep you still...." Read more
"The story itself was good. Definitely makes you think a little. But some of the transitions were a bit rough...." Read more
"...are few things I love more than a well put together Horror novel and dark humor...." Read more
"...Either way it had a dark humor to it. The characters were great, extremely well written. Clive was just too likable...." Read more
Customers find the book readable and interesting, with one customer noting it builds into a real page turner, while another describes it as a well-crafted web of intrigue.
"...And, so good you keep thinking about long after the story has ended. Clive, is an everyday kind of guy...." Read more
"...If you like creepy psychological crime stories, this is a pretty good one. Think Charlotte’s Web meets Dexter meets Fight Club." Read more
"...Overall; pretty good; but not sure I'd read him again. ... I was reading on the Kindle, so maybe some of the stuff didn't come over good." Read more
"...All in all, a great read for all those like-minded twisted souls out there." Read more
Customers appreciate the character development in the book, finding them believable, with one customer highlighting the fun and developed character interactions.
"...With fun and developed character interactions and a perfectly paced storyline, What Hides Within flowed so smoothly that I found myself buried for..." Read more
"...Either way it had a dark humor to it. The characters were great, extremely well written. Clive was just too likable...." Read more
"...The premise was sound and the main character was well define but the plot had many holes and the plot elements are unoriginal, repeated from other..." Read more
"...And the issues that I had with him actually make him a very realistic/life-like character. I was surprised by the ending--in a good way...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's humor, with one mentioning its realistic dialogue and silly little conversation snippets.
"...story he "spins" in What Hides Within is thrilling, at times laugh out loud funny, and ever so suspenseful...." Read more
"...The novel starts out with a fair dose of humor mixed in with the darkness. Some bits fell flat, but others made me laugh out loud...." Read more
"I loved this book! It was creepy and humorous at times...." Read more
"...Dark, creepy, and funny! I am the kind of person who like to try to figure the book out before the end...." Read more
Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting it is extremely well written and easy to read, with one customer highlighting the snappy dialogue.
"...Mr. Parent is an excellent writer, the story he "spins" in What Hides Within is thrilling, at times laugh out loud funny, and ever so suspenseful...." Read more
"...And the writing itself is pretty good with only an occasional sentence that felt like it was trying too hard...." Read more
"...The characters were great, extremely well written. Clive was just too likable...." Read more
"A well-written debut novel from a talented writer, What Hides Within is difficult to categorize accurately...." Read more
Customers praise the book's pacing, describing it as wildly original and amazingly crafted.
"...This author, if he sticks to writing the well-crafted, gripping stories hinted here, will surely see "Best Selling Author" next to his name very soon..." Read more
"There are few things I love more than a well put together Horror novel and dark humor...." Read more
"...I was wrong. It is smart. Very smart, and amazingly crafted...." Read more
"...This book is well-written, easy to read, and original...." Read more
Customers appreciate the dark tone of the book.
"...Dark, creepy, and funny! I am the kind of person who like to try to figure the book out before the end...." Read more
"Dark, fun, and exciting..." Read more
"Dark, Witty, Smart,..." Read more
"Dark and Brilliant..." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2013Every night since I've read this book, I can feel something crawling on my face, very close to my ear . . .
Yes, What Hides Within is that good. So, good that you don't want to put it down until you've finished. And, so good you keep thinking about long after the story has ended.
Clive, is an everyday kind of guy. He's got a job, a couple of best friends and a knock-out co-worker, who has eyes just for him. Oh, yeah, and a bug (excuse me, that's an arachnid) in his head. But it's not what we know about Clive that makes this story, it's what we don't know. A dip in a not so well-known, off-limit, dark and murky waterway, turns Clive's life into an unusual and hazardous trek into murder, schizophrenia and mayhem.
Mr. Parent is an excellent writer, the story he "spins" in What Hides Within is thrilling, at times laugh out loud funny, and ever so suspenseful. He has the ability to reel you in, and keep you still. Indeed, at times I found myself leaning forward, hovering over my Kindle thoroughly entangled in his web of drama and horror. In this, his debut novel, Parent takes several storylines and weaves them up perfectly, showing his unique creativity and his innate ability to entertain.
A few jolts out of the intensity of the book as Mr. Parent sidelines on inane doctor visits, drunken promiscuity, and a "could have been better" wrap up at the end, are the only complaints. This author, if he sticks to writing the well-crafted, gripping stories hinted here, will surely see "Best Selling Author" next to his name very soon. I highly recommend this book and its author to anyone who can read.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 20143.5 stars.
Reading this book at night before bed was probably not the brightest idea. I don’t consider myself a girly person, but the thought of having a spider crawl in my ear and live in my head absolutely makes me squirm. This alone was enough to make the creepy/horror tone of this book work for me – then you throw in a psychopathic killer on top of that, and the suspense gets really, really interesting.
My favorite thing about this story is how the twists and turns build throughout the book until you reach the point where everything flips on its head. (I’ll try to remain spoiler-free.) Clive is a simple doofus going nowhere in life, and his surprise arachnid passenger changes everything. At first, it seems like this is the most important, worst thing in the story. Then you learn about the murderous bomber living right under Clive’s nose. Then Clive’s personal life choices lead to disastrous consequences at the eight hands of his secret ally. Then there’s another murderer out there, lurking and mysterious. I liked the use of Detective Reilly to approach all this from an outside angle, and she gives the reader a more moral, lawful set of eyes to see through as she chases after the “bad guy.” Morgan, as Clive’s closest friend, at first is used as incentive for Clive to get his life together, and later even SHE is used as a piece in all the woven craziness. Clive’s brother, dying sister-in-law, and niece Victoria are used to ground the story to something more human and relatable, I think, and of course they end up involved in Clive’s mess too.
I definitely liked the middle to last part of the book best. In the beginning, the characters were too easily painted as flat caricatures – the annoying boss, sleazy coworker, hot coworker, incompetent doctors, etc. There was a lot of attempt at humor, but a lot of it just seemed like shots at pop culture that will probable date the book in five years (still, since Clive isn’t particularly clever, it kind of works to establish his character). For the longest time I couldn’t decide who I was supposed to be rooting for, and I oddly ended up siding with the spider…not sure what that says about me, but whatever. And as for the end, I thought it dragged on a bit after everything was already wrapped up. The conclusion of what happens to the spider ended pretty much exactly where I expected it to, although the revelation of what the spider really is was a surprise that felt kind of tacked on and really, really weird.
Despite little hiccups like these and some scenes that just didn’t work for me, however, by the midway point the suspense and mystery was so good that I definitely kept reading to find out how it all tied together. And the writing itself is pretty good with only an occasional sentence that felt like it was trying too hard.
If you like creepy psychological crime stories, this is a pretty good one. Think Charlotte’s Web meets Dexter meets Fight Club.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2017The story itself was good. Definitely makes you think a little. But some of the transitions were a bit rough. aka changing scenes with no ------ or ~~~~ type separator. Some of the analogies were a bit of a stretch. Didn't care for the introduction of political views in the analogies. Overall; pretty good; but not sure I'd read him again.
...
I was reading on the Kindle, so maybe some of the stuff didn't come over good.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2014There are few things I love more than a well put together Horror novel and dark humor. Jason Parent manages to weave the two seamlessly and creatively in What Hides Within.
Clive is a quick-witted slacker with a tedious job and loser friends. But all that changes after his body and mind is invaded by a supernatural force. Ahem, spider. Seriously, it’s all very wrong yet somehow right, as all good Horror is.
Clive evolves as a character through the twisting, turning and sometimes disturbing plot, and I loved that the author wasn’t afraid to take him to some truly dark places. With fun and developed character interactions and a perfectly paced storyline, What Hides Within flowed so smoothly that I found myself buried for hours without noticing. Clive’s slow descent into madness was riveting, and though I’d never been of a fan of crime novels, Reilly quickly captured my intrigue. She felt real. Like I could walk into any police station and find her pouring over a murder case.
But ‘Chester’ the spider was the real showstopper. The dialogue between her and Clive was ridiculously brilliant and I found myself laughing and cringing at once.
All in all, a great read for all those like-minded twisted souls out there.
Top reviews from other countries
- David BrianReviewed in the United Kingdom on February 24, 2014
5.0 out of 5 stars An entertaining read!
4.5 stars.
Well, that was a thoroughly engrossing read.
you have to give credit to a novel which features child murder, a brain chomping arachnid, and terrorism... and then manages to deliver with an array of sharp, at times laugh-out-loud, one-liners.
What Hides Within is categorized as a horror novel, but, despite the subject matter, i'm not sure I'd entirely agree. It starts out very much as black comedy. Some of Clive's comments and observations, certainly during the first half of the book, are satirical gold.
The dialogue and wit during the various character exchanges carry the story well, and these interactions serve to show the authors strength as a writer.
Should Jason Parent ever consider branching out into screenplays, then I could imagine him gaining a degree of success. Excellent dialogue.
It's actually quite difficult to write an in depth review without littering the piece with spoilers. Suffice to say, the second half of the book takes a much darker turn.
In the beginning my favorite characters were the acid tongued, Uber-cynic Clive, his friend with (occasional) benefits Morgan, and the hard boiled bitch-Detective Reilly. In particular I loved Clive's scornful observations on life, and those around him. I also enjoyed Clive and Morgan's f*** buddy relationship, and the fact that they both craved more from the other, but each failed to realize the true level of attraction between them.
However, my sympathy for Clive and Morgan did not last the course.
At one point in the story a degree of misfortune is visited upon Derek, an aftershave sodden, would be Lothario (and a mutual friend of Clive and Morgan, although it was more a case of Morgan tolerating him than any genuine friendship).
The pairs total disregard for Derek's plight didn't sit well, and although their reaction served to drive the plot, it still seemed uneven.
As I said, the second half of the story is much darker.
Reilly remained a favorite character, and there may even be scope for her to appear in the future, should Mr Parent have further need of a hard-nosed detective.
To sum up: These days, quite often I can quickly lose interest in a book. I rarely have enough spare hours in my day, so unless its a decent read its unlikely to keep me gripped. What Hides Within is a very decent read. Pulling together more strands than a spider's web (you see what I did there, right?), and fluctuating between black comedy, dark satire, and flesh crawling horror that'll keep you turning page after page.
A thoroughly entertaining debut novel from Jason Parent. Oh yeah, and I loved the ending!
- DaisydolittleReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 9, 2014
4.0 out of 5 stars A small spider lives inside Clive's head, and the spider talks to him.
I used to really not like spiders, but for the past few years I have got loads happier with them, and even have a couple if pet spiders living in the house. But, the idea of a spider in your head really makes my skin crawl, especially when that spider brings it's dinner back into your head.
This was a good solid story, not particularly scary but well written and humorous. The first 2 thirds of the novel were a 5 star read. Great characterisation and plot build up, but as the story was drawing to a close in the final third it felt to me that it had lost its way a little, and drew the ending out over a longer period than needed. As a result it missed the chance to have one hell of a punchy ending.
Solid 4 star read, well worth the purchase.
- Kit-Kat KVIIIReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 21, 2015
3.0 out of 5 stars Ow what a tangled web these characters weave
Ow what a tangled web these characters weave. A mixed genre of horror/crime/mystery/thriller going on, so a little of something to keep all readers interested. The story follows Clive an average joe who gets by in life. Who after unknowingly destroying an ancient spider’s home under a bridge, then becomes the spider’s new home. The plot twists and builds as the spider starts to take more control of Clive’s life giving him advice of work and relationships. Then of cause you have the underlying story of the potential terrorist flat mate who lives with Clive. So it’s definitely one that can keep you intrigued. Enjoyable read.
- BillReviewed in the United Kingdom on March 7, 2014
5.0 out of 5 stars Unusual but great read!
If you are afraid of spiders this might not be the best book to read! It is an unusual book that is decidedly 'creepy' in places, verging I suppose on horror but much of the book is a fast paced thriller.
I found elements of the story unsettling but never wanted to stop reading! In fact, I couldn't put the book down and read it in about three days.
There are some interesting and vivid characters who are really brought to life by good writing. The main character Clive is living a mundane life until one day an incident changes his life. Clive's personal life is in a mess and I really enjoyed reading about his relationships with the mixed bag of female characters.
There are several threads to the story including a bombing campaign and twists to the story that you might find in a good thriller. It all comes together at the end in a rather dark conclusion.
It is a book which is not easily put in any specific genre but should appeal to a wide audience who enjoy a well written adventure.
- YvonneReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 17, 2018
4.0 out of 5 stars One man and his spider
Clive was a regular Joe, Mr average, he had a 9-5 job, a friend with benefits and a strange roommate. However, after a canoe trip and an encounter with a spiderweb, he picked up a hitchhiker, who changed the person he was.
Reading about the change to Clive, showed what a boring life he had led. He became more confident and readdressed his life. He was not now the guy who people ignored when they walked past, although that could be because he was talking to the voice in his head.
With only a handful of characters, it gives you the chance to know them in depth. Each character had their quirkiness, Kevin and his love of Hannah Montana, Felix and his love of forgotten porn, Morgan and her love of Clive and Judith just wanted friends.
The story had 3 stories running concurrent, Clive’s and his relationship with Chester, a murdered young girl and a mad bomber. Sound confusing but it wasn’t, all the stories interlinked to make a gripping read. Having read other books by Jason Parent, I knew to expect twist and turns, he always has a knack of letting you think you know what is going to happen and then takes you by surprise with the outcome. Some of the one liners especially from Chester had me laughing out loud as she had a dry sense of humour. The humour helped break up some of the tragic scenes, especially when it involved young Victoria.
Whilst this is horror, it had a mystery/thriller feel to it and unless you do not like spider, you will enjoy this read.