Chasing Ghosts by Glenn Rolfe.
The Cobbs were ignorant woods-people that died off and left nothing to fear. Locals in Naples, Maine think they know this story. But are they wrong? Luke Howard and his mom move to Naples and Luke’s eager to make new friends. When Jason and Davey invite him out to the abandoned Cobb place for a game they call “chasing ghosts,” he’s ready and willing. However, the boys will come to discover that some vacant houses are better left to die alone. 
A good read with likeable characters. 3*.

Not a ground-breaking story but entertaining nonetheless. I do wish it was longer, but I enjoyed it for what it is. I'll definitely be checking out more of this author's work in the future. Thanks for providing me with a copy to read!

I have said it before and I will say it again... Glenn Rolfe is one of those authors who never disappoints me. I always know when I pick up one of his books that it will be a good tale. Chasing Ghosts is no different.
A group of kids invite the new boy in town for a fun romp in the woods called, "chasing ghosts". There are legends about the infamous Cobb family. At the same time, there is a party at a rented cabin complete with a punk band. Then people start disappearing one by one...
I love the style of writing and Glenn Rolfe's ability to make you care about the characters.

Extensive woods and who or what lives in them. This would be great for anyone who wants a quick read, a very quick read! Too long for a short story and not long enough for a novel. No real excitement or scary moments, just a disappointing tale, sadly.

I was expecting so much more from this Novella. There were too many characters for a such a short story which made it hard for me to connect to them. I also got confused at times on who was speaking since it wasn't always stated. I would be open to trying another one of this author's stories, but this one didn't cut it for me.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book, which I voluntarily chose to review.

This is not Glenn Rolfe’s first book. But, it is my first read of him. And, I have immediately clicked “Follow” on his author page. His style..a bit of Stephen King, John Saul, Dean Koontz. His characters in this novel are young, innocent to what transpires when life seems harder than an adventure out at the Cobb place. This book is not overly brutal. It is nicely terrifying in a “can’t stop licking those pages” read. I have already ordered one of his newest novels, Haunted Halls. Look for my review of it in the October Le Coeur.

When it comes to novellas by Glenn Rolfe, I expect a sense of urgency.  That's probably because the first thing I read by him was Becoming, which if you've read my review, you'll know I enjoyed it immensely. In that regard, Chasing Ghosts does not disappoint. Brimming with non-stop action, this short book is akin to settling into your chair for a good slasher flick.

Chasing Ghosts doesn't really bring anything new to the table, which means Rolfe has one hell of a challenge if he's trying to make it stand out. If you've ever seen The Hills Have Eyes, that's what this book reminds me of--though the setting and cast are a bit different, what with your inbred hillbillies and woods versus mutant savages and desert. Fortunately, Rolfe's prose alone is enough to guide the story forward, and I actually devoured this in one sitting.

The novella does fall victim to the same cons most short books do, though. Because of its length, there isn't really any time to grow attached to any of the characters. We know enough about them to recognize them as human, but that's about it. I would personally love to see this as a more in-depth, full-length novel where attachment to the ill-fated players is more likely.

Once again, Glenn Rolfe has sated my desire for gore and bloodshed, further solidifying his place among my list of must-read authors. In fact, I eagerly await the opportunity to read more of his books.

I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of review from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed above are my own, without bias.

Chasing Ghosts by Glenn Rolfe is a short but creepy read. A little gross too. I read this book in about 2 hours and in one setting. When I started the book I couldn't make myself put it down.

This is a book featuring a family of inbred woodsmen who are murders, a innocent band called in to play at a party, 3 tweens, a broken family, a cheating father, and lots of murder.

To explain the story would give away to much away for anyone reading this review. It is a gripping story you won't want to put down.

I received this book from the Author or Publisher via Netgalley.com to read and review.

Chasing Ghost is a fast and gripping read, and you won't find time to take a break - so make sure there are no upcoming appointments - or you will miss them! Once I started reading, I couldn't stop...the whole story felt like happening in real-time, and after a very short introduction there was non-stop action.

Honestly, I could not sympathize with most characters and cared even less for their simple-minded dialogues, so I was glad when the action gathered speed and moved into the woods. However, I immediately fell for police chief Walt Henderson, the anti-hero/hero in this story, and the second half of the book went by in a rush of bloody gore perfection. It even brought the obligatory creepy ending scene to make sure you either won't rest comfortably - or fall asleep in a satisfied bliss...

If you are into slasher in the woods type horror this one's for you.
There's another party at the Marston cabin in the woods tonight. Everyone is welcome, but be warned, all this loud music and activity has attracted the attention of someone else hiding in the woods. Someone who likes to party in a much deadlier way. This was a quick read and the action starts nearly immediately.

Chasing Ghosts had me chasing down the pages (Ok, I know seriously bad attempt at humor)

Chasing Ghosts begins as three boys (Jesse, Davy & Luke) go venturing off into the woods "Chasing Ghosts". The want to go test their bravery and explore the Cobb family home. The Cobb’s were back woods people who kept to themselves. Rumors about them have been around for ages. When the remaining member of the Cobb family died, the boys decided to go explore the old home. They do not return home.

A punk band is scheduled to play at a secluded cabin in the woods not far from the Cobb family home. There will be booze, music and mayhem. The band members are used to having an audience, but they seem to have captured the attention of someone who would not be on their VIP list. When their lead singer walks off into the woods and does not return, the remaining band members and Jesse's father (what? how did he get there!?!) decide to go looking for him.

The woods in Maine are very beautiful but they can also be deadly. This is a short, fast paced book which had my complete attention for the entirety of the book. There is never any down time for any of the characters or the reader. The action is constant and does not let up. There is no escaping the horror which will be unleashed in the woods. In many ways, this book read like a horror film. That's a compliment by the way. I enjoyed this book, but it is not for the squeamish. Horror fans will most likely enjoy this. It can easily be read in one sitting as it is around 123 pages(on my device). I do wish it had been a little longer as I wanted a little more backstory on the family that the town disappeared but had been living in the woods along. But other than wanting a little bit more, I found this to be an enjoyable and gory read.

This was my first book by Rolfe but it will not be my last.

Thank you to Sinister Gin Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rolfe’s novella, Chasing Ghosts runs at a very fast pace. Although his plot is works and it is a very interesting quick read, there are some limitations to his writing style that brings this off like a young adult fiction.

His overall narrative is well put to good use and he hits all the right marks. Unfortunately, his dialogue does need some work and there seems to be some difficulty to ensure this is realistic and flows. He uses a lot of he said and she said and he said moments that come across as a bit of a first time writer.

Overlooking this, I can say that he is very strong in his descriptive text and he really knows how to formulate an interesting plot that pulls the reader in. The book does have graphic moments but this is true context of the overall arc of the novella.

If you are looking for a horror dark fiction novella that has a strong and interesting plot, then you really can not go wrong with Chasing Ghosts though you may have to overlook a couple of dialogue flaws.

It's pretty obvious this is going to be fun when the dedication reads: "Dedicated to Richard Laymon, Jack Ketchum, Brian Keene, and Jonathan Janz. For all the guts you guys give me to tear out someone else's."

Jesse, Davey and Luke go wandering into the woods "chasing ghosts." They wander to the former residence of Zachariah Cobb. The Cobbs were a bunch of incestuous rednecks, allegedly practicing cannibalism in the woods. Fortunately, they moved on years ago...right? Two weeks later, and the boys still haven't come home from their jaunt into the forest. As for Jesse and Davey are never coming home. And as for Luke, well, sometimes you're better off dead.

Not too far from the Cobb shack, lies the Marston cabin - a perennial party shack. Someone has been watching the comings and goings. And he isn't friendly.

What a thrill ride! Having never read Rolfe's work before, I requested to review this book based on my deranged horror friends' reviews. As usual, they did not lead me astray!

I couldn't put this book down. It was one of the best "read with the lights on" books I have read in a long time. Chasing Ghosts will leave you feeling like you are being watched and afraid to enter the woods for a while and I absolutely LOVE horror books that leave me like that. Shaken and fearful, I still can't stop thinking about this book.

Jason and Davey invite the new kid in town, Luke, to hang out and participate in a little game they call "Chasing Ghosts". On a dare, they ride their bikes way out to the old Cobb place. The Cobb's were a bunch of backwoods inbreds that either died off or left town. At least, that's what the rumor was. What they find is a little than trouble for trespassing. Near there, a band is setting up to play a party at a rented cabin. They were only looking to score some quick cash for playing and having a good time. When the intoxicated lead singer wanders off, the rest of the band are led into the woods to find him. They'll wish they stayed back in the cabin.

When I look at Glenn Rolfe's body of work through the last few years, it makes me smile to see such a talented writer mature in front of our very eyes. With Chasing Ghosts, that trend keeps climbing ever higher. With shades of Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Friday the 13th, Rolfe also summons his inner-Laymon and, in my opinion, outdoes what his predecessor couldn't do. Now before you start rounding up the villagers and handing out pitchforks and torches, let me explain. My complaint with Laymon is that his stories attempted to capture that B-movie magic and fun. The problem has always been that everything that I've read by him falls short. A good story, whether it be on the silver screen or written page, has to have good, realistic characters that you care about. To me, Laymon's characters always felt like cardboard cutouts that became cannon fodder when they behaved unrealistically, their dialogue was borderline moronic, and the whole thing seemed hokie. With Chasing Ghosts, the characters feel like people that we already know facing problems that you can honestly believe - a missing son, infidelity, working stiffs looking to blow off some steam on the weekend. It's all there and done very well by Rolfe. If I have a complaint with the story, it's that the dialogue can be a tad confusing by his lack of identifying who is doing the talking from time to time. Again, it's a minor complaint, but I do think it would help the story. Other than that, I dig it. Now, does he break any new ground with Chasing Ghosts? No. But, I don't think that was ever his intent. What he does is deliver one kickass tale of backwoods bumpkins gone wrong.

4 Billy Bob teeth sunk into your leg out of 5


* This ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review


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Chasing Ghosts is a good book for those who like a little gore with their horror.

Reminiscent of books by Richard Laymon, Rolfe brings us some backwoods horror, complete with sex, drugs, and body parts. This is fast and hard horror that barely lets you up for breath.

I did find that it was hard to care about our characters. We were missing a hero or heroine that we really liked and worried about. Most of our characters had issues that, when they died, just left me with a shrug.

That notwithstanding, I did really enjoy the read.

Would read the author again.

I ending up DNF'ing this novella about 50% through.

I requested this because I'm always looking for underhyped horror to review and I typically love short fiction. Unfortunately, I really disliked the connect with this story. I disliked the the characters and did not connect with the dialogue.

I will not be publicly reviewing this because I do not review books I do not finish.

Gory, gross and gruesome with pretty much every horror movie cliche you can think of (and maybe some you wish you hadn't). What's not to love? Bloody good stuff.

Chasing Ghosts is a vicious backwoods romp that gives you nary a moment to collect your bearings. The narrative escalates quickly, savagely, maintaining the amped-up speed through to the finale. It’s a blast of a read, especially if you’re a root-for-the-antagonist type of fan.

True to Glenn Rolfe from, Chasing Ghosts is populated with a great cast of entertaining characters, it’s a bit unfortunate that most don’t get to hang out longer, giving us readers more time to form of a connection. But that’s how it goes sometimes. Safety is fleeting at the best of times, an illusion at the worst. And here no one is safe.

Which will be apparent early on. The violence is robust and gnarly, just what I needed to quench my bloodlust.

So if you find yourself craving a bit of moonshine tinged revenge, take Chasing Ghosts for a spin, I think you’ll dig it.