Review: The Weeping

The Weeping
by O'Dell Hutchison
ebook
Published March 6th 2012
by H, C & B Publishing

Summary from Goodreads:

Twenty years ago, Catherine Whitley was the victim of a horrible crime. Betrayed by her friends, including the boy she loved, she was left to die when the Rock Harbor Opera House caught fire, taking a disturbing secret with her to her grave. 

Seventeen-year-old Heath Ingram was driving the night his Jeep careened off the road, killing three of his closest friends. Once a popular, outgoing athlete, Heath now suffers from severe depression and crippling anxiety. His parents decide to send him to stay with his uncle in Rock Harbor, Oregon for the summer, praying that by getting away he will be able to put this awful tragedy behind. 

When Heath starts working at the newly renovated Rock Harbor Opera House, he meets Molly, a young dancer who awakens in him a desire to start over and move on. But, when he begins having visions of a half-burned girl in a white dress, he starts to think he may be slipping even further over the edge. 

As the apparent hauntings become more intense, Heath begins to fear for his safety. With the help of his friend Josie, Heath discovers an unsettling secret that ties the mysterious girl to both their families. When two of their friends die unexpectedly, Josie and Heath realize that something, or someone, is after the children of those who wronged Catherine, and they are next. 

Thoughts:
I'm a wimp when it comes to watching horror movies but when it comes to reading ghost stories; I'm a big fan! The book is quite enjoyable despite it's obvious non-mystery. A ghost haunting the kids of the ones who wronged her in the past. I picked this up assuming that this was a no brainer and that everything will be resolved in the end when Heath face-off with the ghostly; Catherine but the big twist really blow me away.

Likes
I love the pacing and the intensity of the book. And there's not so much gore, only the chilling creep factor that is quite refreshing for a horror book. It was interesting that the writer tried to make the book unique by having a lesbian character. We have quite a few gay best friends in books but I think this is the second book with a lesbian secondary character.

Dislikes
There's so many F bombs here and there that it got me mildly irritated. I don't know.. swear words doesn't sit kindly well with me. And the sexual violence (although only implied) are disturbing enough that I really don't think this book is suitable for younger teens.

All in all this is a quick and enjoyable read. The fact that it is a stand alone seems to appeal more to me. I love stand alones!

Recommended for: fans of male POV books and mild horror stories
Verdict: 3.5 stars.

In my Self-Published Reading Challenge 
Available on: Amazon