Twisted, engaging, and just what I needed!

My Pretties by Jeff Strand was a welcome change from many of the nitty, gritty blood and guts horror novels that I've read recently. Don't get me wrong, this book had plenty of gore, but it was such a well-done story! This is the story of a serial killer, his demented family and the two waitresses that get caught in his crosshairs. My Pretties has a nice dose of dark humor tied in with all of the gore throughout and was just a really entertaining listen. The story is well thought out and constructed and keeps on a steady pace until the macabe end.

Aida Reluzco did a great job narrating My Pretties. She bright life to the characters and her reading cadence and tonal intonations really made the story, and characters, come to life. I'd definitely listen to more books narrated by her and this definitely won't be my last books by Jeff Strand. I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher for an honest review.

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7 people found this helpful

A Family That Slays Together

I would say that I think the first three quarters of the book played out like your typical serial killer story. The last quarter went totally off the rails, blew me away, and was so much more than I had hoped for. I love Jeff Strand’s story telling and he completely outdid himself with this one. I actually had to stop and rewind a few times to make sure I heard what I thought I had just heard. Not a happy story at all, but one I really enjoyed.

The characters were really well thought out. The logic and mentality of Ken was by far my favorite. He is a twisted individual but had a lot of good qualities as well. Can’t say I thought he was a good father, but he tried and had to deal with the same problems “normal” fathers go through. I actually laughed at his interactions with his son and while I know they were not interactions that were good, I thought he actually provided decent advice. My second favorite was Charlene. Her wit and attitude made me want to be her friend as she is immediately likeable.

The basic plot was fairly typical but had a few different aspects that kept me glued to my earbuds. I wouldn’t call them twists, but more so revelations, that as the story progresses it just ratchets up the intensity. This was really a great take on a serial killer novel and provided so many different unique plot pieces I really enjoyed it.

Aida Reluzco did a great job narrating this story. She voiced each character perfectly and kept me engaged in the story. I liked her character voices and she really did a good job with all of them. My favorite was Charlene. Hope to hear more from Reluzco.

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

3 people found this helpful

Perfection

You know when it's been just a bit too long since you're read/watched something that was just completely and utterly depraved? Yeah, me too. I was in that place when I began 'My Pretties' and good lord did it scratch that itch! Jeff Strand never disappoints and he successfully surprised me with this one. From top to bottom 'My Pretties' is entertaining, disturbing, delightful and completely morally bankrupt. I can't talk about my favorite aspect of this one without giving away some significant spoilers, so I will refrain from saying any more.

Aida Reluzco does a superb job of bringing these characters to live, even as they ultimately die. I would recommend this one to anyone at all who enjoys horror content, it's a fun one!

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

2 people found this helpful

Holy crap this was one sick dark make you squirm tale!

OH MY GOD! This tale is so dark and twisted. The true depths of the darkness that lurks within a man’s soul. Sometimes the scariest horror stories are the ones where the monster is man not a mythological being. In this case you will squirm, shudder and cringe. If you don’t I’d worry about your sanity. A rash of women disappearing. A man who is doing unspeakable things to them. A family whose depths of depravity will astound you. Each twist and turn will leave you with a new look of disgust on your face. The casualness of it is that which is truly the most terrifying because the reality is it could happen and it could happen to any of us anywhere.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator or publisher

2 people found this helpful

a dark tale from a great writer

This story is quite a bit darker than most of the stuff I've read from Strand. Not that it's worse for it, just be prepared. I still enjoyed it and couldn't put it down.
One of the things I like about his stories is the length seems perfect. There's enough to draw you in and you can really get the characters, but it's not drug out (like another horror writer I like)

Be careful if you listen to this with the kids though, it's quite a bit more vulgar and explicit than most of his other stuff.

I requested this copy of the audiobook and have voluntarily left this review

2 people found this helpful

Loved it

Jeff strands writing talent is on full display with this one
A well executed serial killer novel with some dark humour tossed in
Excellent narration from Aida her subtlety with male voices was perfect
Highly recommended to all horror fans
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review

2 people found this helpful

Creative

I found this book to be very creative and strange. The characters get a little weirder as the story goes on and there are a lot of surprises. I would recommend it.

1 person found this helpful

A horror story that flows well

It wasn't a challenge to finish this due to how well it flowed and how likable the two main characters were. I found this to be funny at times even. The reader was great and breathed life into the characters. There's nothing profound here, but it's a fun and easy to get through if you're a fan of horror and serial killers.

Surprisingly great selection

I was really hesitant to purchase this title for several reasons, not the least of which is that it's a self-published book. That just raised all kinds of red flags. Why would I waste my credit on a book that no one else would publish?

Shame on those publishers. This book was awesome! The narrator was great - maybe one of the best I've heard in a long time. And the story line was fast moving and sucked me right in. A lot of books that I read leave me feeling like the author was being paid by the word rather than for the content in total. So many extra, unnecessary words that an editor should have red-lined. Whole sections even. This isn't that. It's lean, fast, and engaging. In fact, my only complaint is that it was too short. This is one of the few reads where I would have appreciated a few more chapters.

There weren't any major a-ha moments in this but I was totally okay with that. It was a great read and I'm thoroughly happy with my decision to purchase this book. Looking forward to reading another Jeff Strand selection next!

Interesting premise, missed opportunities

I really want to love this story. in many ways I do. Mr Strand created such a great premise for a serial killer, and had so much opportunity. and then he squandered it.

I won't give away spoilers, but the ending, for me, was terrible. I was hoping for more of a throat-punching, stomach-twisting ride through he'll. instead I felt like I was watching a lifetime movie.

I will recommend that Mr Strand runs his stories through female ghost writers to add realism to the female to female interactions. It was clearly from a male perspective and, as a male, it felt really fake.

The narration was good. She was clear, the fact that there was a female reading it lent credibility to the story, and I liked her work.

I'd recommend this book to others, but not as a splatterpunk novel.