REVIEWS OF THE DEAD GAME

I posted this last year. Since then Amazon has taken down most of these reviews. I don’t why they delete reviews and why only 5-star ones.  I’ve reposted them–in memory.

There’s one Barnes & Noble review in the bunch.

5.0 out of 5 stars This book it out does ANY Stephen King book has ever written!

By Deneale’s Book Buzz on January 14, 2016

Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase

 

Deneale Williams rated it was amazing

Shelves: deneales-book-buzz

This book, “The Dead Game” would make an excellent horror movie. I just could not get enough of it and would love to see it on the silver screen. In fact, I think it would be even more fantastic in 3 dimensional. Let me start by saying: I read this in the dark, along with one light on and in a big house. Wait, did I mention I was alone? I might suggest that you might not want to do that. I’m just sayin…

Just let me be frank with you here. Okay, wait. I still want to be me. Here goes. I honestly love watching TV, and I know what would make for a good show or movie. And as I was reading this, I was just so totally freaking out all through it, I could totally visualize everything. I know this book would be amazing as a Movie, you seriously need to read it, because you know it goes. When they turn books into Movies, they ruin them. And if the words are this good, you need to read them now!

Another thing that I loved about this book, was the fact that it is portrayed in Oasis, Florida. As most of you know, I am I currently live in Florida. So I love it when books put Florida, or Ohio on the map, I’m in. 

This book, “The Dead Game” has Vampires, Beachfront property, a scary haunted mansion, dead bodies, romance and of course people. What a unique kind of mix.

But let me tell you, never ever go to a place called: “End house” and never attend a party on a Friday night where the invitation envelopes are black. I mean if that doesn’t just say: “It’s going to get weird.” As a warning, then nothing will. 

I was so impressed, with “The Dead Game”, I couldn’t put it down. I give it five stars, it was just that exciting. If you’re anything like me, and enjoy horror, with a kick, then you need to read this. And you better be ready to get comfortable, because you’re not going to want to put this book down! It’s just that enjoyable. 

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome paranormal, great read

By Al-Khemet Book Club on March 5, 2016

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

“The Dead Game” by Susanne Leist is one of those great reads that you stumble across and end up eternally grateful for discovering it. In a vast sea of paranormal novels, The Dead Game stands out in all its horrifying glory. If you’re seeking chills and thrills this book is definitely a great read. Just the prologue will be enough to drag you deep into a plot filled with brilliant twists and turns. Leist brings her world and story to life with strong vivid language that flows seamlessly, lulling you into a tale you’ll never forget. I find her cast of characters to be truly unique and real, expressing human nature as if it were bare before us. Without hesitation, I can say this is among the best novels of the year I’ve come across. Highly recommended.

5.0 out of 5 stars A mystery/horror story well worth the time and price

By Oscar A Wiggy on April 25, 2015

Format: Kindle Edition

The Dead Game is a mystery/horror story that brings you into the lives of a group of people living in the quaint seaside community of Oasis, Florida. Even though Oasis seems to be a lovely place to live, sinister forces are hiding around every corner and wreaking havoc on the innocent town-folk. The author does a good job of developing the characters (both good and evil) and fleshing out the world they live in. Two inanimate objects in the story that grew into characters as the book progressed where the town of Oasis, Florida as well as a place called End House.

End House is an old abandoned mansion in a reclusive part of town that has a mysterious background. Invitations in black envelopes are sent to select people in town to attend a party at End House on a Friday night. The friends decide to attend the party and that is when all hell breaks loose. (Not wanting to reveal too much of the story) End House displays its paranormal personality with all sorts of terrifying entities from razor-sharp saws to gigantic bugs.  

The author is very creative with the horror she dishes out making it interesting and detailed without being so graphic as to turn anyone away from reading the rest of the story. After the horrific events of the party, the group has suspicions about the people within their own circle and if they are friend or foe. Friendships evolve between the characters both positively and negatively. The Hidden attraction between a few of the main characters brings a romantic angle to the story as well. A few of the characters work together to discover information on an eccentric man named Charles Wolf and a group he leads named “The Dead”. Rich and powerful, Wolf is known as a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” and throws another wrinkle into the story. At this point in the tale, suspicion among one another runs rampant as factions emerge from among the groups of characters. Some groups are honest and good and others deceitful and evil.  

It’s not easy to tell the good from the bad and the author keeps you guessing here. The honest and good group of characters leads a revolt against The Dead at the mysterious End House in an attempt to crush the evil group and eliminate them from Oasis. The author provides us with more creative action and gore as the battle between good and evil plays out. After the brawl, the town goes back to its lazy little self and people start getting back to their normal lives… or do they? The last few chapters are a topsy-turvy dance to figure out who is the real bad guy in the story. I was surprised by the end of the story and didn’t see it coming. This book is definitely well worth the time and the price.

 

A GREAT 5 STAR REVIEW ON AMAZON AND BARNES & NOBLE

The Haunted Mansion Awaits?, March 22, 2014

By

John R. Dizon “John Reinhard Dizon” (Lee’s Summit, Mo United States) – See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from The Dead Game (Kindle Edition)

 

The Dead Game by Susanne Leist is a psychological thriller set in the small town of Oasis, Florida where Linda Bennett and her friends embark on a haunted house expedition. Her clique of entrepreneurs includes Todd Morrison, a roguish fellow who easily navigates among the different factions within the community. Only Linda perceives the fact that Todd and the enigmatic Father John may know something more about the town than meets the eye, and the traumatic events to follow serve to confirm her darkest fears.

The author raises the bar in the Stephen King haunted house genre by combining an illusory backdrop to the standard demon-filled storyline. We are introduced to the evil Wolf, whose Dead subculture threatens to overwhelm those who trespass upon their perimeters. Yet Leist weaves an element of surrealism into the tapestry, creating scenes where each area of the property and room in End House appears to lead into a different dimension. Walls that reach into the sky and floors that lead into the netherworld are just some of the enhancements that Leist has built onto End House, and Wolf and his vampires arrive just as the protagonists appear to teeter on the brink of madness. It is rare when the environment is nearly as overwhelming as the evil that lurks within, but Leist has clearly made this happen in this page-turner.

This is an intriguing spin on the supernatural genre, definitely something to curl up with on book night. The Dead Game by Susanne Leist is a well-crafted novel you won’t want to miss.

 

5.0 out of 5 starsWhoa, baby!

ByDiane Munieron May 6, 2017

Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

“Write with energy and imagination!” That’s what the great Oz said on the day author Susanne Leist was born. Then he waved his five-foot-long wand and infused her with the power to create worlds of Vampires and Wolves and twisted players from the mist of legends and grim fairy tales.

The Dead Game never quits. It takes off like a rocket through skies that may or may not be real, and it ends in fantastical possibilities that burrow into the secret earth. But throughout, there’s the mysterious, sexy, brown-eyed Todd and the responsive and curious heroine Linda. Can they ever get off of the diabolical crazy train long enough to take care of business?

Hmmm. You’ll have to read it for yourself. A town with so many questions raised by a mile of bizarre events is worth a closer look. And creepy mansions are elevated to a new level that supersedes the merely haunted houses of days gone by. The Dead Game. Humans are invited to the party, but just who or what you will be by its end is part of the gruesome fun. Get the book!

13 comments|6 people found this helpful. 

5.0 out of 5 stars  I loved it. A small town filled with secrets

BySunshineOnMe on March 4, 2017

Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

Spooky scary and kept me up all night! I loved it. A small town filled with secrets… and some you don’t want to know. Shivery delicious.

Comment|5 people found this helpful. 

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightfully Creepy Gothic Mystery

ByFlowergirlon March 29, 2017

Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

I read this in one sitting because I couldn’t stop turning pages. The story is well done, to say the least. Leist weaves together a gothic horror story that includes both good and evil vampires. Unlike many stories that include vampires, The Dead Game focuses on our human heroines and their efforts to solve the mysteries of Oasis Florida.Keeping to the format for good gothic horror, Leist introduces a tantalizing romantic element. The haunted house had a personality all its own. Be certain to read the prologue to catch the house’s seductive side.

If you like good gothic horror, this ranks right up there with Anne Rice and Radcliff.

5.0 out of 5 stars Chilling Thriller!

ByDolores Ayotteon May 21, 2016

Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

The Dead Game by Author Susanne LeistIt is not very often that I read paranormal novels, but “The Dead Game” by talented Author Susanne Leist is a real page-turner. I found it very difficult to put down.

The story takes place in the quaint town of Oasis, Florida. Shrouded in mystery, it is evident that this lovely oasis holds many secrets. Newcomers to this picturesque town soon realize that something is amiss. There is what appears to be a vacant mansion called “End House” which all local residents are aware of and usually, avoid at great lengths. When there is a foreboding black invitation sent to several young people, including Linda and her friends to attend a party on Friday 13th, there is much angst as to whether they should go or not. Pique by a combination of curiosity and fear, they decide to go as a group to get to the bottom of the mysterious aura and odd events that prevail in Oasis…

Scary people, vampires, a touch of romance, murder and mayhem all add to the many twists and turns in “The Dead Game”. The Prologue captures the reader’s attention right from the onset and after that…Leist entices her readers to hang onto to her every word.

A most chilling and thrilling horror story!

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Nightmare material

By Jessie on August 14, 2016

Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase

Omg, I just know I will have nightmares tonight. This book scared the heck out of me, so much so I had to skim past some pages to get back into my comfort zone as those pages were getting to me. If you want a good read on a blustery night then choose this book! The Dead Game You can’t go wrong if you like scary stories. This book has a great story, from a great scare the pants off you type of author. Wonderful descriptions. In truth, should have read this book with a glass of wine or something, to make me a bit more relaxed. Maybe I am just a coward…. Thank you, Susanne Leist for such an entertaining, though scary read. It would make a great “hide behind the cushions” type of movie!!!Honest review by Jessie B Tyson author of 1st edition “White Heaven Women” AND 2nd edition WHITE HEAVEN WOMEN on Pre-Order, coming out soon, so I know about things that bump in the night..haha.

Excerpt of The Dead Game

Todd had somehow backed her against a tall tree on the deserted walkway. She couldn’t move back and if she moved forward, well…Todd’s large, muscular body was blocking the way.

They stood in the tree’s cool shade, colorful leaves falling all around them. They were staring into each other’s eyes; each one was afraid to make the first move. Todd finally moved closer, encircling her and giving her the long, heartfelt kiss that she’d been waiting for—for a very long time.

She couldn’t believe that he was holding and kissing her. His mouth was soft and hard at the same time—pulling her deeper and deeper into his world of heightened feelings. When he touched her, she felt somehow different—not herself anymore. He took total control of her mind and her body. It felt unbelievably good, but scary at the same time. She still wasn’t sure that she was ready to give up her freedom to be under Todd’s control.

He was staring down at her—as if trying to commit her face to memory. He caressed her eyelids with his lips. Then his warm lips moved down her face to her mouth once more. She shivered in delight. Who knew that he could be so gentle and caring?

The kisses grew ardent, but her mind remained focused on the way he had been memorizing her features. Why? Was he going away? Was there something he wasn’t telling her? Of course, there was—he and his friends were always keeping secrets. She didn’t know if she could trust him. But damn​, he was a good kisser. And he was beautiful: his big brown eyes had those long lashes that any woman would die for; she loved his cleft chin and his finely chiseled features.

She ran her fingers through his soft, curly brown hair. But she had to be able to trust him—with her life ​if need be. His lips were trailing down her neck, down her chest, ending at the deep V of her neckline. He was licking her skin, causing her limbs to tremble. She felt warmth flowing down her body, awakening her nerve endings with the sudden unexpected thrill. She threw her head back and softly moaned.

He groaned in response, his playful tongue reversing in direction, picking up speed until it reached her mouth once again. Then he descended upon her with his lips; his warm mouth, which was molding itself to hers. His whole body was molding itself to hers ​until she felt as one with him. She was falling into his embrace.

THE DEAD GAME is bringing me good news today

Happiness is selling 10 books in one day! I’m afraid to go to sleep and miss anything. Have my dreams come true? Will the sales be there tomorrow?

I’m doing so well with teens! I’m not used to being happy. I’m waiting for the other shoe to fall.

TO BE OR NOT TO BE

 

 

To be or not to be a writer
has been the hardest question for me.
Should I continue with my pursuit,
or step away and claim defeat?
One book was written,
one book sold.
It dances around on Amazon and Nook.
It reaches new heights in its niche,
and then it slowly bows its head in silence.
The highs feel good and lofty,
While the lows feel depressing and sad.
Is it worth it?
Is it worth the aggravation?
I am told that a writer must keep writing.
More books to dance around.
More highs and lows.
Should I keep doing this?
Will I keep doing this?
Yes, for now
as I wait for the next high.

SO PROUD OF MY 5 STAR REVIEW I HAD TO SHARE IT AGAIN

I needed a quick pick-me-up today to encourage me to write. I noticed this on my book’s Amazon link and it gave me the needed push. Thank you again!

PROUD OF MY 5 STAR REVIEW

A Great Vampire Mystery Romance, March 27, 2014
  

By  Lee MacRae – See all my reviews This review is from: The Dead Game (Kindle Edition) Author Susanne Leist uses her words well and has written a story filled with the stuff that nightmares are made of. This isn’t your typical mystery that starts slow and builds. Instead, it starts with a bang and a creepy house, careens through twists and turns filled with surprise and suspense and keeps you guessing right to the end. Reclusive town residents, dangerous individuals, strange figures in hooded cloaks, romance along with strange buildings and happenings that make you think you’re on drugs…this story has it all. Highly recommended for those looking for a vampire mystery romance.

A BLANKET OF MIST

Source:f-u-g-i-t-i-v-o 

 

 

A BLANKET OF MIST

Mist blankets the forest,

covering all from sight.

It hides the dark creatures

so you won’t run from fright.

Darkness will soon descend.

The moon will hide its face.

Run as fast as you can.

Before you get a taste.

Blood flows into the cracks,

left behind from the quake.

Cries shatter the silence,

giving no one a break.

We must wait for the sun

to free us from this place.

Light will lead us away 

from what we fear to face.

THE DEAD GAME by Susanne Leist

Great Review!

 
An Outstanding Gothic Horror Paranormal Novel!

By Howard Lipman 

February 24, 2015 

Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase 

A beachfront town, a haunted mansion, people disappearing or turning up dead–these are the elements of gothic horror, but this unique novel has a more than a few twists. The writing is first-rate,  and the pace is fast. The characters are well-defined, and the plot is imaginative and unpredictable. Linda, Shana, Logan, Todd and others are plagued by the town’s original residents, old family secrets, and more. All kinds of paranormal manifestations  beset the characters. Poe and H.P. Lovecraft would have been proud to have written this novel. From an opulent mansion to a paranormal haunted horror, End House takes the town of Oasis down a frightening path. The mysterious black paper invitations to a party at End House advertising ‘Mysteries to solve’ and ‘Games to Play’ took both the characters and this reader’s imagination on a fascinating journey (review by Howard Lipman, pen name PanOrpheus, author of the ‘Delphic Oracle’ and ‘Tesla’s Tower’ books)

 

THE DEAD

Oasis, Florida, a town of beauty. 

White-sanded beaches and blue water.

Tourists flock to town 

for the famous parties.

The Dead come out at night.

Dark shadows leaving behind

dead bodies on the soft sand.

Are they residents?

Are they tourists? 

Come & find out who they really are.

 
http://amazon.com/author/susanneleist
http://outskirtspress.com/thedeadgame

VIRTUAL BOOK FAIR BOOTH

Join us at The Virtual Book Fair!

Nov. 12th – Nov. 21st
https://www.facebook.com/events/927569970656592/

 

 

 

Title: The Dead Game

Author: Susanne Leist

 

The Book Fair is coming to the town of Oasis on the northern coast of Florida. A dead body washes ashore. The police search through the sand for clues. Where is Agatha Christie when you need her? Linda and her friends are afraid. Deaths and disappearances are happening too often in their town. Will they figure out who is controlling their small town? Who is playing the evil game, The Dead Game?

 

I’m a mystery lover. And so is my protagonist, Linda Bennett. She opens a bookstore in Oasis, hoping for fantasy and romance. Instead, she finds herself living in a town filled with dark secrets. The forest behind town wakes up at night with parties and strange guests. Are the estate residents responsible for the deaths and disappearances in town? Only The Dead know.

 

The Dead Game is the first book in a trilogy. You can read it as a stand-alone or continue with the story when book two is released in 2017.

 

For a chance to win a free kindle copy of The Dead Game, please follow my author page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSusanneLeist/, my blog at https://susanneleistwordpress.com and tell me about your favorite vampire character. The giveaway will end on November 21 and will be announced here on November 22, so check back! I will be giving away e-books on Facebook and WordPress.com.

 

The event is live November 12-21. For more information, check out the event at https://www.facebook.com/events/927569970656592/

 

We have a Scavenger Hunt. Come and collect the clues!

Scavenger hunt: 14

 

TO BE OR NOT TO BE

 

TO BE OR NOT TO BE

To be or not to be a writer.
This has been the hardest question for me.
Should I continue with my pursuit?
Or step away and claim defeat?
One book written.
One book sold.
It dances around on Amazon and Nook.
It reaches new heights in its niche
And then it slowly bows its head in silence.
The highs feel good and lofty,
While the lows feel depressing and sad.
Is it worth it? 
Is it worth the aggravation?
I am told that a writer must keep writing.
More books to dance around.
More highs and lows.
Should I keep doing this?
Will I keep doing this? 
Yes, for now
As I wait for the next high.