Riverside Blues [Paperback]

Erik Tomblin (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Earthling Publications; First edition (August 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976633922
• ISBN-13: 978-0976633921
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,014,861 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Though I enjoyed writing stories at an early age, I spent a good deal of the 90s earning a B.A in Psychology and a Masters in Information Technology. My creative outlet came in the form of penning song lyrics instead of prose. After finally having a bit of life under my belt, I turned my attention back to fiction, writing several short stories that can be found both online and in print. The release of my novella, Riverside Blues, by award-winning publisher Earthling Publications was met with glowing reviews. While I also enjoy photography, reading, playing guitar and singing, I get the most joy from being a husband and father.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This story will haunt you long after you've put it down!, May 31, 2008

By 

Kelly - See all my reviews

This review is from: Riverside Blues (Paperback)

Some of the best horror stories are those that center on the fear that we create ourselves; those that start not from without, but from within. Tomblin not only created such a tale, but he mastered it. Not quite a ghost story, but dipped lavishly in the supernatural, this book may just have trumped, nay surpassed, my favorite book of all time. I've been looking for this book since I first discovered horror and I wouldn't part with it for all the tea in china!

The plot is refreshing and original in its narration. Sure, we've seen the set-up and outline before, but once the scene is established, Tomblin takes a 360 turn and takes it in a wicked direction. Full of implied danger and subtle clues, the ending is guaranteed to chill you to the bone. A creepy, psychological thriller, this book can be read over and over again.

Avoiding the allure to drag on long after it's necessary, Tomblin's style of writing is tight and concise. His descriptive narrative brings to life Gordon's surroundings and his dialog adds vitality to it. You can tell that he's comfortable within the boundaries of writing a ghost story, and are shocked and amazed when he breaks free of those chains and revels in his freedom.

Although this book is very involved, it's also, shockingly, a quick and simple read. The pace is set from the moment you enter the book, moving you along peacefully at first and then picking up speed while your eyes were closed. Having read it in only 3 hours, it wasn't until I closed the book that I realized my pulse was racing and beads of sweat were dripping down my neck.

Almost becoming a character itself, the atmosphere is hypnotic and captivating. Tomblin captures the south, immersing you into Gordon's world. You can smell the overgrown greenery and hear the sound of the river flowing. In fact, he does it too well. He calms your senses and whispers assurances into the wind, distracting you from your own fear. Even though you know you're aware something is going to happen, you're too drawn in to pay attention to the signs. It's when you have to be peeled off the ceiling that you realize you were tricked.

Secretly imaging your feet in their shoes, the characters are dynamic and true to life. Allowing the players to unfold naturally, you understand what motivates them and why they're willing to relive nightmares best left in the past. You feel Gordon's loss and frustration over a lifetime wasted and a love that never had a chance. I promise, you will cry and cringe and scream as you accompany Gordon on his journey, but go you will.