Bloody Bloody Apple is a really great story that continued to surprise me all the way to the end. I really enjoyed every aspect of it. This was one of those books that although I needed a resolution, I didn’t want it to end. I really enjoyed having spent the time I did with each of the characters. If you like small town 80’s horror feel that isn’t overly gory this is a perfect book to use a credit on.
I really enjoyed the first person aspect of the story. It really gets you intimate with Jackson and makes you much more sympathetic to his and his friend’s plight. The coming of age feel this book had, although not one I would truly call coming of age, coupled with the small town feel really made for a great setting. Outside of the teens having cellphones I would have said that this story took place decades ago. The simplicity of everything heightens this feeling and really set the somber tone of the overall story.
The characters are great and are really fleshed out. Every character has an interesting story being told and you really get a sense of how screwed up the community is living in Apple. Everyone has problems and in the small community everyone knows each other’s problems. The turmoil of living there coupled with the seasonal murders really seems to stifle the energy the town has and casts a gray cloud over the whole story. My favorite character hands down was Not Becky. Her story is the most tragic and while it provides a horror element, it provides the most emotional aspect as well. Without her piece of this I think this would have been a completely different story and probably not one that would have worked as well.
I really enjoyed Howard Odentz’s writing style. The story flowed quite smoothly and was suspenseful enough that I didn’t want to stop listening. Woke up in the middle of the night and listened to a few chapters. He has a good way with words and all his descriptions really put you there on scene as things were unfolding. The potential demonic possession of Becky sprinkled throughout ratcheted this mystery thriller up and provided a nice supernatural horror. That wasn’t expected and provided some nice twists that elevated the overall story. I can’t wait to see what Odentz does next.
Jon Oak did a great job. His tone was perfect for the overall feel of the story and he has that familiar sounding voice that can just put you in that sweet spot to where you don’t want to stop listening. His cadence and inflection reminded me of Jean Shepherd’s narration of “A Christmas Story”.
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.