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Hell Gate
Beth's horror novel, Hell Gate, is a wild ride into the dark world of Coney Island in the early 1900s.
It has been called, ""A Thrill Ride Of Historic Proportions...Like Stephen King, Massie proves regularly—and here once again—that horror doesn't rely on vampires or zombies, and that it doesn't need to rely on the completely inexplicable or unscientific; rather, all horror requires is the thoughts and behaviors of human beings." —Marakay Rogers, BWW Reviews.
It has been called, ""A Thrill Ride Of Historic Proportions...Like Stephen King, Massie proves regularly—and here once again—that horror doesn't rely on vampires or zombies, and that it doesn't need to rely on the completely inexplicable or unscientific; rather, all horror requires is the thoughts and behaviors of human beings." —Marakay Rogers, BWW Reviews.
251 pages, Paperback
First published August 27, 2013
About the author
Elizabeth Massie
173 books153 followersElizabeth (Beth) Massie is a 2-time Bram Stoker Award and Scribe Award-winning author of horror/suspense, historical fiction, media tie-ins, nonfiction, and short fiction for adults. She also writes novels for teens and middle grade readers. Her series, Ameri-Scares, is currently in development for television by Warner Horizon (Warner Brothers), LuckyChap, and Assemble Media. Stay tuned! She lives in the Shenandoah Valley with her husband, illustrator Cortney Skinner.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 6, 2013
In my opinion, what stands out the most in this novel set in the early 1900's is Elizabeth Massie's vivid descriptions and accurate dialogue. The entire atmosphere comes alive as your mind is absorbing her words, leading you down the same streets, hearing the same sounds, smelling the same aromas that her characters are. This story is so detailed and the time period so well-researched, that it's all too easy to lose track of the world around you as you step back into the not so distant past, and divert your thoughts to the drama unfolding there.
And isn't that what great writing is all about?
We have our main characters, Suzanne and Cittie. They are the best of friends, but not allowed to be seen together due to the ethics of the time period. Cittie is a black man in a white-male dominated world; and Suzanne is a reluctant clairvoyant, with no friends except for Cittie. Even friendship is forbidden to these two lonely people.
When Suzanne is asked to use her "powers" to help solve a series of vicious murders, she comes face-to-face with more than she bargained for. In the process, she learns more of who she is, and a great extent of what she is actually capable of.
I do not want to ruin the ending for anyone, so I will just say that it is--without question--the most haunting, yet PERFECT ending for this story. Throughout the novel, the characters remained true to their personalities, and the time period. This was a VERY well researched and well written novel.
Highly recommended.
And isn't that what great writing is all about?
We have our main characters, Suzanne and Cittie. They are the best of friends, but not allowed to be seen together due to the ethics of the time period. Cittie is a black man in a white-male dominated world; and Suzanne is a reluctant clairvoyant, with no friends except for Cittie. Even friendship is forbidden to these two lonely people.
When Suzanne is asked to use her "powers" to help solve a series of vicious murders, she comes face-to-face with more than she bargained for. In the process, she learns more of who she is, and a great extent of what she is actually capable of.
I do not want to ruin the ending for anyone, so I will just say that it is--without question--the most haunting, yet PERFECT ending for this story. Throughout the novel, the characters remained true to their personalities, and the time period. This was a VERY well researched and well written novel.
Highly recommended.
October 20, 2013
Hell Gate by Elizabeth Massie is totally unlike anything else I've read in 2013. Original in concept and execution. At times terrifying. And a fascinating look at Coney Island in the early 1900s.
The story of Suzanne Heath, a child of wealth and privilege, who has a gift. The gift to see events from a touch. A gift her mother is convinced is of the devil. So much so, she sends her to Madame Harlow's School for Young Ladies where she becomes part of the Morgans a group of girls with similar talents.
Events and circumstances lead to a loss of memory and a new home at the Hudson Colored Waif's Asylum where she was allowed to live in the attic and work in the kitchen. While there, parts of her memory return and she and her friend Cittie make their way to NYC.
Years later, living in the Bowery and working as a Luna Park ticket-seller on Coney Island, Suzanne is called upon to use her gift to help in solving a series of grisly murders.
What she discovers is shocking, yet so clear, I was surprised I never saw it coming.
In addition to a compelling story, I found the setting to be amazing. "While Steeplechase Park fronted on Surf Avenue, the main entrance was on the side, off the Bowery. Suzanne took Bushman's Walk into the crowded hubbub of independent shows, theaters, rides, shops, game booths, and eateries. Bright posters and billboards promised everything from 'best lunches in all the world' to 'most fun you'll ever have.' Countless American flags flapped overhead as people of all shapes, sizes, and ages squeezed past, laughing, shouting, arguing, carrying parasols, packages, babies, cheap prizes. Past Henderson's Vaudeville Theater, Stauch's Restaurant, clam and crab venders, pony rides, haunted houses, and the steep and narrow Drip the Dips roller coaster. Stepping over spilled beer and ice cream, downed toddlers, and lost handkerchiefs. Then, like a behemoth, appearing through the fog, there was the gigantic, garish, Funny Face, grinning with huge red wooden lips and vicious white wooden teeth, hanging directly over the entrance to Steeplechase." It's almost like being there.
There are many kinds of horror in Massie's Hell Gate, including the horrors of prejudice, racism and domestic abuse. Not for the faint of heart and definitely not a casual read, but if you like a little meat with your horror, this one's for you.
Hell Gate is available now from Darkfuse and Amazon.com.
Highly recommended.
The story of Suzanne Heath, a child of wealth and privilege, who has a gift. The gift to see events from a touch. A gift her mother is convinced is of the devil. So much so, she sends her to Madame Harlow's School for Young Ladies where she becomes part of the Morgans a group of girls with similar talents.
Events and circumstances lead to a loss of memory and a new home at the Hudson Colored Waif's Asylum where she was allowed to live in the attic and work in the kitchen. While there, parts of her memory return and she and her friend Cittie make their way to NYC.
Years later, living in the Bowery and working as a Luna Park ticket-seller on Coney Island, Suzanne is called upon to use her gift to help in solving a series of grisly murders.
What she discovers is shocking, yet so clear, I was surprised I never saw it coming.
In addition to a compelling story, I found the setting to be amazing. "While Steeplechase Park fronted on Surf Avenue, the main entrance was on the side, off the Bowery. Suzanne took Bushman's Walk into the crowded hubbub of independent shows, theaters, rides, shops, game booths, and eateries. Bright posters and billboards promised everything from 'best lunches in all the world' to 'most fun you'll ever have.' Countless American flags flapped overhead as people of all shapes, sizes, and ages squeezed past, laughing, shouting, arguing, carrying parasols, packages, babies, cheap prizes. Past Henderson's Vaudeville Theater, Stauch's Restaurant, clam and crab venders, pony rides, haunted houses, and the steep and narrow Drip the Dips roller coaster. Stepping over spilled beer and ice cream, downed toddlers, and lost handkerchiefs. Then, like a behemoth, appearing through the fog, there was the gigantic, garish, Funny Face, grinning with huge red wooden lips and vicious white wooden teeth, hanging directly over the entrance to Steeplechase." It's almost like being there.
There are many kinds of horror in Massie's Hell Gate, including the horrors of prejudice, racism and domestic abuse. Not for the faint of heart and definitely not a casual read, but if you like a little meat with your horror, this one's for you.
Hell Gate is available now from Darkfuse and Amazon.com.
Highly recommended.
May 7, 2016
Suzanne has powers
that work at will.
She's trying to find
a fella that likes to kill.
She's clairvoyant and can see things true.
Other times she gets nothing...boo-hoo.
She digs Cittie, but has to keep it cool.
Back then colored folk didn't mix the gene pool.
The sentences were kind of lumbering,
dragging me along.
I was constantly distracted,
not lulled by this book's song.
Where was the horror?
Where was the fear?
I thought to myself, "it's here, it's here!"
I was wrong. You may well like it.
I wasn't a fan.
I may, in the future,
try this author again.
by Nikki
The ending was not very satisfying. I classify this as a historical mystery (wasn't thrilling to me). That about sums it up~
Just an "OKAY" read.
that work at will.
She's trying to find
a fella that likes to kill.
She's clairvoyant and can see things true.
Other times she gets nothing...boo-hoo.
She digs Cittie, but has to keep it cool.
Back then colored folk didn't mix the gene pool.
The sentences were kind of lumbering,
dragging me along.
I was constantly distracted,
not lulled by this book's song.
Where was the horror?
Where was the fear?
I thought to myself, "it's here, it's here!"
I was wrong. You may well like it.
I wasn't a fan.
I may, in the future,
try this author again.
by Nikki
The ending was not very satisfying. I classify this as a historical mystery (wasn't thrilling to me). That about sums it up~
Just an "OKAY" read.
January 16, 2016
The turn of the century was not the bucolic picture some people paint as Elizabeth Massie shows us as her story unfolds at Coney Island. Religious fervor, legal heroin use, unchecked child abuse, and murderers plying their skills with little fear of new fangled fingerprint technology.
This is the story of a woman with psychic skills. Her mother believes her to have sold her soul to the devil so sends her off to boarding school never to be seen again.
Elizabeth drew me into this tale and made me see the sights, smell the scents and walk the path that Suzanne walked as she made her way to her job at Coney Island.
I'm adding it to my top 10 list of books I read this year.
This is the story of a woman with psychic skills. Her mother believes her to have sold her soul to the devil so sends her off to boarding school never to be seen again.
Elizabeth drew me into this tale and made me see the sights, smell the scents and walk the path that Suzanne walked as she made her way to her job at Coney Island.
I'm adding it to my top 10 list of books I read this year.
February 19, 2015
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did. The story moved along quite slowly at times but the pay off was well worth it at the end.
The author has brought two great characters to life in Suzanne and Cittie, both were well fleshed out and their friendship gives us insight into the racial issues of that time.
One of the stand out aspects of this dark tale, was the historical references and attention to detail. This really brought the story to life and created a vivid picture of life in Coney Island in the 1900's.
This was my first read by Elizabeth Massie and I'll look forward to getting to some of her other work in the non too far future.
November 22, 2013
Unwilling to part with the magical world of Coney Island circa early 1900s after reading the amazing epic Dreamland, I chose this book mostly for its setting, although I do like Massie as an author and was curious to see what she's been up to since her awesome southern gothic horrors from the now defunct leisure horror line. Happy to see she's still a very good writer who knows how to create characters the reader cares about and a story one can't puts down, in this case a young woman ticket taker reluctantly clairvoaynt has to use her powers attempting to solve murders taking place in and around the amusement park. The setting is priceless in itself and Massie does it justice with her vivid descriptions and attention to detail (minus one small goof regarding the incubatorium's inventor Martin A. Couney). Suzanne was a strong engaging lead, Cittie was a terrific supporting character. The story is interesting and original throughout and exceptionally so at the end. At first I wasn't crazy about the idea of teenage witches in the flashback, but it definitely does pay off eventually. The ending is wild and kind of like an awesomely unexpected surprise from a fairly straight forward narrative. Took me a moment, but I really enjoyed it and I think it elevated the quality of the story dramatically and made it from a good to a very good and memorable read. Recommended.
December 10, 2013
This is the story of Suzanne, born with the ability to 'see' things about others, she is sent to school far away by her God-fearing mother. Many years later and she has made a new life for herself on Coney Island. She is asked to help solve some particularly gruesome murders by the local police Inspector, having helped his daughter previously. This will set off a chain of events that will lead to a confrontation she could only have imagined in her nightmares.
The first half of this went quite slowly as we established characters and settings in flashback. Once that was out of the way, the story rocketed to its conclusion. The characters were solid, and I believed in Suzanne. The confrontation at the end was quite shocking for me as I had been led down a few different paths before the culprit was revealed. I enjoyed that aspect of the story, I like to be kept guessing, not have things handed to me on a plate. I enjoyed this immensely and hope the author writes more.
The first half of this went quite slowly as we established characters and settings in flashback. Once that was out of the way, the story rocketed to its conclusion. The characters were solid, and I believed in Suzanne. The confrontation at the end was quite shocking for me as I had been led down a few different paths before the culprit was revealed. I enjoyed that aspect of the story, I like to be kept guessing, not have things handed to me on a plate. I enjoyed this immensely and hope the author writes more.
December 11, 2013
In her novel Hell Gate, Elizabeth Massie tells a riveting story that defies the boundaries in many ways. In fact, it took me a while to decide what genre to list for it. The fact that it is set in 1909 on Coney Island might make it Historical Fiction. The murders and police investigation might indicate a Mystery or Police Procedural. The fact that the main character has "the sight" brings in an element of the Paranormal genre. In the end, it was the overall feeling of a good Horror story that won out, though.
With respect to her depection of Coney Island in the early 1900s, Massie certainly did her research. Her descriptions of the sights, sounds, smells, and even tastes, made me feel like I was really there experiencing the thrills and chills of the area. I also enjoyed the flashbacks of Suzanne's early life with her mother and her life in the boarding school. She was able to describe Suzanne's feelings of confusion perfectly and use them to help illustrate the recurring theme of societies fear of the unusual. This theme was also illustrated with the treatment Suzanne received from the police as she helped with their investigation, and the treatment that Citie received when he tried to spend time with Suzanne. Other than its usefulness in this way, I felt that the mystery part of the story was the weakest. This is the only place where the story faltered for me, and I was disappointed that there wasn't more to it.
The best part of the story overall, though, was the horror story line. I thought that Massie's characterization of the girls in the boarding school was fantastic. I thought she did an excellent job of weaving the undercurrent of horror and evil through this story. It both scared and disturbed me, which is what I expect from a good horror story line. The icing on the cake for this story was the way she lead the reader to the eventual conclusion. Her use of subterfuge and slight of hand were wonderful and the unexpected ending left me feeling pleasantly surprised.
I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone who likes a good horror story with a historical undertone. It was definitely well worth the read.
I would like to thank DarkFuse publishing and Netgalley for making this title available to me in exchange for a review.
With respect to her depection of Coney Island in the early 1900s, Massie certainly did her research. Her descriptions of the sights, sounds, smells, and even tastes, made me feel like I was really there experiencing the thrills and chills of the area. I also enjoyed the flashbacks of Suzanne's early life with her mother and her life in the boarding school. She was able to describe Suzanne's feelings of confusion perfectly and use them to help illustrate the recurring theme of societies fear of the unusual. This theme was also illustrated with the treatment Suzanne received from the police as she helped with their investigation, and the treatment that Citie received when he tried to spend time with Suzanne. Other than its usefulness in this way, I felt that the mystery part of the story was the weakest. This is the only place where the story faltered for me, and I was disappointed that there wasn't more to it.
The best part of the story overall, though, was the horror story line. I thought that Massie's characterization of the girls in the boarding school was fantastic. I thought she did an excellent job of weaving the undercurrent of horror and evil through this story. It both scared and disturbed me, which is what I expect from a good horror story line. The icing on the cake for this story was the way she lead the reader to the eventual conclusion. Her use of subterfuge and slight of hand were wonderful and the unexpected ending left me feeling pleasantly surprised.
I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone who likes a good horror story with a historical undertone. It was definitely well worth the read.
I would like to thank DarkFuse publishing and Netgalley for making this title available to me in exchange for a review.
December 11, 2013
4 AND 1/2 STARS
I read Elizabeth Massie before and was not surprised this time to find Hell Gate to be one of my favorite books of the year. Her book, Sineater, was one of the best debut horror novels of any author in the genre. Massie's strength is her authentic and believable characters that populate her richly described locations.
Always unpredictable, Hell Gate immediately pulls the reader into a world of dark evil hiding under the bright lights of Coney Island's early 20th century boardwalk attractions. Massie has a lot going on in this story but manages to weave all the elements together beautifully. Part mystery, part supernatural, part horror, Hell Gate touches on racial issues, the occult, female inequality, and the innocence (and ignorance) of the times.
Nearly completely satisfying, I did find myself slightly disappointed at the climactic revelation. While the climax felt a bit out of left field, Massie artfully brought the story full circle at the very end in a hauntingly poetic way. So, while not perfect, it was as close to amazing as I have read this year. Definitely recommended.
I read Elizabeth Massie before and was not surprised this time to find Hell Gate to be one of my favorite books of the year. Her book, Sineater, was one of the best debut horror novels of any author in the genre. Massie's strength is her authentic and believable characters that populate her richly described locations.
Always unpredictable, Hell Gate immediately pulls the reader into a world of dark evil hiding under the bright lights of Coney Island's early 20th century boardwalk attractions. Massie has a lot going on in this story but manages to weave all the elements together beautifully. Part mystery, part supernatural, part horror, Hell Gate touches on racial issues, the occult, female inequality, and the innocence (and ignorance) of the times.
Nearly completely satisfying, I did find myself slightly disappointed at the climactic revelation. While the climax felt a bit out of left field, Massie artfully brought the story full circle at the very end in a hauntingly poetic way. So, while not perfect, it was as close to amazing as I have read this year. Definitely recommended.
October 7, 2013
I would have to describe this book as a Historical Murder Mystery set at the beginning of the 1900's. The story is set around a girl named Suzanne who has psychic powers and her friend Cittie. First starts out with a group of girls with supernatural abilities and something happens. And then moves on to Lunar Park in Coney Island. Then murders happen and Suzanne tries to help solve buy using her special talent. Don't want to get into to much detail and ruin the story for someone. It took me a while to finish the story. This was not a book I could sit and read for long lengths of time. I did enjoy the overall story but it did drag a bit at times. I gave it 3 1/2 stars.
September 4, 2013
What a fantastic story. A woman with supernatural talents wakes up with amnesia and must solve a mystery. The setting in the early 1900s was fantastic and the carney atmosphere of Coney Island was enchanting.
wow.
The ending was very suprising although I found the explanation to be a bit rushed.
My favorite Dark Fuse offering to date.
wow.
The ending was very suprising although I found the explanation to be a bit rushed.
My favorite Dark Fuse offering to date.
September 4, 2013
Suzanne Heath is a troubled young woman with a dark and disturbing past. Having been badly beaten and left for dead there was a time when she could not even remember her own name, and only survived thanks to the kindness of the students and staff of the Hudson Colored Waifs’ Asylum, where she became known as Rachel for lack of another name. After more than two years of taking refuge and working at the asylum, Suzanne begins to have strange visions and realises that she has an unusual gift – to see into the hearts of strangers and know their most intimate secrets. It is not long after that she suddenly remembers her own name, and events in her past so terrible that they compel her to flee to New York City, where she can disappear in its mass of people and make a fresh start.
Soon Suzanne is working as a cashier at Luna Park on Coney Island. But even in a city of thousands she cannot escape her dark past, and visions plague her every night in her dreams and through every physical contact with strangers. Having heard of Suzanne’s unusual psychic gift, she is asked to help in the police investigation into the gruesome slaying of a woman at Coney Island’s Capitol Hotel. At first, Suzanne has little to offer, but as more victims are found with the same horrific injuries, her visions slowly close in on a suspect – a force so terrifying that Suzanne must use all her powers just to stay alive.
Dark, mysterious and so very compelling, Hell Gate gripped me from the very first page and had me sitting up all night reading as shivers ran down my spine from the more gruesome scenes in the novel. I don’t normally read horror and would probably not have picked up this book had it not been for its historical setting: a New York amusement park at the turn of the last century – brilliant! I have vague memories of early childhood visits to historical side-show alleys in Vienna, and always thought it would make the perfect setting for a truly spooky murder mystery. And Massie really delivers in terms of historical detail and atmospheric descriptions of Coney Island’s Luna Park – from its superficial frivolity right down to its sleazy underbelly. Introduce some paranormal themes, and a power so evil it poses a threat to every human it encounters, and the stage is set. Be prepared to be chilled to the bone imagining the horrific scenes of carnage left behind by the evil that is afoot, an evil that may be linked to Suzanne’s own dark past.
All the details are there to bring the story to life, and reading Hell Gate feels like virtual time travel into a sinister past. It reminds me of the time I watched an entire season of “Carnivale” over one rainy weekend, which left me dazed and plagued by a vague feeling of dread and doom. Caught up in Hell Gate’s atmospheric descriptions I had a similar sensation, almost feeling like I had physically been there myself, looked over Suzanne’s shoulder, walked in her footsteps, felt her pain and fear. There are other interesting historical themes which Massie touches on in her novel: racism, gender roles, domestic violence and the details of turn-of-last-century murder investigations.
Alas, at 95% through the book I looked at its few remaining pages and became worried – there was no solution in sight as yet. How could this intriguing story possibly be resolved in a meagre 5% of its pages? Sadly, it couldn’t – for me, the ending felt rushed and very unsatisfactory, which was a huge let-down after hours of captivating reading. What had shaped up to be a very clever and unusual plot, turned so convoluted that it stretched the borders of credibility way too far for my liking, leaving behind many unanswered questions. It felt like sitting an exam and realising, two minutes from the end, that you have spent so much time elaborating on one question, that there is no time to answer all the remaining ones.
So, how do you rate a book which kept you totally spellbound for 95% of its pages, but which ending provoked a mutinous howl of protest and disappointment? Perhaps other readers, who are more adept at suspending disbelief than I am, may find the ending clever and unexpected. Unexpected – yes, it certainly was, in more ways than one. So all I can say is this: if you like historical fiction, it is definitely worth picking up Massie’s novel (even if horror is not usually your thing). Even its most gruesome scenes are no worse than popular authors like Nesbo or Cornwell, and should be acceptable to most lovers of murder-mysteries (apart from the really faint-hearted). Give it a go!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Please note that the final published copy may vary from the one I reviewed.
Soon Suzanne is working as a cashier at Luna Park on Coney Island. But even in a city of thousands she cannot escape her dark past, and visions plague her every night in her dreams and through every physical contact with strangers. Having heard of Suzanne’s unusual psychic gift, she is asked to help in the police investigation into the gruesome slaying of a woman at Coney Island’s Capitol Hotel. At first, Suzanne has little to offer, but as more victims are found with the same horrific injuries, her visions slowly close in on a suspect – a force so terrifying that Suzanne must use all her powers just to stay alive.
Dark, mysterious and so very compelling, Hell Gate gripped me from the very first page and had me sitting up all night reading as shivers ran down my spine from the more gruesome scenes in the novel. I don’t normally read horror and would probably not have picked up this book had it not been for its historical setting: a New York amusement park at the turn of the last century – brilliant! I have vague memories of early childhood visits to historical side-show alleys in Vienna, and always thought it would make the perfect setting for a truly spooky murder mystery. And Massie really delivers in terms of historical detail and atmospheric descriptions of Coney Island’s Luna Park – from its superficial frivolity right down to its sleazy underbelly. Introduce some paranormal themes, and a power so evil it poses a threat to every human it encounters, and the stage is set. Be prepared to be chilled to the bone imagining the horrific scenes of carnage left behind by the evil that is afoot, an evil that may be linked to Suzanne’s own dark past.
All the details are there to bring the story to life, and reading Hell Gate feels like virtual time travel into a sinister past. It reminds me of the time I watched an entire season of “Carnivale” over one rainy weekend, which left me dazed and plagued by a vague feeling of dread and doom. Caught up in Hell Gate’s atmospheric descriptions I had a similar sensation, almost feeling like I had physically been there myself, looked over Suzanne’s shoulder, walked in her footsteps, felt her pain and fear. There are other interesting historical themes which Massie touches on in her novel: racism, gender roles, domestic violence and the details of turn-of-last-century murder investigations.
Alas, at 95% through the book I looked at its few remaining pages and became worried – there was no solution in sight as yet. How could this intriguing story possibly be resolved in a meagre 5% of its pages? Sadly, it couldn’t – for me, the ending felt rushed and very unsatisfactory, which was a huge let-down after hours of captivating reading. What had shaped up to be a very clever and unusual plot, turned so convoluted that it stretched the borders of credibility way too far for my liking, leaving behind many unanswered questions. It felt like sitting an exam and realising, two minutes from the end, that you have spent so much time elaborating on one question, that there is no time to answer all the remaining ones.
So, how do you rate a book which kept you totally spellbound for 95% of its pages, but which ending provoked a mutinous howl of protest and disappointment? Perhaps other readers, who are more adept at suspending disbelief than I am, may find the ending clever and unexpected. Unexpected – yes, it certainly was, in more ways than one. So all I can say is this: if you like historical fiction, it is definitely worth picking up Massie’s novel (even if horror is not usually your thing). Even its most gruesome scenes are no worse than popular authors like Nesbo or Cornwell, and should be acceptable to most lovers of murder-mysteries (apart from the really faint-hearted). Give it a go!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Please note that the final published copy may vary from the one I reviewed.
September 1, 2013
Suzanne Heath, a ticket seller at Coney Island in 1909, has the gift and curse of clairvoyant powers. The father of a friend she works with is a policeman investigating the murders of people with their faces caved in and asks Suzanne to help out with her supernatural skills.
While reading I kept thinking in shades of Stephen King's The Dead Zone. Only Suzanne is Johnny Smith and she isn't as effective with her powers as Johnny (more on that shortly). Suzanne's visions seem more accurate and stronger of past events than the future. Unlike King's amazing tale, there isn't as much story, pacing or much 'hell' referenced in the title until halfway through the book. Most of the first half is spent with Suzanne seven years removed from the Coney Island amusement park murders, with her soul-searching and coming to grips with being a freak for her powers at a school with other young girls.
Suzanne meets and befriends a black man named Cittie who follows her away to Coney Island, and she must pretend not to be with him because of the interracial social unacceptability of the era. I liked Cittie's character and wished sooner he was a more integral part of the story.
The story moves better once we return to 1909 and back to the murders but Suzanne's psychic powers annoyed me at times. It seemed all too convenient for her visions to be cloudy when she was at murder scenes and yet touching just about anything else she would get clear visions. I couldn't get past what seemed to be a story contrivance versus a natural progression of the tale. As for the murders? The identity of the killer started out very much like one would expect from a mystery and I was curious to learn who the murderer was. There is a good attempt to make this a shocking reveal, so points for that.
The writing was full of long, weighty paragraphs which usually slow down my reading, however, the vocabulary was smooth and less 1900s than expected. Somehow--and this is a credit to the skill of the author--it sounds authentic for that era. Most of the dialogue was strong and seemed authentic as well. I enjoyed how Coney Island as a setting was portrayed.
In summary, it's somewhere teetering on the edge of "it's ok" and "I liked it." I wasn't ever scared or felt much fear for any character or situation which doesn't bode well as a horror read. It's probably better categorized more generically as supernatural fiction than horror and if I'd have gone in thinking that, I probably would rate this higher. The murders were told more than shown too much for my liking. I wished there had been more of the second half of the book in the first half, less flashbacks to the past--which I fully acknowledge is important to the story, but wish they had been streamlined to get back to the more compelling story (the 1909 murders). The title of the book makes it seem like a more gritty, dark horror novel, which it wasn't for me. I hope others enjoy this more than me, because the author does seem very talented. Unfortunately it's not one I'll be recommending. 2.75 stars, rounded. 4,970 Kindle locations. Approximately 251 pages.
While reading I kept thinking in shades of Stephen King's The Dead Zone. Only Suzanne is Johnny Smith and she isn't as effective with her powers as Johnny (more on that shortly). Suzanne's visions seem more accurate and stronger of past events than the future. Unlike King's amazing tale, there isn't as much story, pacing or much 'hell' referenced in the title until halfway through the book. Most of the first half is spent with Suzanne seven years removed from the Coney Island amusement park murders, with her soul-searching and coming to grips with being a freak for her powers at a school with other young girls.
Suzanne meets and befriends a black man named Cittie who follows her away to Coney Island, and she must pretend not to be with him because of the interracial social unacceptability of the era. I liked Cittie's character and wished sooner he was a more integral part of the story.
The story moves better once we return to 1909 and back to the murders but Suzanne's psychic powers annoyed me at times. It seemed all too convenient for her visions to be cloudy when she was at murder scenes and yet touching just about anything else she would get clear visions. I couldn't get past what seemed to be a story contrivance versus a natural progression of the tale. As for the murders? The identity of the killer started out very much like one would expect from a mystery and I was curious to learn who the murderer was. There is a good attempt to make this a shocking reveal, so points for that.
The writing was full of long, weighty paragraphs which usually slow down my reading, however, the vocabulary was smooth and less 1900s than expected. Somehow--and this is a credit to the skill of the author--it sounds authentic for that era. Most of the dialogue was strong and seemed authentic as well. I enjoyed how Coney Island as a setting was portrayed.
In summary, it's somewhere teetering on the edge of "it's ok" and "I liked it." I wasn't ever scared or felt much fear for any character or situation which doesn't bode well as a horror read. It's probably better categorized more generically as supernatural fiction than horror and if I'd have gone in thinking that, I probably would rate this higher. The murders were told more than shown too much for my liking. I wished there had been more of the second half of the book in the first half, less flashbacks to the past--which I fully acknowledge is important to the story, but wish they had been streamlined to get back to the more compelling story (the 1909 murders). The title of the book makes it seem like a more gritty, dark horror novel, which it wasn't for me. I hope others enjoy this more than me, because the author does seem very talented. Unfortunately it's not one I'll be recommending. 2.75 stars, rounded. 4,970 Kindle locations. Approximately 251 pages.
November 30, 2013
This dark historical fiction works very well on a number of levels. First, the story is complex. The author deftly handles flashbacks and plot structure with ease. You have different threads involving Suzanne, as a child with a deranged mother, as a teen in a girls’ boarding school, and then as a young adult working a dead end job on Coney Island. Intertwined these settings are paranormal incidents, a rash of serial murders, and an unidentifiable evil lurking ever present just out of view. The amusement park setting also adds a seedy creepiness with a sense of unpredictability. As a result, the novel was an absorbing and thrilling read.
I thought the characters were nicely drawn and believable. The early 20th century depiction of Coney Island and New York City seemed authentic. The time period, with its social mores and overt expression of racism, were well depicted.
The one issue that I have with the novel, and it is a fairly big one, is the ending. I certainly did not see the ending coming. It certainly is a shocker, but part of the reason it is such a stunner is that the reader is tricked by a sleight of hand. I actually felt manipulated. I will not disclose anything more for fear of spoiling the work for potential readers. I really liked all aspects of the story except the conclusion. I would not hesitate to recommend Hell Gate. Just be prepared to be let down with the way the author tries to bring the story to a close.
I thought the characters were nicely drawn and believable. The early 20th century depiction of Coney Island and New York City seemed authentic. The time period, with its social mores and overt expression of racism, were well depicted.
The one issue that I have with the novel, and it is a fairly big one, is the ending. I certainly did not see the ending coming. It certainly is a shocker, but part of the reason it is such a stunner is that the reader is tricked by a sleight of hand. I actually felt manipulated. I will not disclose anything more for fear of spoiling the work for potential readers. I really liked all aspects of the story except the conclusion. I would not hesitate to recommend Hell Gate. Just be prepared to be let down with the way the author tries to bring the story to a close.
September 2, 2013
Forced out of her home and into a prestigious school for young ladies because of her “unnatural abilities”, Suzanne finds a group of girls with similar gifts that get together to try and hone their special skills in order to get stronger – The Order of Morgans. When one of the group gets too power hungry for the small time clairvoyants, events happen and tragedy strikes. Years later Suzanne, now a ticket taker at a local attraction, is drawn into a murder type mystery that is somehow connected to her past. A past that she cannot fully recollect. Suzanne needs to remember and figure out the mystery before it destroys her…or has it already?
This was a pretty good story from Elizabeth Massie. There were elements of the story that I hoped would be more realized and parts of the murder mystery did not fully gel on some levels. The writing was solid and the prose was not too stuffy for the time period which would have been easy to do. Overall an enjoyable read. I look forward to more from this author.
This was a pretty good story from Elizabeth Massie. There were elements of the story that I hoped would be more realized and parts of the murder mystery did not fully gel on some levels. The writing was solid and the prose was not too stuffy for the time period which would have been easy to do. Overall an enjoyable read. I look forward to more from this author.
October 9, 2013
Well written novel of murder centered on a young woman with paranormal powers and placed amid the amusement parks of early 1900's Coney Island. Interesting characters. Another extraordinary read from DarkFuse. I highly recommend this book.
September 3, 2013
Another great Darkfuse release.
For a full review, go to http://www.examiner.com/review/hell-g... and follow me on Twitter @josenher
For a full review, go to http://www.examiner.com/review/hell-g... and follow me on Twitter @josenher
July 27, 2017
Coney Island is a great setting for fantasy and horror novels, particularly as it existed during the early twentieth century. Massie does a splendid job of invoking both the time period and the setting to great effect. Recommended!
June 10, 2020
Brilliant!
I thought I had figured out how this book was going to end about 3/4 of the way through only to be proven wrong. Very wrong. Great story and brilliant way of telling it
I thought I had figured out how this book was going to end about 3/4 of the way through only to be proven wrong. Very wrong. Great story and brilliant way of telling it
October 2, 2013
There's a lot to like in Hell Gate. The premise is inventive, especially once you finish the book and have the whole picture. All of the characters are interesting, if not likable (by design, I assume). And, perhaps most striking of all, Massie's sense of place, the detail she gives to the setting, is phenomenal. For the most part, I typically gloss over setting details, only absorbing enough to say "ok, our protagonist is in a store/dark alley/abandoned building/what have you." Massie, however, was able to take me to turn-of-the-century Coney Island in a way not many authors could have.
That said, Hell Gate is not without its weaknesses. While I do think the premise was interesting, at times it felt like Massie let the plot get bogged down in needless melodrama. Suzanne's living situation was just not very interesting when there are people with mind powers running around. Likewise, delving so deep into Cittie's situation when it didn't really have any bearing on the actual plot was kind of a waste. Really, the nearly everything dealing with Cittie felt incredibly forced. It was just too obvious that what happens to him in the second half of the book was simply a plot device to make Suzanne feel a sense of urgency; nothing about it flowed organically.
Overall this was a decent book and should appeal to folks interested in period pieces about Coney Island because, again, the clarity of setting is amazing. The plot, while inventive, stumbles a few times, but not enough to make me regret reading this.
That said, Hell Gate is not without its weaknesses. While I do think the premise was interesting, at times it felt like Massie let the plot get bogged down in needless melodrama. Suzanne's living situation was just not very interesting when there are people with mind powers running around. Likewise, delving so deep into Cittie's situation when it didn't really have any bearing on the actual plot was kind of a waste. Really, the nearly everything dealing with Cittie felt incredibly forced. It was just too obvious that what happens to him in the second half of the book was simply a plot device to make Suzanne feel a sense of urgency; nothing about it flowed organically.
Overall this was a decent book and should appeal to folks interested in period pieces about Coney Island because, again, the clarity of setting is amazing. The plot, while inventive, stumbles a few times, but not enough to make me regret reading this.
November 25, 2013
Read my full review: http://bit.ly/1cLClrz
My opinion: While I must admit that I enjoyed this read, I thought the writing was a bit too melodramatic for my liking and what I normally get from this publisher. This was supplemented by the overdramatization yet underdevelopment of the characters.
On that note, I definitely preferred the current story (1909) to that of the past. It seemed as though the author was able to tamper some of those issues in the current story and ramped it up in the book that was set in the past.
My opinion: While I must admit that I enjoyed this read, I thought the writing was a bit too melodramatic for my liking and what I normally get from this publisher. This was supplemented by the overdramatization yet underdevelopment of the characters.
On that note, I definitely preferred the current story (1909) to that of the past. It seemed as though the author was able to tamper some of those issues in the current story and ramped it up in the book that was set in the past.
October 26, 2013
The premise of this book caught my attention and my imagination... murder mystery with a paranormal twist set in the early 1900s in an amusement park. This story had great promise and the author kept that promise pretty well. It fell a little short at the end but it was still a good read.
This is one that I would recommend for people looking for a more classic murder mystery set up. The story never crosses the line into thriller territory. This is one that is best for a particular subset of readers - classic murder mystery or paranormal twist.
This is one that I would recommend for people looking for a more classic murder mystery set up. The story never crosses the line into thriller territory. This is one that is best for a particular subset of readers - classic murder mystery or paranormal twist.
March 1, 2014
Women in Horror Month Read #1. First time reading Elizabeth Massie, won't be the last. (Sineater, I now have my eye on you!) I am a sucker for history, for psychics, and for horror, so this one just rang all my bells. The icing on the cake was the stylistic flourishes in plot structure she took that made it clear this is a writer at the top of her game. Well worth my time.
December 16, 2015
I didn't know quite what to expect with Elizabeth Massie's novel. She caught me by surprise with "Hell Gate," offering a twisting plot, colorful characters and fast-paced pace. The author has put together an interesting blend of the good and bad, hero and villain. I look forward to reading more by this author.
September 2, 2013
This book was really good right up until the end. I really enjoyed most of this book but I really hated the ending.
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September 25, 2013Please visit my site for the full text: http://mwgerard.com/halloween-reads/
While I was not able to devote an entire post to this title, I included it as a Halloween read.
While I was not able to devote an entire post to this title, I included it as a Halloween read.
June 13, 2014
Far and away Massie's best work to date. I have never finished a book on a trip to the beach, that is until now! Her character development is unparalleled!
July 9, 2016
It is well written and grabbed my attention, but the ending is terrible, convoluted and confusing, a real let down.
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