The Cursed Man: A Psychological Thriller

By Keith Rommel

In this terrifying psychological thriller, a mental patient believes he’s cursed by deadly supernatural forces, but one doctor hopes to prove him wrong.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF DEATH FELL IN LOVE WITH YOU?

Alister Kunkle believes death is in love with him. A simple smile from friend or stranger is all it takes to encourage death to kill.

With his family deceased and a path of destruction behind him, Alister sits inside a mental institution, sworn to silence and separated from the rest of the world, haunted by his inability to escape death’s preferential treatment.

But when a beautiful psychologist arrives at the institution and starts offering him care, Alister braces himself for more killings. When none follow, he tries to figure out whether he truly is insane or if death has finally come to him in the form of a woman.

Now a major motion picture.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Jul 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781934597972

Keith Rommel

Keith Rommel is a multi-award-winning author and screenwriter best known for his Thanatology dark suspense series, The Devil Tree series based on a notoriously haunted location in Florida, and the fast-paced Cultures Collide crime series. Rommel’s stories have been called “intelligent fiction” and “horror for the curious mind.” Keith has had the honor of co-writing The Cursed Man and The Lurking Man movies which have garnished more than 160 awards combined, including best screenplays and best feature films. All of his novels are available at all major booksellers and both films are available on most major platforms. www.keithrommel.com

Book preview

Chapter 1

Final Straw

The past.

Alister stood over his wife’s lifeless body. You’ve gotten them all. Are you happy? he said.

She was on the bathroom floor, lying on her back. Her wide and accusing eyes were focused on him. The water that overflowed from the bathtub soaked the jeans and turtleneck sweater she wore, and they clung to her body in a farewell embrace. A razorblade that glimmered in the thick blood that painted the floor around her body held his attention.

You bastard.

He kicked the razorblade away and fell to his knees with clenched fists.

Oh, Sharon, please don’t look at me like that. He brushed his hand lightly over her eyes to close them. A slash of pain in the pit of his stomach doubled him over, and he vomited next to her body.

I’m sorry.

He wiped his chin and looked to words scribbled on the wall with a finger dipped in blood: I saw it.

He pounded his fists against the tile until flesh ripped and bone bruised. Panting like a wild animal, he glanced around the room.

I know you’re in here! Why don’t you show yourself, you coward?

The spout in the bathtub dripped and drew his attention. He shuddered at what he saw and quickly looked away. You’ve crossed the line this time. Do you hear me? You’ve crossed the line!

He looked at Sharon and lowered his nose to her hair in search of the familiar scent of her shampoo. He pulled away, surprised by the musty stench of stagnant water mixed with blood.

He wiped his nose with the back of his hand and noticed both vertical and horizontal cuts on her wrists. The lacerations were deep and jagged.

Oh Sharon, what did it make you do?

Leaning his back against the toilet, he pulled Sharon’s limp body into his lap. Water and blood that dripped from her clothes soaked his legs, and he focused on her face. Her purple lips were parted ever so slightly and invited one final kiss.

He tongued the cold sting the kiss left on his mouth and rocked her gently. He looked over his shoulder. You couldn’t leave them alone, could you?

Laughter, elusive and taunting, sent a shiver up his spine. He clamped his eyes shut and slapped his hands over his ears.

Stop it! I’ve had enough of you! Do you hear me? Enough of you!

He scanned the room and slowly took his hands away.

Silence.

He lowered his wife to the floor and straightened her limbs. He neatened her wrinkled clothes and ran taut fingers through her tangled hair. I know how you need to look presentable.

He stood and stared at the wall as he walked to the bathtub. Taking a deep breath, he tried to control his shaking limbs and fight the swirl of pain that ripped at his insides.

He looked into the bathwater. His one-year-old daughter was floating facedown. Her naked, plump body had turned a sick shade of purple, and her short blonde hair reached out in all directions as if in a desperate attempt to grab onto something.

Becca, no!

He gasped and held the edge of the tub to keep from falling.

What have you done to them?

He scooped her out of the water and held her tight. He kissed her icy cheek and squeezed her.

Blame me for this, not your mother. It wasn’t her doing.

He wiped her body clean and dry, and then wrapped her in a towel. Then he placed her next to her mother and left the bathroom. He walked out of the house.

Alister lay prone in the path of a distant vehicle that was rapidly approaching. The vision of his dead wife and child seared inside his mind’s eye filled him with such agony that he had become desperate to escape it.

Please, he said as he watched the vehicle approach, let this end here. I can’t take anymore.

It was headed straight for him.

You know I won’t let you die, a voice said. It was so loud and clear that it had to have come from his mind.

But why? Alister said.

Because you invited me inside, and it is my right.

It was a mistake. And I can’t live with what I just saw!

It doesn’t matter. I won’t let you go.

Why do I concern myself with the things you say? You’re a thing from my imagination, and I’m through with you.

The sound of tires screeching pulled Alister from his reverie, and he watched as the tire stopped less than a foot away from his face. Gravel in the tread and wear that exposed the steel belt was easy to see. The smell of burnt rubber disguised the stench of death that soaked his clothing. And the heat that emanated from the engine was like the breath of a savage animal that stood over him.

Do you still believe I am inside your mind?

The driver of the vehicle jumped out of his car and ran to Alister’s side. Are you OK?

Alister closed his eyes and drew a deep breath.

The man hovered over Alister, unsure what to do. I didn’t see you until the last second. I could’ve killed you!

Alister felt the dull thump of his own heart. I can only wish.

Where are you hurt?

Everywhere.

You’re covered in blood. The man’s hands continued to drift over Alister, but he didn’t touch him. Try not to move.

It’s not my blood, Alister said. He didn’t look at the man’s face because it would be another to haunt his dreams.

I’m going to call for help.

No, don’t.

The man paused.

My wife and daughter, Alister said.

What? The man moved his ear close to Alister’s lips.

They’re dead. He raised an unsteady hand and extended a finger. They are over there.

Where? The man looked in the direction Alister was pointing. Houses, one after the other, all looked the same. Which one?

It doesn’t matter. You should go before it’s too late.

The man stood. I’m calling the police. He pulled a phone from his pocket and quickly dialed. He lifted the phone to his ear and grunted.

No, not again! Alister said and sat up. He watched the man drop to his knees and clutch his chest. The man flopped forward, and the cell phone clattered across the pavement.

Nine one one, what’s your emergency?

Chapter 2

A Confrontation

Present day.

Dr. Anna Lee looked up at the three-story, gothic revival limestone structure. Steel bars covered every window, and two towers, one on either side of the large stairway, gave the impression of a well-guarded fort.

Located in the town of Binghamton, New York, Sunnyside Capable Care Mental Institution was well secluded on a one-hundred-sixty-five-acre site. Surrounded by a thick outlying forest, unoccupied dirt roads stretched to all corners of the compound.

Anna climbed twenty steep weather-stained cement steps leading to a vast air-conditioned lobby. The cool air that caressed her body demanded a groan of satisfaction. She tugged on the collar of her blouse and mopped the sweat from her brow with a handkerchief.

A dozen rows of auditorium-style seating off to her right were vacant, and a flat-screen television mounted on the wall flickered with no volume. Fifteen-foot-high ceilings exaggerated every sound, and a plump woman working on a computer behind a large semicircular desk in the back of the room went about her business without pause.

Anna moved to the desk and set the heavy briefcase she was carrying down. Its small metal feet clacked loudly against the porcelain tile floor. She cleared her throat. Excuse me.

The woman stopped working and looked at Anna. Yes?

I am Dr. Lee. She motioned to the identification tag clipped to her breast pocket. I am here to see a patient.

We have 335 patients in this facility, doctor. What is the name of the patient you’ve come to see?

Alister Kunkle.

The plump woman paused and held Anna’s gaze. I’m sorry, but Mr. Kunkle isn’t allowed visitors. She returned her focus to the computer screen.

I’m not here to visit the patient. I have come to perform an evaluation of both Mr. Kunkle and the hospital on behalf of Miles Griffen and the American Psychological Association.

The woman sighed and dropped her hands onto the desktop. I’m sorry you’ve made the trip here, but there are no exceptions to this rule, and you’re interrupting me. I have a lot of work to do, so if you’ll excuse me . . .

Anna’s cheeks reddened. I don’t think you seem to understand. If I don’t receive this hospital’s full cooperation, I can see to it that the funding is reevaluated.

The woman peered over the computer monitor. Threats aren’t necessary, doctor. It is merely protocol, and I am following the rules.

Anna unclipped her identification tag and dropped it on the keyboard. And I am following mine. What is your name?

Bonnie, she said as she eyed the glossy badge with Anna’s photo and job title. She compared the picture to the person that stood before her.

Anna pressed her hands on the desktop and leaned forward. Well, Bonnie, I suggest you get off of your ass and make the necessary arrangements to get me in to see Mr. Kunkle.

Bonnie didn’t question whether the person pictured was the same as the one that stood before her. She was just another state employee that had come to flex their muscles.

I have been nothing less than courteous to you and you have been nothing less than rude to me, Anna said. Before I get Miles Griffin on the phone, it would behoove you to get me in to see my patient.

But there is something you should know about the man you’re about to see.

I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were qualified to give me a prognosis on the patient, Anna said. Are you a doctor?

No, but—

Then get me inside so I can see my patient.

But I don’t think you understand.

Anna removed a cell phone from her pocket and flipped it open. No, I don’t think you understand. Last chance or it’s your job.

Bonnie took Anna’s identification tag and stood. I don’t have authorization to allow you access, Dr. Lee, but I will get you the director.

Very well. She flipped her phone closed, picked up her briefcase and pointed at the seats. I’ll wait right over there. Don’t keep me too long.

I won’t be gone but a minute.

Bonnie spun on her heels and entered digits on a digital keypad mounted on the wall. A buzzer sounded and she opened a door several feet from her desk. Bonnie exited the room.

Anna sat and placed the briefcase on the seat next to her. She slapped a hand over her mouth to mute a chuckle. Confrontation wasn’t her strong suit, but this one she handled like a pro.

Moments later, Bonnie reentered the room with a short, thin man in tow. He wore Coke-bottle glasses, which made his eyes look big, and he had a few random strands of hair on top of an otherwise bald head. He approached Anna with an extended hand and bright smile. Hello, Dr. Lee. I’m Director Conroy.

He had a voice like a mouse, which matched his looks perfectly.

Anna stood, took the director’s hand and pumped it up and down twice. His handshake was firm, and she matched it.

Thank you for seeing me. It seems there is some confusion. I am here to see Alister Kunkle, and for some reason, I’m being met with resistance.

Mr. Kunkle. Of course. You know, he is a man with quite a history. The director pulled his hand away and wiped it against his pant leg. But before we get into that, I would like to change your impression of this facility and start over again. Welcome to Sunnyside. He handed Anna her identification tag.

Thank you, she said, and she forced a smile. The director barely made eye contact.

I would like to apologize for Bonnie’s insistence that Mr. Kunkle not get any visitors. She was acting on a firm, long-standing directive from me. He clasped his hands together behind his back.

She was hardly a bother. Anna reattached her identification tag and picked up her briefcase. But I insist I complete the job I was sent here to do. Dr. Miles Griffen himself assigned me to this patient, and I would like to see him immediately.

The director shifted, peered over the thick rim of his glasses, drew close to Anna and lowered his voice to a whisper. Before you do that, there is something I’d like to talk to you about. How about we go to my office, where we can have some privacy?

I don’t think . . . The aura of secrecy that surrounded the director and the unquestioned obedience of his secretary had an element of intrigue. Sure, after you.

She followed the director through a narrow hallway and into a large, well-lit office. A row of tall filing cabinets in the corner of the room were like obedient soldiers standing guard. White walls and a natural wooden floor gave the room a clean feel. A large Bombay desk in the middle of the room was perfectly centered on a plush, hand woven rug. A golden nameplate with his job title occupied the otherwise empty desktop, and plaques of educational accomplishments hung on the wall. A small oscillating fan positioned atop an upside down garbage can worked the room quietly, circulating the smell of fresh paint.

The director sat at his desk, and he looked lost behind its size. Anna sat in an uncomfortably deep upholstered armchair before him and turned askew. She adjusted her skirt to make sure she was covered and crossed her legs.

The architecture here is stunning, Anna said.

The director scanned his office. It makes quite an impression, I know. He pursed his lips. This facility is totally self-sufficient. Dining, a workshop, a chapel, a heating plant, a library, cisterns, a morgue and a cemetery are all on site.

Anna raised a brow. The overhead must be tremendous.

The director smiled. The meaning behind that statement isn’t lost on me, Dr. Lee. You need not threaten me with funding. You will get the cooperation you seek.

Anna showed her agreement with a subtle nod.

But first I would like to know if you’ve been given the history on Mr. Kunkle.

Anna smiled. I assure you I’ve done my homework. She patted her briefcase. Hours upon hours worth. Not to sound premature, but I’m certain he’s plagued by severe delusions. It is my opinion that if I were to present him with small doses of the truth, he may respond.

I appreciate your enthusiasm, doctor, but if it were that simple to diagnose what troubles him, I wouldn’t have to forbid him from having guests.

Forbid? Anna slid to the edge of the seat. How do you forbid a mental patient from having visits from doctors?

The director removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes. Without the magnification, they were actually small and beady. When I asked you if you had done your homework, I was specifically asking you about your knowledge surrounding the history of Mr. Kunkle. Do you know what secrets it hides?

With all due respect, director, I would like an explanation of what you said to me. What do you mean you forbade him from having guests?

He scoffed.

Arrogant prick. Is there a problem? Anna said.

Problem? No. Maybe a misunderstanding is all. He breathed on his glasses and polished them with a tissue. My forbidding was put in place for the safety of my people and any unsuspecting guest that might believe his disease is treatable.

I’m curious to know. Is he violent or dangerous?

The director put on his glasses. No, he’s not violent. In fact, the man is as passive and gentle as a young child. But dangerous . . . He interlaced his fingers behind his head and leaned back. There are ways for someone to be a danger to others by the company they keep.

You’re contradicting yourself. How can he keep dangerous company if he isn’t allowed visitors?

That is a very insightful question, doctor, but if you knew of his past, everything I’ve said would make perfect sense.

The director stared at Anna and she stared back.

You should know that this arrangement was something Mr. Kunkle requested because he identified the need, the director said. And it is something the board of directors and myself were happy to conform to. To this day it has proved the only effective action against the thing that plagues him.

I don’t believe what I’m hearing, Anna said. He’s being treated as if he were some sort of alien with an unknown disease.

The director rested his forearms

Reviews for The Cursed Man

[jwood652 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An exciting quick read, a simple traffic accident creates a domino effect of vengeance and murder, featuring a clash between two divergent worlds (affluence vs street gang). The thought provoking contrasts, spiraling violence, and question of whose brother is killed, combine to create a compelling story.

I received this ebook free from a librarything.com member giveaway.

[lilfries · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I received a free copy of this book for an honest review. The dark side of human nature. In this book retaliation is the prize. See how lives intersect causing destruction. It is a gripping novel, there is no happily ever after here.

[kristincedar · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Well reviewed book, and my comments echo the others mentioned on Early Reviewers. You Killed My Brother follows the family of Jennifer, her husband, Rainer, and kids; and how their lives become intertwined with the rough and tumble Ruth. I'm not thrilled about the non-lineal storyline, or how the author finishes the characters stories, but it's not a bad read.

[claireh18 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Engaging characters and descriptive prose come together to make this book very readable. A real page-turner that has you on the edge of your seat, anxiously awaiting the next catastrophe. A cracking read. 4/5 stars.I received a free copy of this via Librarything in return for an honest review.

[arlenadean · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Title: You Killed My BrotherAuthor: Keith RommelPublisher: Enigma PressReviewed By: Arlena DeanGenre: Thriller, Mystery, SuspenseRating: 4.5Review:My Thoughts after reading.... "You Killed My Brother""You Killed My Brother" by Keith Rommel was one of those reads that after reading it you will be left thinking that was truly a read of such bad tragedies that just kept on coming all the way to the end. You will simply not be able to take a breath for more worse to start happening. "You Killed My Brother" is truly one of those kind of read that will have you shaking your head and holding my breath and just saying and even asking did that just happen? Wow! This author really knows who to keep the audience attention with is fast pace that dealt with some very horrible criminals and law abiding citizens dealing with pain and loss. As I was reading "You Killed My Brother" I thought when would enough be enough because the way the read was going enough was never enough. It seem that after one chain reaction starting with Jennifer and her two daughters who were almost in a car accident to another one would start up another reaction and it will continue all the way till the end. Be ready for many twist and turns, mystery, murder and suspense all wrapped up with loss of action to give the reader a read that you will find hard to put down until the end only to get one scary horrible read. You will be left to think does this really happen...Am I dreaming? I will say that this author really jumped around a lot in this novel so you will have to keep up with what, who and what all is going on. I found the characters were a variety of mixture of flawed/good ones, believable, but mainly all were well portrayed and in the end you will get a thriller of a read. I am still dealing with the reality of does this really happen but I am sure deep down the answer is yes as you will see from the read just how and what justice really means to different people. "You Killed My Brother" was definitely a well written novel but it is not for the faint of heart. Be prepared to find the ending.... well this is the part I say you will have to pick up this novel to see for yourself.

[carolannhill · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a real little gem of a read. I could not put down the book and had to read it in one sitting. The ideas put forth in this book certainly give one pause for thought, especially as to how you treat others and why you do so. The approach was entirely fresh and new, at times frustrating, relentless and painful. A person trapped by circumstances and the choices she makes must all be confronted when death comes calling at her door. The torment and heartache experienced in this brief state between life and death are touching, and at times shocking, to both the reader and the woman. Not going to give away the entire story though! Well written, well paced and completely engrossing, I would certainly recommend this to everyone, as it is so thought provoking and real. I am on my way to buy the first book by this author and will no doubt be unavailable for the duration!

[longdogmom · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I received this ebook as a Member Giveaway. It's a very difficult book for me to review because although it was a compelling read, I found it very hard, as a highly empathetic person, to read. The story revolves around the life of a woman named Cailean, an alcoholic narcissistic liar. She is reviewing her life with the spirit/angel? of Death, being forced to face her choices and accept responsibility for how she treated those in her life. She is not a very likeable person. She is, in fact, a person that is easy to feel repulsed by, a sociopath who clearly cares only for herself and what she wants in the moment, blaming others for her unhappiness. I winced reading about how she treated her son and husband, and how she destroyed her family when she was a child. The message in the book seems to be that we can have demons inside of us that we can choose to *feed* through our choices to be hateful, selfish, angry, etc. rather than feeding the good *angel* inside of us. That we need to accept the truth of such choices when we die, confronting our true selves and how we impact the lives of those around us.I found it to be a depressing read, maybe because I've experienced the abuse of similar personalities in my own life. I've lived enough of those types of arguments/verbal abusiveness in real life that I rarely read books that deal with such things, choosing instead more escapist fantasy or cozy mysteries.

[heatherbennett32 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I liked this book, but had trouble with the grammer in several places. The plot was very interesting and I enjoyed the characters. I would still recommend this book.

[bruce_mcnair_2 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Cailean wakes in a strange place, where she starts talking to someone lurking in the darkness. Eventually he tells her that she has been brought here to reveal her sins & offer her redemption. Cailean is an unbearable drunk who has a haunted past that she drinks to forget. This is a sobering story that reflects on man's inhumanity, although it suggests that supernatural agents have something to do with it. Cailean is a very bad person with a devil inside & has a deserved ending. Horror is not my preferred genre, but, in my opinion, this is a fine story without reaching great heights. I was a little distracted by some grammatical issues - although this may be a consequence of US grammar usage. So for me this is a 3 star story.

[lost_lenore · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I like this book mostly for its originality. I think that this series needs to be read in sequence to better understand the story but if not, you can get an idea.The plot was well written and it gave me chills just thinking that "that" darkness could be out there just watching....it's an interesting idea and I want to read more from this author.

[dstawarz-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a very fast read. Good book, still in shock about the whole thing. I can not believe the ending did not expect it.

[lilwolfmisty · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

WOW is all I can say I kept reading and the ending was not typical. Lots of action lots of questions to ask ourselves about when is the point when we say enough is enough and just walk away? And when is the time to stand your ground and fight! Very well written the characters were believable and interesting!

[amcreech · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A quick read that shows how a seemingly innocent action can lead to catastrophic events. I really enjoyed this book and all the twists and turns.

[cwflatt · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Very simply written and a very easy read. Story was also very simple but became more and more interesting and complicated as things spiraled out of control.

[joannemonck · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

The book was a nice quick read. The problem was that you needed a score card to keep up with who was killing who. A doctor's wife almost gets in an accident with a female gang banger. The butcher who gives her the license plate of the female gets beat up by a gang member. Then the doctor is in a car accident and guess who hits him another member of the gang. And it goes on an on with suicides and murders. A little too unbelievable for me.

[bfpijuan · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Everything we do, or even don't do, has consequences. The author weaves an intriguing story of anger, malice, violence, and revenge. The story made me feel sad and very uneasy. An easy to read book with an unexpected ending.

[hjvanderklis_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Keith Rommel’s newest novel You Killed My Brother is a layered suspense thriller with crime and controversial police work. Rainer is a successful doctor and father of two. He’s known for his charity work and involvement in the local community. Brick is a street thug and addict. Glenn, Rainer’s younger brother, is a seasoned cop, aiming for revenge as Brick is brought to trial for acts committed against his Glenn’s wife Jennifer. When Brick’s sentenced only with a lean penalty, Glenn is pissed and eager to act, which of course triggers reactions and therefore guns. The story line wasn’t easy to follow along. I read in 3 sessions, but had difficulties getting into the plot again. Every scene or chapter is told form a different perspective, sometimes repeating itself and slowly moving with all kinds of conversations. And then, suddenly there’s the action again, faster than a bullet. The transitions could be better, strengthening the power of this worst nightmare scenario.

[madhatr-1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I rated this book very low because I didn't care for it but, I am more than willing to admit that my dislike for it was due to misplace expectations. It was not that this book was poorly written. On the contrary, it was well written. I was not expecting it to be a horror novel. I'm not even sure that is the right word for it but it's the best that I can come up with this. If you enjoy books in which many main characters die then this book will be right up your alley. It was not for me though.

[lritte · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book was a shorter read than average. It was very fast paced which was nice yet at the same time I was so into the story itself I wanted to know more of the dynamics. I also had a slight problem with a paragraph switching too fast without real warning and would need to reread to make sure I was on the right track. That is the only reason it didn't go 5 stars for me.That being said, it was a gritty book, down and dirty on criminals vs. the law and brother's love. No matter if they are criminals or law abiding citizens. It was a very good book and I really look forward to reading some more of Keith Rommels books!

[kindelvr137 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It didn't kill me. The first chapter jumped right into the story, and that I really like in a book. The characters grabbed my attention quickly, from the frazzled mother of twins to the overly angry and aggressive "thug". There were several places in the book where the story jumped from one group of characters to the others. At first that was a bit disconcerting, but then it also added to the tension of between the two groups. I don't know if this was intentional, but it worked for me. The most disappointing part of the whole story was the end. The story just stopped. Again, this was possibly intentional to keep the tension even after it's over.I got this book for free through Librarything.com in return for this review.

[cactuspare · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Father and Son by John RayI finished this book and thought about what the story was about. It is, in my opinion how people find others guilty by association. It is also about a son who is trying his best to be law abiding, but keeps getting mixed up in things that aren't so law abiding. A good read in my opinion.

[tbretc · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a page turner! It had a lot of characters, but I found it easy to follow. What I liked about it is that there wasn't necessarily one main character- just several different story lines that were intertwined. The book started out slower, but toward the middle went warp speed! It reminded me of the movie Crash, where the actions of one person have an effect on the next, and his on the next, and so on. I wish the second half of the novel would have been expanded upon- it felt like the author could have gotten into a lot more detail. There is a cliffhanger at the end and I would love to see a part two! But... spoiler alert... I'm not sure who the main characters would be! I recommend this novel for anyone that likes crime novels that move quickly.

[tigger662 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Wish the author didn't try to continually try to make the bad guys win.

[lexiesmom-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I received this book from the author give away program. I really enjoyed it. The characters were well described and the plot had enough twists and turns to make you dizzy. Just when I thought I figured things out, up popped another suprise.

[linie_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a gifted writer! In this book, Keith Rommel has achieved the feat of taking Death and weaving it back into Life. The main character is hedonistic, self centeredand self destructive. She ignores the voice of reasonfor many years. What started out, for me, as a very dark story, became an intricate series of colorful connected stories. Reading this book, made me feel that :“You need to get past the darkness to get to the Light”.

[marnigreatrex · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this book, it holds your interest throughout and i really liked the style of writing, with the flashes to the characters life events, and the unusual perspective of learning who you were after death and if redemption is possible. I would like to read more from this author.

[needtoreadgottowatch · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Lurking Man is the second book in the Thanatology series by Keith Rommel (the first book being the Cursed Man).The first bit of writing we get is a description of what exactly thanatology is. Here is the excerpt from the book;" Thanatology- study of death and dying and the practices associated with it, including the study of the needs of the terminally ill and their families."So now that that's explained, let's get into the actual story. It starts with a woman named Cailean, who finds herself outside in the middle of an apparent snowstorm, with nothing but a circle of bright light surrounding her and complete darkness beyond it. She has no memory of how she got there or who she is. There she meets Sariel, a shadowy figure who hides in the dark. He is literally Death and brings people to an enclosed world of his making to show them their past sins and give them a chance at redemption.The story is told by alternating between flashbacks of her past and her realisations in the present. She is made to watch key moments of her life, that formed her as a person and ultimately led her to where she is. What Cailean discovers is an agressive, destructive alcoholic who hurts everything around her. Deeply unhappy, she was a time-bomb waiting to go off. As the story progresses, she learns more and more about the person she was. From the start of the book, we know Cailean is dead. As the flashbacks proceed, we get slightly closer to what we know from the beginning is inevitable. We don't know how she died, or what she did that was so bad, but through brief snippets the sense of dread increases and a little niggle forms in the back of your mind telling you what must be coming up. The plot is fascinating. What must it be like to discover the person you were? It brings me back to that age old question- if you met yourself, would you like what you saw? Not only that, but there was a clever little subtlety worked in that I'm not sure was even intentional. Remember another old saying, "when you die your life flashes before your eyes"? Well that's exactly what happens here. The whole plot is Cailean watching flashes of her life. A nice little bonus (I thought), even if it wasn't intended.Another possibly unintentional aspect of the plot, was its similarity to that of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol". It may seem an odd connection to make, but both books centre on unpleasant, cruel people who are visited by spectres who try to get them to see the error of their ways (through flashbacks of their lives) and give them one final choice and a chance to redeem themselves. Having said that, the two stories are very different and I would not mistake one for the other. I just thought it was an interesting thing to note.Cailean is one of the most unpleasant characters I've ever come across. She is violent and abusive, blaming everyone but herself, while drowning her life away in alcohol. Not that she's unrealistic, but as a person she is very hard to like. At the start we may feel sympathy towards her, but it turns to disbelief and even anger when more of her is revealed. However, everyone deserves a second chance and, as Sariel said, she is there for a chance at redemption.Sariel himself is an interesting portrayal of Death. He lurks in the shadows and provides an eerie presence. A commanding figure, who is not necessarily unkind, but a little too happy messing with people to be comfortable with. It's clear he is a cold, unapproachable figure. Though whether that is because of Cailean's past actions or just because he's Death is not. Throughout the book, we see more and more of him, until he reveals himself in full and I can't help but wonder if leaving him shrouded in darkness would've had a greater effect. Imagination is a powerful thing and giving it free reign can prove more powerful than description. Though the symbolism of his physical form is undeniable and does play an important role. The symbolism increases later, when two characters are introduced, representing the good and evil in all of us. Some people nurture the good side and it grows, matures and holds back the evil. Some people feed the evil side and it fattens and abuses the good until it submits. The larger the evil gets, the harder it will be to hear the voice of goodness and ignore the taunting of the bad. This is used to explain why people do the things they do. Everyone has a conscience, some people's are just harder to hear over the more destructive voice within.The conclusion is done very well. From the very beginning we already know what will happen, but it still manages to surprise. When all the pieces are tied together and all the truths are revealed, they clash, causing sparks to fly and resulting in a great ending. I haven't read the first book in the series, but plan to now. Each book can be read as a stand alone or as part of the series, so starting in an unusual order won't lessen your enjoyment of the books. An amazing read, good for people who don't mind a lot of dialogue or little action or just want a good book that it a great example of less-is-more.Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. This is not a sponsored review. All opinions are 100% my own.

[lyhansen · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I received this book from the author in return that I would review it. This is the first thanatology (scientific study of death) book that I have ever read. Cailean is a troubled and very disturbed alcoholic with serious dark demons. The story starts with her waking up in a world of her mind and finds Sariel a dark character. Sariel takes Cailean on a deep dark discovery of her internal soul and the decisions she has made in her life concerning her handicapped son and ex husband that she has removed herself from! This book grabbed my attention and is different then anything I have ever read! It made me feel different than any book as ever made me feel. I felt depressed at times like Calien and really feel for her and hate her at the same time. This is book 2 in the from this author on this topic and I haven't yet read the first one but plan on reading it. Not having read book 1 didn't hurt my enjoyment of this book. This author is very talented and is one to keep your eye on!

[charles_ray_60 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Cailean, a self-pitying alcoholic; a failure as a wife, mother, and person, finds herself in a strange place, in conversation with an even stranger person, Sariel. Forced to relive events in her tortured life before she dies, she comes face-to-face with the demon that lives inside her; an evil that has consumed her since childhood.Keith Rommel’s The Lurking Man is a tale that is both chilling and touching as he takes us back and forth in time during Cailean’s voyage of self-discovery. The dialogue in a few places comes across as a bit stilted, and in at least one chapter, I got lost as to whether the events being described were past or present, but overall I found this to be a fascinating story of redemption and revenge.The Lurking Man defies categorization – it in fact probably belongs to a genre all its on. It’s science fiction, fantasy, and with a bit of dialogue polishing, literary, all rolled into one.

[book0_0wyrm · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"The Cursed Man" by Keith Rommel shows amazing potential. When I first received the book, my initial thoughts were that it was gonna be the same run-of-the-mill story about someone who sees death. However, I was pleasantly surprised when this book took several tunrs down roads I didn't expect. Rommel was able to weave a tightly knit pattern of reality and the inner workings of a mans mind, leaving me many times to be unable to disentangle the two. Til the very end, I was still wondering what was real and what wasn't. If you like psycological fiction and being in suspense the whole story through, this book would be a wonderful addition to your bookshelf.