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Hellbound #1
Hellbound
His crimes - unforgivable. His death - inevitable. His suffering - just beginning.
Obadiah Stark aka The Tally Man, is executed at ADX Absolom, his death sentence watched by the world's media, victim relatives and one investigative reporter, Joe O Connell. Penning an account of Stark's personal history and subsequent crimes in the hope of determining what elements make the sociopathic mind tick, Joe discovers clues and inconsistencies which cause him to investigate Stark's execution.
While this is happening in the real world, Obadiah Stark awakens to an afterlife where he has a wife and daughter bound to his childhood hometown. Following his natural predatory instinct, Obadiah proceeds to torment the town, committing multiple murders before being gunned down by the police. He awakens to find that everything has reset, with no one recalling his murderous spree a reality which offers no escape. As the scenes repeat, he is forced to submit to emotions he has never experienced before... and with it, a poisonous dose of morality.
Obadiah Stark aka The Tally Man, is executed at ADX Absolom, his death sentence watched by the world's media, victim relatives and one investigative reporter, Joe O Connell. Penning an account of Stark's personal history and subsequent crimes in the hope of determining what elements make the sociopathic mind tick, Joe discovers clues and inconsistencies which cause him to investigate Stark's execution.
While this is happening in the real world, Obadiah Stark awakens to an afterlife where he has a wife and daughter bound to his childhood hometown. Following his natural predatory instinct, Obadiah proceeds to torment the town, committing multiple murders before being gunned down by the police. He awakens to find that everything has reset, with no one recalling his murderous spree a reality which offers no escape. As the scenes repeat, he is forced to submit to emotions he has never experienced before... and with it, a poisonous dose of morality.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2014
21 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
David McCaffrey
22 books28 followersDavid lives in Redcar in the North East of England and currently works as an Infection Prevention and Control nurse in Hertfordshire. He has a Kelly, a Jake, a Liam a Moo Man, an Obi (the dog), a Padme, Ahsoka, and an Anakin (cats).
David ghost wrote 'By Any Means Necessary' with Stephen Sayers, released in 2016 and then returned to his Hellbound Anthology in 2017 with 'Nameless'.
All are available on Audible.co.uk.
A huge fan of Steve Alten, John Grisham and Lee Childs, David loves reading as much as he enjoys writing. Hellbound was his first novel, all thanks to Britain's Next Bestseller and the aforementioned Steve Alten who took a chance on him as a writing coach client and taught him so much about what it takes to be a writer. It was voted by W H Smith readers as one of 2014's most underrated crime novels.
David ghost wrote 'By Any Means Necessary' with Stephen Sayers, released in 2016 and then returned to his Hellbound Anthology in 2017 with 'Nameless'.
All are available on Audible.co.uk.
’The Warmest Place to Hide', David's homage to all things David Cronenberg, was released in August 2018.
Two personal projects concerning bullying in the NHS were released in 2018 and 2021 respectively.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
December 23, 2016
Obadiah Stark aka The Tally Man is the world's worst serial killer and he's heading for death by lethal injection, the supposed end punishment to his hideous rampage of torture and killing across two continents. This is a man who has evil running through his veins and as a reader you get to "feel" that from page one...I knew I was in for a fantastic read from the first paragraph and I was not wrong.
This book pulsates with energy, as we are pulled into the world of Obadiah and into his mind via the notes of prison Psychiatrists. It is a fascinating (and well researched) insight into the world of a very, very evil serial killer. No remorse, no regrets, no guilt. Nothing. Obadiah Stark simply lives to kill, loves it, he has the power of life or death and knows it. So when he is strapped to the table being injected with the concoction of drugs that will stop his evil heart beating I was wondering what next...then the author took fiction to a whole new level.
His crimes - unforgivable. His death - inevitable. His suffering - just beginning.
Obadiah Stark aka The Tally Man, is executed at ADX Absolom, his death sentence watched by the world's media, victim relatives and one investigative reporter, Joe O Connell. Penning an account of Stark's personal history and subsequent crimes in the hope of determining what elements make the sociopathic mind tick, Joe discovers clues and inconsistencies which cause him to investigate Stark's execution.
While this is happening in the real world, Obadiah Stark awakens to an afterlife where he has a wife and daughter bound to his childhood hometown. Following his natural predatory instinct, Obadiah proceeds to torment the town, committing multiple murders before being gunned down by the police. He awakens to find that everything has reset, with no one recalling his murderous spree a reality which offers no escape. As the scenes repeat, he is forced to submit to emotions he has never experienced before... and with it, a poisonous dose of morality.
The plot in this book is fantastically good! Very unexpected and I can't remember reading a serial killer themed book like it ever and I read a LOT of them.
Obadiah Stark wakes up in an afterlife that is like Groundhog Day, it's just incredible the way the words take you on his journey and into his mind and feelings realising that he is not in a burning hell being tormented like he thought he would be....or is he? It's not really that simple you see...sometimes people have to pay the price for what they have done to others. A high price.
There is plenty of action in the book, it's graphic with kill scenes, throat slitting, violence and descriptives but by golly don't let that put you off as the story woven within is absolutely stunning. I started this book in the afternoon and finished it in the small hours of the morning as I could not stop reading it. I love, love a book where it's got me from the first paragraph. Nothing worse than a book that takes 40% to get going. Ugh, maybe I have book ADHD but this one did just nicely, thank you very much.
We follow two storylines, one of Obadiah Stark and that of Investigative Reporter Joe O'Connell who has followed the Tally Man's story all the way up to attendance at his execution, he thought that was the end of it, he was wrong. Very wrong. Joe begins to dig deep and what he unearths is stunning reveals and twists to excite, shock and wow the reader. Well, it did me anyway. Did I say I loved this book?
The book plummets towards the finale and what a finale it is! It's like being in free fall with nothing to hold on to until you reach the end with a crash and a thump. I put the book down and just breathed for a while, calming my thoughts and wishing I had more of Obadiah Stark. He is an exceptionally brilliant and unforgettable evil and horrible character, but I loved it!
No questions asked - 5 easy stars for Hellbound, can you believe this is a debut novel? Well it is. David McCaffrey is an author to watch, you mark my words, I can't wait to read what is next from his excessive imagination. One of my Top Reads of 2015! You will not regret getting this one so go to it. Meet Obadiah and say hello from me. But don't get too close.
For more reviews, books to win and author spotlights: https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
You can follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
This book pulsates with energy, as we are pulled into the world of Obadiah and into his mind via the notes of prison Psychiatrists. It is a fascinating (and well researched) insight into the world of a very, very evil serial killer. No remorse, no regrets, no guilt. Nothing. Obadiah Stark simply lives to kill, loves it, he has the power of life or death and knows it. So when he is strapped to the table being injected with the concoction of drugs that will stop his evil heart beating I was wondering what next...then the author took fiction to a whole new level.
His crimes - unforgivable. His death - inevitable. His suffering - just beginning.
Obadiah Stark aka The Tally Man, is executed at ADX Absolom, his death sentence watched by the world's media, victim relatives and one investigative reporter, Joe O Connell. Penning an account of Stark's personal history and subsequent crimes in the hope of determining what elements make the sociopathic mind tick, Joe discovers clues and inconsistencies which cause him to investigate Stark's execution.
While this is happening in the real world, Obadiah Stark awakens to an afterlife where he has a wife and daughter bound to his childhood hometown. Following his natural predatory instinct, Obadiah proceeds to torment the town, committing multiple murders before being gunned down by the police. He awakens to find that everything has reset, with no one recalling his murderous spree a reality which offers no escape. As the scenes repeat, he is forced to submit to emotions he has never experienced before... and with it, a poisonous dose of morality.
The plot in this book is fantastically good! Very unexpected and I can't remember reading a serial killer themed book like it ever and I read a LOT of them.
Obadiah Stark wakes up in an afterlife that is like Groundhog Day, it's just incredible the way the words take you on his journey and into his mind and feelings realising that he is not in a burning hell being tormented like he thought he would be....or is he? It's not really that simple you see...sometimes people have to pay the price for what they have done to others. A high price.
There is plenty of action in the book, it's graphic with kill scenes, throat slitting, violence and descriptives but by golly don't let that put you off as the story woven within is absolutely stunning. I started this book in the afternoon and finished it in the small hours of the morning as I could not stop reading it. I love, love a book where it's got me from the first paragraph. Nothing worse than a book that takes 40% to get going. Ugh, maybe I have book ADHD but this one did just nicely, thank you very much.
We follow two storylines, one of Obadiah Stark and that of Investigative Reporter Joe O'Connell who has followed the Tally Man's story all the way up to attendance at his execution, he thought that was the end of it, he was wrong. Very wrong. Joe begins to dig deep and what he unearths is stunning reveals and twists to excite, shock and wow the reader. Well, it did me anyway. Did I say I loved this book?
The book plummets towards the finale and what a finale it is! It's like being in free fall with nothing to hold on to until you reach the end with a crash and a thump. I put the book down and just breathed for a while, calming my thoughts and wishing I had more of Obadiah Stark. He is an exceptionally brilliant and unforgettable evil and horrible character, but I loved it!
No questions asked - 5 easy stars for Hellbound, can you believe this is a debut novel? Well it is. David McCaffrey is an author to watch, you mark my words, I can't wait to read what is next from his excessive imagination. One of my Top Reads of 2015! You will not regret getting this one so go to it. Meet Obadiah and say hello from me. But don't get too close.
For more reviews, books to win and author spotlights: https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
You can follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
May 30, 2022
Audio 5 Stars
Story 4.5 Stars
As I was listening to the audio, I kept thinking "this story could be a loosely based mind fuck serial killer version of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol" 😁
Story 4.5 Stars
As I was listening to the audio, I kept thinking "this story could be a loosely based mind fuck serial killer version of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol" 😁
December 6, 2016
Hellbound' by David McCaffrey is a shocking thriller about Obadiah Stark who is responsible for the murder of 27 women. He keeps a tally of his murders on a gruesome tattoo on his back. Tried and sentenced to death at a supermax penitentiary, everybody thinks it is all over. But it's not. The execution marks the start of a deja-vu thought provoking journey between heaven and hell.
Obadiah Stark (nicknamed The Tally Man) is a great name for a serial killer and since he is an exceptional one of a kind killer the uniqueness of his name fits perfectly. David McCaffery displays a form of very intelligent and creative writing that is a pleasure to read. His descriptive sentences are brilliant.
I love gruesome violent serial killer books (nothing offends me) and my oh my does David know how to write gruesome and gory! I devoured this book, not being able to put it down once I had started. I personally couldn't help but like Obadiah in a weird sort of way much like we do with 'Hannibal Lecter'. The chapters alternate between Obadiah and Joe O'Connell a journalist writing a book on Obadiah's crimes and his execution, that keeps the story flowing along nicely. I especially liked the little apt quotations at the start of each chapter and the way the case files told of Obadiah's killing spree. A great deal of research must have been done on the psychology of sociopaths etc and the process surrounding death by lethal injection, I was very impressed with this and learnt a lot.
This is a FANTASTIC book - if you like full on gory serial killer books, with a really unique and imaginative plot, I assure you, you won't be disappointed, I wasn't and I am now going to read 'In Extremis' the prequel novella to 'Hellbound'. I have instantly become a big fan of David McCaffrey's expert writing style and look forward to his future books.
5 stars!
Obadiah Stark (nicknamed The Tally Man) is a great name for a serial killer and since he is an exceptional one of a kind killer the uniqueness of his name fits perfectly. David McCaffery displays a form of very intelligent and creative writing that is a pleasure to read. His descriptive sentences are brilliant.
I love gruesome violent serial killer books (nothing offends me) and my oh my does David know how to write gruesome and gory! I devoured this book, not being able to put it down once I had started. I personally couldn't help but like Obadiah in a weird sort of way much like we do with 'Hannibal Lecter'. The chapters alternate between Obadiah and Joe O'Connell a journalist writing a book on Obadiah's crimes and his execution, that keeps the story flowing along nicely. I especially liked the little apt quotations at the start of each chapter and the way the case files told of Obadiah's killing spree. A great deal of research must have been done on the psychology of sociopaths etc and the process surrounding death by lethal injection, I was very impressed with this and learnt a lot.
This is a FANTASTIC book - if you like full on gory serial killer books, with a really unique and imaginative plot, I assure you, you won't be disappointed, I wasn't and I am now going to read 'In Extremis' the prequel novella to 'Hellbound'. I have instantly become a big fan of David McCaffrey's expert writing style and look forward to his future books.
5 stars!
September 17, 2017
Hellbound' by David McCaffrey is a shocking thriller about Obadiah Stark who is responsible for the murder of 27 women. He keeps a tally of his murders on a gruesome tattoo on his back. Tried and sentenced to death at a supermax penitentiary, everybody thinks it is all over. But it's not. The execution marks the start of a deja-vu thought provoking journey between heaven and hell.
Obadiah Stark (nicknamed The Tally Man) is a great name for a serial killer and since he is an exceptional one of a kind killer the uniqueness of his name fits perfectly. David McCaffery displays a form of very intelligent and creative writing that is a pleasure to read. His descriptive sentences are brilliant.
I love gruesome violent serial killer books (nothing offends me) and my oh my does David know how to write gruesome and gory! I devoured this book, not being able to put it down once I had started. I personally couldn't help but like Obadiah in a weird sort of way much like we do with 'Hannibal Lecter'. The chapters alternate between Obadiah and Joe O'Connell a journalist writing a book on Obadiah's crimes and his execution, that keeps the story flowing along nicely. I especially liked the little apt quotations at the start of each chapter and the way the case files told of Obadiah's killing spree. A great deal of research must have been done on the psychology of sociopaths etc and the process surrounding death by lethal injection, I was very impressed with this and learnt a lot.
This is a FANTASTIC book - if you like full on gory serial killer books, with a really unique and imaginative plot, I assure you, you won't be disappointed, I wasn't and I am now going to read 'In Extremis' the prequel novella to 'Hellbound'. I have instantly become a big fan of David McCaffrey's expert writing style and look forward to his future books.
5 stars!
Obadiah Stark (nicknamed The Tally Man) is a great name for a serial killer and since he is an exceptional one of a kind killer the uniqueness of his name fits perfectly. David McCaffery displays a form of very intelligent and creative writing that is a pleasure to read. His descriptive sentences are brilliant.
I love gruesome violent serial killer books (nothing offends me) and my oh my does David know how to write gruesome and gory! I devoured this book, not being able to put it down once I had started. I personally couldn't help but like Obadiah in a weird sort of way much like we do with 'Hannibal Lecter'. The chapters alternate between Obadiah and Joe O'Connell a journalist writing a book on Obadiah's crimes and his execution, that keeps the story flowing along nicely. I especially liked the little apt quotations at the start of each chapter and the way the case files told of Obadiah's killing spree. A great deal of research must have been done on the psychology of sociopaths etc and the process surrounding death by lethal injection, I was very impressed with this and learnt a lot.
This is a FANTASTIC book - if you like full on gory serial killer books, with a really unique and imaginative plot, I assure you, you won't be disappointed, I wasn't and I am now going to read 'In Extremis' the prequel novella to 'Hellbound'. I have instantly become a big fan of David McCaffrey's expert writing style and look forward to his future books.
5 stars!
June 19, 2016
Serial killer Obadiah Stark, aka The Tally Man, is executed at ADX Absolom. The executed is watched my media and relatives of the victim. One of the reporters there is Joe O'Connell who is planning on writing a book about Obadiah.
This should be it, the just death of a dangerous killer. But Obadiah wakes up in an afterlife in his hometown with a wife and daughter. His first instinct is to kill and after taking five lives is his gunned down by the police only to wake up finding everything has reset with no one remembering his killing spree. With this reset is he also faced with emotions he never experiences before...
The idea of this book sounded so interesting that I just had to read the book. Reading about a serial killer that is waking up in some kind of afterlife like it's Groundhog day sounded too fascinating to pass on. The book has two points of views, one is Obadiah in the afterlife and the other is Joe O'Connell investigating Obadiah and the irregularities with his death. There is also spread out through the books fact about Obadiah life and killings and interview pieces with Obadiah, etc.
I found the factual parts of the books to be a bit of a hinder while reading the book, I felt interrupted every time I came to another part of facts discussing Obadiah. It would have been better if the information had been included in the story instead of being separate parts. I also had some difficulties getting interested in Joe O'Connell storyline. It got better when he was closing in on the truth about what was really going on. Obadiah's part was defiantly the best part of the book. Reading about a serial killer in the afterlife or purgatory or whatever he has gotten to was interesting. Especially since he just isn't a likable character, this isn't a bad boy who has done some wrong in life, this is a dangerous serial killer that starts off a new life with a killing spree. And the factual part really showed what a dangerous person he was. That, at least, I can say to its advantage, the factual part truly showed what kind of man Obadiah was.
I liked the ending the best, I guessed it would turn out something like that although I had no idea about everything that happened towards the end and I was truly surprised by the end twist. I had never in a million years expected that ending.
It was an interesting and different book to read and I hope to read more from David McCaffrey!
I received a copy of this book from the author and Booklover Catlady Publicity in return for a fair and honest review, many thanks!
Read this review and others on A Bookaholic Swede
This should be it, the just death of a dangerous killer. But Obadiah wakes up in an afterlife in his hometown with a wife and daughter. His first instinct is to kill and after taking five lives is his gunned down by the police only to wake up finding everything has reset with no one remembering his killing spree. With this reset is he also faced with emotions he never experiences before...
The idea of this book sounded so interesting that I just had to read the book. Reading about a serial killer that is waking up in some kind of afterlife like it's Groundhog day sounded too fascinating to pass on. The book has two points of views, one is Obadiah in the afterlife and the other is Joe O'Connell investigating Obadiah and the irregularities with his death. There is also spread out through the books fact about Obadiah life and killings and interview pieces with Obadiah, etc.
I found the factual parts of the books to be a bit of a hinder while reading the book, I felt interrupted every time I came to another part of facts discussing Obadiah. It would have been better if the information had been included in the story instead of being separate parts. I also had some difficulties getting interested in Joe O'Connell storyline. It got better when he was closing in on the truth about what was really going on. Obadiah's part was defiantly the best part of the book. Reading about a serial killer in the afterlife or purgatory or whatever he has gotten to was interesting. Especially since he just isn't a likable character, this isn't a bad boy who has done some wrong in life, this is a dangerous serial killer that starts off a new life with a killing spree. And the factual part really showed what a dangerous person he was. That, at least, I can say to its advantage, the factual part truly showed what kind of man Obadiah was.
I liked the ending the best, I guessed it would turn out something like that although I had no idea about everything that happened towards the end and I was truly surprised by the end twist. I had never in a million years expected that ending.
It was an interesting and different book to read and I hope to read more from David McCaffrey!
I received a copy of this book from the author and Booklover Catlady Publicity in return for a fair and honest review, many thanks!
Read this review and others on A Bookaholic Swede
March 6, 2016
At times, I found the altering POV’s, to be quite confusing. I felt if this story had only been through Obadiah Starks, POV, it would have been way more compelling. The writing was phenomenal and the descriptive narrative of Obadiah Stark, outstanding.
The story begins with the execution of sadistic and feared serial killer, Obadiah Stark. I often wondered what happens to a person after their death, if there really is an afterlife. For Obadiah, his afterlife was quite opposite of his life before. He wakes to find out he is married and has a daughter. Still having a bloodthirst, he murders again and is shot. As he is dying, he wakes again in the same house, with the same wife and daughter and his day starts all over again. I felt this part showed us that in Obadiah’s afterlife, he was given chance and chance again to do it right. As odd as this sounds, I was rooting for Obadiah towards the end, hoping the man would take the opportunity and the second chance at life, to do it right.
The story begins with the execution of sadistic and feared serial killer, Obadiah Stark. I often wondered what happens to a person after their death, if there really is an afterlife. For Obadiah, his afterlife was quite opposite of his life before. He wakes to find out he is married and has a daughter. Still having a bloodthirst, he murders again and is shot. As he is dying, he wakes again in the same house, with the same wife and daughter and his day starts all over again. I felt this part showed us that in Obadiah’s afterlife, he was given chance and chance again to do it right. As odd as this sounds, I was rooting for Obadiah towards the end, hoping the man would take the opportunity and the second chance at life, to do it right.
October 15, 2017
All reviews can be found on my blog https://www.crimebookjunkie.co.uk
Well OMFG what a deviously delicious story to devour! I cannot even find the words to describe how much I absolutely LOVED this book…but I will try!
The book starts out in a fictional prison – Absolom and is mainly set in Ireland. The reader is doused with themes such as: fear; manipulation; power; the past; loss; nature vs nuture; retribution and a clever dose of morality – what drives an individual to make the choices they do?
The author delivers the all important #killerhook which immediately had me fixated from the start! The story is delivered from three POV – Obadiah Stark, Joe O’Connell and reports from Dr Franklin, which I absolutely loved! David McCaffrey leaves the reader on edge as you race through the pages of this fast past read and superbly crafted narrative! And that ending! #BOOM!! Totally-blew-my-mind!
The author has a wonderful ability, through description and dialogue to create some fantastic characters that draw the reader in. Joe O’Connell – a journalist who decides to write a book based on serial killer, Obadiah Stark whose execution he witnesses. But all is not what it seems and things take a shocking turn as O’Connell digs deeper into the story of Stark. Trusting…maybe too trusting at times, intelligent, persistent and a great personality – Joe O’Connell is a hero we want to see succeed!
Obadiah Stark – well what I am about to say may shock you….but I LOVED him!! How can an author actually make you empathise with a twisted, sociopathic serial killer because that is EXACTLY what David McCaffrey did! Ruthless and relentless, we delve deeper into the depths of Obadiah’s hell as we learn what emotions can do and whether they played a part in shaping this man into the killer he became. Damn…I can’t believe I actually felt sorry for him! Well done, Mr McCaffrey – I may be even more deviant than I thought!
But that ending…WTAF? BRILLIANT!! I won’t say anymore as I don’t want to spoil it but yeah…. hats off to you, sir!
Would I recommend this book? A million times over I would, with bells on! Twisted, irresistable, powerfully addictive this is a must read for those of you who are drawn to the dark side! #ARCReview #minireview
Well OMFG what a deviously delicious story to devour! I cannot even find the words to describe how much I absolutely LOVED this book…but I will try!
The book starts out in a fictional prison – Absolom and is mainly set in Ireland. The reader is doused with themes such as: fear; manipulation; power; the past; loss; nature vs nuture; retribution and a clever dose of morality – what drives an individual to make the choices they do?
The author delivers the all important #killerhook which immediately had me fixated from the start! The story is delivered from three POV – Obadiah Stark, Joe O’Connell and reports from Dr Franklin, which I absolutely loved! David McCaffrey leaves the reader on edge as you race through the pages of this fast past read and superbly crafted narrative! And that ending! #BOOM!! Totally-blew-my-mind!
The author has a wonderful ability, through description and dialogue to create some fantastic characters that draw the reader in. Joe O’Connell – a journalist who decides to write a book based on serial killer, Obadiah Stark whose execution he witnesses. But all is not what it seems and things take a shocking turn as O’Connell digs deeper into the story of Stark. Trusting…maybe too trusting at times, intelligent, persistent and a great personality – Joe O’Connell is a hero we want to see succeed!
Obadiah Stark – well what I am about to say may shock you….but I LOVED him!! How can an author actually make you empathise with a twisted, sociopathic serial killer because that is EXACTLY what David McCaffrey did! Ruthless and relentless, we delve deeper into the depths of Obadiah’s hell as we learn what emotions can do and whether they played a part in shaping this man into the killer he became. Damn…I can’t believe I actually felt sorry for him! Well done, Mr McCaffrey – I may be even more deviant than I thought!
But that ending…WTAF? BRILLIANT!! I won’t say anymore as I don’t want to spoil it but yeah…. hats off to you, sir!
Would I recommend this book? A million times over I would, with bells on! Twisted, irresistable, powerfully addictive this is a must read for those of you who are drawn to the dark side! #ARCReview #minireview
January 11, 2015
Hellbound, by debut novelist David McCaffrey, quickly reveals itself as a serial killer thriller that goes beyond the normal tropes of the genre. Moreover, what transpires between its pages, is an intelligent and balanced exploration of the possibility of love and redemption for those capable of the most heinous acts. The book is punctuated by not only the psychological reports undertaken on Stark after his capture, but also by the omniscient narrator’s observations on the death penalty and the power of redemption that add a real punch to the reader’s own emotional responses to the central plotline. As we view Stark’s experiences post- death sentence, we are fully immersed in his emotional struggle as he embarks on a path to redemption through the interaction with his albeit virtual family consisting of a wife and a daughter. As he seeks to dampen down the more destructive aspects of his own psyche, imbued with the unconditional love of his family, he himself begins to be morally tested when their safety is compromised. It’s an interesting psychological exploration of the nature of evil in what could ostensibly be simply labelled as a thriller, and one which McCaffrey achieves admirably throughout.
Building on the strength of the psychological ruminations of the story, McCaffrey’s strong characterisation is another stand-out feature of the book. I grew to like Stark very much as we begin to bear witness to the man behind the mask, and our minds begin to question the validity of the death penalty for individuals such as him. Although seemingly unrepentant from the outset for his killing spree, the life beyond his death really brings to the fore the inner emotions and the propensity for love that he has buried for so long. Responding to the threats on his family a different man emerges, and there is a real feel that his could have been a life well-lived under different circumstances, shoring up the author’s questioning of the validity of the death penalty. Likewise, O’Connell, embarking on the writing of Stark’s life story, and the bizarre anomalies surrounding Stark’s death, acts as a good counterpoint to Stark’s seeming lack of morality. O’Connell handles his research with sensitivity, demonstrating his solid moral compass, before being sucked in to the onerous world of a mysterious organisation called The Brethren, who exact their own cruel and unusual form of punishment on Stark. Naturally, O’Connell finds himself the victim of violence and manipulation, but also acts as a conduit for the reader’s own changing viewpoint on the question of redemption, and was an extremely likeable character indeed.
Aside from a few niggles over some aspects of the dialogue structure, I felt a very positive response to Hellbound as a book that challenged my own opinions and beliefs, Compounded by the fact that McCaffrey is a debut author, I thought it a well-structured and intelligent book, that also ticked the necessary boxes in marking it out as a gripping and pacey crime read. All in all, a thriller that makes you think, but keeps you entertained as well.
Building on the strength of the psychological ruminations of the story, McCaffrey’s strong characterisation is another stand-out feature of the book. I grew to like Stark very much as we begin to bear witness to the man behind the mask, and our minds begin to question the validity of the death penalty for individuals such as him. Although seemingly unrepentant from the outset for his killing spree, the life beyond his death really brings to the fore the inner emotions and the propensity for love that he has buried for so long. Responding to the threats on his family a different man emerges, and there is a real feel that his could have been a life well-lived under different circumstances, shoring up the author’s questioning of the validity of the death penalty. Likewise, O’Connell, embarking on the writing of Stark’s life story, and the bizarre anomalies surrounding Stark’s death, acts as a good counterpoint to Stark’s seeming lack of morality. O’Connell handles his research with sensitivity, demonstrating his solid moral compass, before being sucked in to the onerous world of a mysterious organisation called The Brethren, who exact their own cruel and unusual form of punishment on Stark. Naturally, O’Connell finds himself the victim of violence and manipulation, but also acts as a conduit for the reader’s own changing viewpoint on the question of redemption, and was an extremely likeable character indeed.
Aside from a few niggles over some aspects of the dialogue structure, I felt a very positive response to Hellbound as a book that challenged my own opinions and beliefs, Compounded by the fact that McCaffrey is a debut author, I thought it a well-structured and intelligent book, that also ticked the necessary boxes in marking it out as a gripping and pacey crime read. All in all, a thriller that makes you think, but keeps you entertained as well.
September 4, 2015
Hellbound is an extremely dark, warped and twisted read.
Even after reading the blurb to this book I did not expect the chilling ride this story would take me on.
The story flicks between three people, Obadiah Stark himself, Joe a reporter who has become quite obsessed with Obadiah and Dr John Franklin who assessed Obadiah and his part in the book is through his reports.
Hellbound mainly being about a serial murderer there is some quite chilling and gruesome parts in this book yet it did not turn me off, it dragged me even further into the hell that Obadiah has found himself in.
This story really is worth reading, it is a brilliant book that you lose yourself to and has you feeling a mixture of emotions that I really was not expecting to feel. Joe is very much everything you would expect from a good reporter, he is very inquisitive and goes very much with his gut feelings. Obadiah is a character
that I really should hate yet by the end I had very mixed emotions. I have no idea whether I was supposed to or not but by the end there was definitely some empathy towards to him.
This is the first book I have read by this author and after reading Hellbound it certainly will not be the last.
Even after reading the blurb to this book I did not expect the chilling ride this story would take me on.
The story flicks between three people, Obadiah Stark himself, Joe a reporter who has become quite obsessed with Obadiah and Dr John Franklin who assessed Obadiah and his part in the book is through his reports.
Hellbound mainly being about a serial murderer there is some quite chilling and gruesome parts in this book yet it did not turn me off, it dragged me even further into the hell that Obadiah has found himself in.
This story really is worth reading, it is a brilliant book that you lose yourself to and has you feeling a mixture of emotions that I really was not expecting to feel. Joe is very much everything you would expect from a good reporter, he is very inquisitive and goes very much with his gut feelings. Obadiah is a character
that I really should hate yet by the end I had very mixed emotions. I have no idea whether I was supposed to or not but by the end there was definitely some empathy towards to him.
This is the first book I have read by this author and after reading Hellbound it certainly will not be the last.
June 27, 2016
Excellent read loved it!
October 30, 2017
I was going to rate this 3.5 as I found the writers style and vocabulary a little clunky at times and there was quite a few typos/errors in my kindle copy, but the ending made this a 4 star read.
Great story with a character to hate in Obadiah and a sympathetic journalist in Joe. Although you felt you knew where the story was going, that ending, loved it, it made me chuckle and I will be interested to read future McCaffrey stories.
Great story with a character to hate in Obadiah and a sympathetic journalist in Joe. Although you felt you knew where the story was going, that ending, loved it, it made me chuckle and I will be interested to read future McCaffrey stories.
July 22, 2016
With a name that means Servant of God, Obadiah couldn’t be further from it, the world’s worst serial killer. Feeling nothing for his victims or their families. Adopting the name of The Tally Man defining him, keeping a tally of his victims on his body.
He’s on his way to death, with no guilt, remorse or even a care. He’s ready to embrace it.
But all is not as it seems, Obadiah along with us the reader are thrown into a new world; he has a wife and child. No one knows him as the Tally Man.
Joe an investigative journalist wants answers, but no one will give them up easily. Something has been hidden from the world about Obadiah’s death and he wants to know why.
I was not expecting any of this story, full of twists and turns that kept me interested and on the edge of my seat. I was reading it every chance I got to find out why Obadiah is living over and over and I wanted to know if Joe would be able to answer all the questions I was asking.
From the moment the novel starts I was hooked, there’s no wasted words. They are all valuable as you are thrown right into the action with Obadiah’s execution.
You feel as though you are in the room as its happening. Then from there you are launched towards the ending. No awkward side stories, no abundance of extra characters.
I’m a strong believer than most “twist” endings or “shock” endings don’t work. They are easy to predict early on in the book.
I was not expecting the ending….. It left me speechless.
I don’t want to say too much encase I give anything away, but I promise anyone reading this is in for a very pleasant and interesting surprise.
Five starts from me!
I received this copy from BookLover CatLady in return for an honest review. Thank you very much for another fantastic read.
He’s on his way to death, with no guilt, remorse or even a care. He’s ready to embrace it.
But all is not as it seems, Obadiah along with us the reader are thrown into a new world; he has a wife and child. No one knows him as the Tally Man.
Joe an investigative journalist wants answers, but no one will give them up easily. Something has been hidden from the world about Obadiah’s death and he wants to know why.
I was not expecting any of this story, full of twists and turns that kept me interested and on the edge of my seat. I was reading it every chance I got to find out why Obadiah is living over and over and I wanted to know if Joe would be able to answer all the questions I was asking.
From the moment the novel starts I was hooked, there’s no wasted words. They are all valuable as you are thrown right into the action with Obadiah’s execution.
You feel as though you are in the room as its happening. Then from there you are launched towards the ending. No awkward side stories, no abundance of extra characters.
I’m a strong believer than most “twist” endings or “shock” endings don’t work. They are easy to predict early on in the book.
I was not expecting the ending….. It left me speechless.
I don’t want to say too much encase I give anything away, but I promise anyone reading this is in for a very pleasant and interesting surprise.
Five starts from me!
I received this copy from BookLover CatLady in return for an honest review. Thank you very much for another fantastic read.
March 30, 2016
The premise of this novel had me hooked immediately: after execution of his death sentence, serial killer Obadiah Stark wakes up to find that he might not really be dead... Instead, he finds himself in a home with a wife and little daughter. After some, err, experiments which show that he wakes up again on the same day, in the same situation, he starts thinking that maybe this weird afterlife isn't so bad at all. He experiences what it means to care and be cared for, strange concepts that have been completely unknown to him before now. But just when he starts to adjust and feel comfortable in his new surroundings, a horrific event tears his bright new world apart. Will Obadiah return to his old self and again become the killer he once was?
The book was a true nail biter from start to finish, and I couldn't wait to learn what was going on - a weird after death experience, some kind of sorcery, a demonic trick or whatever?! The conclusion was surprising at first, but provided a clever and thought-trough explanation.
I liked the format of the story, which was told on three different levels - one following Obadiah in his strange afterlife, another following Joe, a reporter investigating the life and death of the serial killer with the intention of writing a book about him. Also, there were several chapters describing scientific explanations of Obadiah's character and serial killers in general, written by a psychiatrist who interviewed and studied Obadiah during his imprisonment. While Obadiah's story moved in the present, Joe mostly investigated the past, especially the events of the day Obadiah's death sentence was executed. Both story lines complement each other perfectly, inevitably converging into a dramatic finale. While the psychological insights into the mind of a serial killer were interesting, I thought that they repeatedly and unnecessary slowed down the pace of the story.
The writing was simply excellent, somehow sophisticated and using a widespread vocabulary, which sometimes provided a welcome challenge for me as a non-native reader to widen my knowledge of the English language.
Hellbound is a very original thriller with surprising twists and turns that will keep you reading all night long.
(Thanks to the author and Booklover Catlady Publicity for providing a copy of this book in return for an honest review)
The book was a true nail biter from start to finish, and I couldn't wait to learn what was going on - a weird after death experience, some kind of sorcery, a demonic trick or whatever?! The conclusion was surprising at first, but provided a clever and thought-trough explanation.
I liked the format of the story, which was told on three different levels - one following Obadiah in his strange afterlife, another following Joe, a reporter investigating the life and death of the serial killer with the intention of writing a book about him. Also, there were several chapters describing scientific explanations of Obadiah's character and serial killers in general, written by a psychiatrist who interviewed and studied Obadiah during his imprisonment. While Obadiah's story moved in the present, Joe mostly investigated the past, especially the events of the day Obadiah's death sentence was executed. Both story lines complement each other perfectly, inevitably converging into a dramatic finale. While the psychological insights into the mind of a serial killer were interesting, I thought that they repeatedly and unnecessary slowed down the pace of the story.
The writing was simply excellent, somehow sophisticated and using a widespread vocabulary, which sometimes provided a welcome challenge for me as a non-native reader to widen my knowledge of the English language.
Hellbound is a very original thriller with surprising twists and turns that will keep you reading all night long.
(Thanks to the author and Booklover Catlady Publicity for providing a copy of this book in return for an honest review)
June 27, 2015
Hellbound - My Review
This was a book I had wanted to read for a long time, having seen the wonderful review it received on Crime Book Club. The idea was right up my street, a very dark thriller about the afterlife faced by the worlds most notorious serial killer and the conspiracy around his death. So I finally got round to reading it and ladies and gentleman - this book is a must read!
David McCaffrey blows you away with a debut novel that is not only as violent and gruesome as it is compelling, it is written with a lucidity and love. You can tell the author threw himself into this book, every sentence exploding from the page and hitting the mark. The main characters are very well rounded, the notorious Obadiah Stark (aka The Tally Man) may be one of the most vicious and horrifying villains committed to fiction in a while, his god complex making him so intriguing to read. Not to spoil it, but McCaffrey does something you would never think possible - he makes he feel for and support a mass murderer. Something about that unsettles me, which is a phenomenal way to feel having read a book.
The main protagonist, Jack O'Connell is a reporter with a penchant for alcohol, seeking the truth and chasing anything in a skirt. Very likeable and at times verging on cocky, O'Connell is a wonderful vessel to take us into the life and story of Stark, the entire read inters-pliced with wonderfully written doctor's notes from a previous interview with Stark. The depth and light that is shed on such gruesome acts and broken mentality is top notch, the research apparent which McCaffrey deserves plaudits for.
If you haven't read this book yet, I implore you to do it. It's tense, it's violent and it's gripping. Some zinging one liners and pop culture references all tie up to one of the best reads I have read in years and, fingers crossed, this is just the beginning of what is an intriguing yet brutal concept.
Debuts don't come better than this.
This was a book I had wanted to read for a long time, having seen the wonderful review it received on Crime Book Club. The idea was right up my street, a very dark thriller about the afterlife faced by the worlds most notorious serial killer and the conspiracy around his death. So I finally got round to reading it and ladies and gentleman - this book is a must read!
David McCaffrey blows you away with a debut novel that is not only as violent and gruesome as it is compelling, it is written with a lucidity and love. You can tell the author threw himself into this book, every sentence exploding from the page and hitting the mark. The main characters are very well rounded, the notorious Obadiah Stark (aka The Tally Man) may be one of the most vicious and horrifying villains committed to fiction in a while, his god complex making him so intriguing to read. Not to spoil it, but McCaffrey does something you would never think possible - he makes he feel for and support a mass murderer. Something about that unsettles me, which is a phenomenal way to feel having read a book.
The main protagonist, Jack O'Connell is a reporter with a penchant for alcohol, seeking the truth and chasing anything in a skirt. Very likeable and at times verging on cocky, O'Connell is a wonderful vessel to take us into the life and story of Stark, the entire read inters-pliced with wonderfully written doctor's notes from a previous interview with Stark. The depth and light that is shed on such gruesome acts and broken mentality is top notch, the research apparent which McCaffrey deserves plaudits for.
If you haven't read this book yet, I implore you to do it. It's tense, it's violent and it's gripping. Some zinging one liners and pop culture references all tie up to one of the best reads I have read in years and, fingers crossed, this is just the beginning of what is an intriguing yet brutal concept.
Debuts don't come better than this.
March 26, 2016
Obadiah Stark (Tally Man) is a heinous, sadistic serial killer. He is executed with many witnesses attending, including Joe O'Connell, an investigative reporter. Joe has followed Obadiah's crimes since the beginning. He's planning a book that includes his childhood and details of all his killings.
Looking for the things that make a sick mind tick, Joe comes across some clues that just don't add up.
Obadiah wakes up in the afterlife. He remembers the pain of being executed, but he has no memory of where he is ... or why. He finds that he has a wife and a young daughter who seem to know nothing of the brutal murders he did.
But some things never change ... he again goes on a killing spree, is shot and killed by police. As he lays dying, he once again finds himself in his home with the same wife and child.
It reminded me of Groundhog Day .... he was being given chances at doing things the right way .. and the day repeats when he messes up and gives in to his bloodthirsty desires.
The book is well written. This is not what I generally read, but I found it interestingly horrifying. Obadiah isn't your 'normal' serial killer, which I appreciated. But there were some things that my mind just could not accept.
My thanks to the author and Booklover Catlady Publicity who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Looking for the things that make a sick mind tick, Joe comes across some clues that just don't add up.
Obadiah wakes up in the afterlife. He remembers the pain of being executed, but he has no memory of where he is ... or why. He finds that he has a wife and a young daughter who seem to know nothing of the brutal murders he did.
But some things never change ... he again goes on a killing spree, is shot and killed by police. As he lays dying, he once again finds himself in his home with the same wife and child.
It reminded me of Groundhog Day .... he was being given chances at doing things the right way .. and the day repeats when he messes up and gives in to his bloodthirsty desires.
The book is well written. This is not what I generally read, but I found it interestingly horrifying. Obadiah isn't your 'normal' serial killer, which I appreciated. But there were some things that my mind just could not accept.
My thanks to the author and Booklover Catlady Publicity who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
January 27, 2020
5 stars audio
4 stars story
4 stars story
January 12, 2016
This is one extraordinary book.
What is justice? What punishment fits the crime?
Here Obadiah is a serial killer on death row and Joe is a reporter interested in reporting different aspects of Obadiah's case than his peers. The story alternates between Obadiah and Joe, with case notes interspersed to give Obadiah's criminal history and back story. This worked well and kept my interest in both characters.
The story was well written and the characters well developed. The real talent the author has though, is to make you feel a range of emotions about someone who normally wouldn't deserve them. As I was reading I didn't know if I should have any empathy for Obadiah, or think events were a suitable punishment for him - especially when he realises he isn't without a soul.
This is a book that makes you think about crime, it's consequences and how it's punished. Although a fictional case it also left me thinking about the punishments of the future, and how far man could go to make sure that the punishment fits the crime.
A thought provoking, recommended book.
What is justice? What punishment fits the crime?
Here Obadiah is a serial killer on death row and Joe is a reporter interested in reporting different aspects of Obadiah's case than his peers. The story alternates between Obadiah and Joe, with case notes interspersed to give Obadiah's criminal history and back story. This worked well and kept my interest in both characters.
The story was well written and the characters well developed. The real talent the author has though, is to make you feel a range of emotions about someone who normally wouldn't deserve them. As I was reading I didn't know if I should have any empathy for Obadiah, or think events were a suitable punishment for him - especially when he realises he isn't without a soul.
This is a book that makes you think about crime, it's consequences and how it's punished. Although a fictional case it also left me thinking about the punishments of the future, and how far man could go to make sure that the punishment fits the crime.
A thought provoking, recommended book.
March 24, 2016
There are few books that I have read when afterwards I need to pick them up and read again! Hellbound is one, alongside Hilary Mantel's Bring up the bodies... Two very distinct books but both equally breath-taking.... Obadiah Stark, a sociopath in my eyes, is the most complex and intriguing character I have ever come across and the genius of David McCaffrey has you feel not only sheer terror at his abject malevolence but also, strangely, compassion at the very end...
This book will not only keep you gripped and terrified, but will challenge you so much that I do not doubt you will be re-reading alongside myself.... Obadiah Stark's character will resonate with you, and although he is pure evil, questions will arise.... How clever....
I 100% recommend this book, a tour de force in horror, literature and entertainment....
This book will not only keep you gripped and terrified, but will challenge you so much that I do not doubt you will be re-reading alongside myself.... Obadiah Stark's character will resonate with you, and although he is pure evil, questions will arise.... How clever....
I 100% recommend this book, a tour de force in horror, literature and entertainment....
June 11, 2016
Read the complete review at: Musings Over Nothing
There are three Point of Views (PoV) in the story; the afterlife of Stark with his family, Joe's investigation about the irregularities related to Stark's death in real time and the fact sheet based on the Dr. John Franklin's psychological profiling of Stark right from his childhood. Though there were places I felt the shift among the PoVs little abrupt and disturbing the flow of the narration, they bring together the past, the present and the future of Stark side by side.
I am not sure what to feel about Stark. Should I say he was intriguing but that would be saying too little. I don't relate to him per se, but how can I not feel awed at someone who knocks off people in such a gory fashion then walks into a bar and asks a mug of beer. Wow, now that is style. He preys on other's lives not because he hates them nor for other petty reasons like vengeance, money or lust, he kills because he can. He loves to feel the power over the victim, it gives him a high. And even after the job done he doesn't feel a remorse, rather just moves on with his life. To say he was the evil personified would be closer to truth, and that is why I like him. In short, the best serial killer I have read. Did I mention he had a tattoo of his tally of 28 murders? Sigh, what is wrong with me. I would love to read more about him. Oh wait there is more to the series? I am picking them up for sure.
I should start with I am in love with the author's writing style, dictum and everything that I could think of. I have been raving about the book and its author to everyone who would listen to, from the day I started reading the novel. I can not believe that Hellbound is the debut of the author David McCaffrey, I am sure to follow his other works. I clearly was hooked from the right beginning and the plot twists kept my pulse rising right till the last page. And the final twist made me go 'Woah, did I read that right?' Well played, David! For someone who reads too much about killers for her own good, Hellbound has been the best read in 2016 (yet).
There are three Point of Views (PoV) in the story; the afterlife of Stark with his family, Joe's investigation about the irregularities related to Stark's death in real time and the fact sheet based on the Dr. John Franklin's psychological profiling of Stark right from his childhood. Though there were places I felt the shift among the PoVs little abrupt and disturbing the flow of the narration, they bring together the past, the present and the future of Stark side by side.
I am not sure what to feel about Stark. Should I say he was intriguing but that would be saying too little. I don't relate to him per se, but how can I not feel awed at someone who knocks off people in such a gory fashion then walks into a bar and asks a mug of beer. Wow, now that is style. He preys on other's lives not because he hates them nor for other petty reasons like vengeance, money or lust, he kills because he can. He loves to feel the power over the victim, it gives him a high. And even after the job done he doesn't feel a remorse, rather just moves on with his life. To say he was the evil personified would be closer to truth, and that is why I like him. In short, the best serial killer I have read. Did I mention he had a tattoo of his tally of 28 murders? Sigh, what is wrong with me. I would love to read more about him. Oh wait there is more to the series? I am picking them up for sure.
I should start with I am in love with the author's writing style, dictum and everything that I could think of. I have been raving about the book and its author to everyone who would listen to, from the day I started reading the novel. I can not believe that Hellbound is the debut of the author David McCaffrey, I am sure to follow his other works. I clearly was hooked from the right beginning and the plot twists kept my pulse rising right till the last page. And the final twist made me go 'Woah, did I read that right?' Well played, David! For someone who reads too much about killers for her own good, Hellbound has been the best read in 2016 (yet).
December 19, 2015
An intriguing novel about crime, redemption and justice. Obadiah Stark is one of the most brutal serial murderers ever, but his execution is only the beginning. After his death by lethal injection, he wakes up to the life he never had. Why is this happening? I figured out part of what was going on, but some of the twists still surprised me. It's a little bit disturbing how compelling I found Obadiah, even if he is a despicable person. This is a highly original read.
March 25, 2018
A thoroughly grown up serial-killer thriller.
I’ve had this book sitting on my bookcase for the best part of a year and now having devoured it in a couple of days, I could kick myself for not reading it sooner. I was completely blown away by this book, which isn’t your average serial-killer thriller. In fact, there is nothing average about it – the story is original and the build-up and tension exceptional. It really is a thought provoking, brilliantly referenced piece of work that I will definitely revisit at some stage. I really didn’t want this book to end. The extraordinary characters, the intrigue and conspiracy all made for such a gripping read I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. David McCaffrey really does deserve a round of applause for his writing style. Obadiah Stark (aka The Tallyman) is a name I am unlikely to forget—likewise the author, who really is one to follow and admire.
I’ve had this book sitting on my bookcase for the best part of a year and now having devoured it in a couple of days, I could kick myself for not reading it sooner. I was completely blown away by this book, which isn’t your average serial-killer thriller. In fact, there is nothing average about it – the story is original and the build-up and tension exceptional. It really is a thought provoking, brilliantly referenced piece of work that I will definitely revisit at some stage. I really didn’t want this book to end. The extraordinary characters, the intrigue and conspiracy all made for such a gripping read I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. David McCaffrey really does deserve a round of applause for his writing style. Obadiah Stark (aka The Tallyman) is a name I am unlikely to forget—likewise the author, who really is one to follow and admire.
October 4, 2017
Hellbound the tally man by david McCaffrey.
Obadiah Stark is going down for the lethal injection. He ruthlessly murdered 27 womxen. But when he is given the injection he wakes up in a bed. Where is he? Is he alive still? Joe is a journalist working on a book about Stark. Also dr john franklin who writes his reports about who Stark is. What's going on?
Omg. What a dark and gory and seriously twisted. But I loved it. I was engrossed in it. Couldn't put it down. I didn't expect that. Onto book 2. This is a must read and I would highly recommend this book. Defenetly worth more than 5*. TBC on fb.
Obadiah Stark is going down for the lethal injection. He ruthlessly murdered 27 womxen. But when he is given the injection he wakes up in a bed. Where is he? Is he alive still? Joe is a journalist working on a book about Stark. Also dr john franklin who writes his reports about who Stark is. What's going on?
Omg. What a dark and gory and seriously twisted. But I loved it. I was engrossed in it. Couldn't put it down. I didn't expect that. Onto book 2. This is a must read and I would highly recommend this book. Defenetly worth more than 5*. TBC on fb.
March 17, 2016
Hellbound by David McCaffrey Review
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author and Booklover Catlady Publicity in return for a fair and honest review.
Many thanks
Evil has a new face in author David McCaffrey's sensational novel, "Hellbound." This book is a thrilling tale that explores both the complex mind
of a serial killer and the effects he has on the world.
The story follows Obadiah Stark, aka "The Tally Man", a ruthless serial killer who is facing execution at ADX Absolom, a desolate prison similar
to Alcatraz. With the witnesses present and an eager journalist who's followed The Tally Man's long career as a killer, Stark is put to death,
but journalist Joe O Connell finds some odd things that make the execution come into question. Soon he begins to uncover secrets while looking
into the mind of the killer that will bring the execution into a whole new light. Meanwhile, Stark awakens to find himself in a whole new world.
Expecting oblivion after his death, he learns he's back in his childhood hometown, with a wife and child and a whole new life he has no memory
of. After rejecting this life and going on a viscous killing spree, (ending with a police shootout that claimed his life), Stark reawakens to
find the day has reset, and this new life has restarted for Stark again. After the day repeats over and over again, Stark is forced to examine
himself and face the grim reality of the dormant emotions that reside within him.
This is a unique thriller that takes readers on a exciting journey to discover the true meaning of justice, morality, and evil. Part horror
story, part conspiracy thriller, the alternating POV's between Joe and Obadiah offer a great view on both sides of the story, from both the
eyes of the journalist fighting to learn the truth to the eyes of a demented killer getting in touch with his humanity. The author has created
a fun world that easily conjured up a cinematic feeling, like this was something I could watch on television today. With a twist ending that
leaves readers wanting to delve deeper into the world of this story, Hellbound is a fantastic read that everyone should read today. Be sure to
pick up your copy of David McCaffrey's "Hellbound" today!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author and Booklover Catlady Publicity in return for a fair and honest review.
Many thanks
Evil has a new face in author David McCaffrey's sensational novel, "Hellbound." This book is a thrilling tale that explores both the complex mind
of a serial killer and the effects he has on the world.
The story follows Obadiah Stark, aka "The Tally Man", a ruthless serial killer who is facing execution at ADX Absolom, a desolate prison similar
to Alcatraz. With the witnesses present and an eager journalist who's followed The Tally Man's long career as a killer, Stark is put to death,
but journalist Joe O Connell finds some odd things that make the execution come into question. Soon he begins to uncover secrets while looking
into the mind of the killer that will bring the execution into a whole new light. Meanwhile, Stark awakens to find himself in a whole new world.
Expecting oblivion after his death, he learns he's back in his childhood hometown, with a wife and child and a whole new life he has no memory
of. After rejecting this life and going on a viscous killing spree, (ending with a police shootout that claimed his life), Stark reawakens to
find the day has reset, and this new life has restarted for Stark again. After the day repeats over and over again, Stark is forced to examine
himself and face the grim reality of the dormant emotions that reside within him.
This is a unique thriller that takes readers on a exciting journey to discover the true meaning of justice, morality, and evil. Part horror
story, part conspiracy thriller, the alternating POV's between Joe and Obadiah offer a great view on both sides of the story, from both the
eyes of the journalist fighting to learn the truth to the eyes of a demented killer getting in touch with his humanity. The author has created
a fun world that easily conjured up a cinematic feeling, like this was something I could watch on television today. With a twist ending that
leaves readers wanting to delve deeper into the world of this story, Hellbound is a fantastic read that everyone should read today. Be sure to
pick up your copy of David McCaffrey's "Hellbound" today!
January 11, 2016
Notorious serial killer Obadiah Stark is on death row at maximum security prison Absolom ADX located on one of The Blasket Islands off the coast of Ireland. Joe O'Connell, reporter for The Daily Eire is covering the execution, where relatives of Stark's victim's watch him die. However, after the execution during routine fact checking Joe finds discrepancies that he cannot explain leading him down an investigative path he can scarcely believe. In the meantime Stark ends up living the same day over and over again with a wife and daughter, why and who is responsible?
An original and unusual serial killer read that begins the story at the execution of our killer and asks a lot of standard but evocative questions about capital punishment. What was engaging about this read were the questions that were posed about morality and justice, which I found quite a refreshing angle on the serial killer genre.
This story is told alternately from the point of view of Stark and reporter, O'Connell, but interspersed between the story from the point of view of these two characters is the technical but temporally relevant, Franklin Report, written by forensic psychologist Dr John Franklin, which provides the details of his crimes and witness statements as well as quotes from Stark himself about his multiple murders. I found the Franklin Report, a little dull to read, but I concede it was important for them to appear as realistic notes from sessions with Stark and his psychologist. However, I did find the continuation of the reports slowed the pace of the book.
For a thought provoking, original serial killer thriller you could do no better than Hellbound, which due to its social commentary reads more like literary thriller than a bog standard serial killer read of which we have mass market paperback saturation. Maybe the way forward in this topic of fiction is looking beyond the apprehension and processing of serial killers and testing the perceived limitations of sociopaths what makes them.
An original and unusual serial killer read that begins the story at the execution of our killer and asks a lot of standard but evocative questions about capital punishment. What was engaging about this read were the questions that were posed about morality and justice, which I found quite a refreshing angle on the serial killer genre.
This story is told alternately from the point of view of Stark and reporter, O'Connell, but interspersed between the story from the point of view of these two characters is the technical but temporally relevant, Franklin Report, written by forensic psychologist Dr John Franklin, which provides the details of his crimes and witness statements as well as quotes from Stark himself about his multiple murders. I found the Franklin Report, a little dull to read, but I concede it was important for them to appear as realistic notes from sessions with Stark and his psychologist. However, I did find the continuation of the reports slowed the pace of the book.
For a thought provoking, original serial killer thriller you could do no better than Hellbound, which due to its social commentary reads more like literary thriller than a bog standard serial killer read of which we have mass market paperback saturation. Maybe the way forward in this topic of fiction is looking beyond the apprehension and processing of serial killers and testing the perceived limitations of sociopaths what makes them.
March 9, 2016
Obadiah Stark is a name which will stick in my mind for some time, I can tell you! Never have I met such an arrogant murderous character in a book (and I've read Silence of the Lambs). It was brilliant! This is a great read which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Stark is a serial killer with no remorse, even when faced with a lethal injection. The families of those he killed want something from him, some show of regret or emotion but it just won't come. He knows what he's done and he enjoyed every moment of it.
Joe O'Connell is an investigative journalist who has become slightly obsessed with Obadiah. He plans to write a book about Stark; something new and different, something that hasn't been done before. In the course of his investigations he makes certain discoveries that lead him to believe that not everything is as it seems...
Obadiah made my skin crawl at points during the story. He's one nasty piece of work. But I found myself sympathising with him at points (you'll have to read the book to find out why), something I didn't think possible so well done David McCaffrey. This book has an american feel to it but the majority of the story is set in Ireland, which I found surprising for some reason.
Heart pounding stuff. I'm looking forward to reading the prequel and book three at some point soon.
Four out of five stars.
Many thanks to Booklover Catlady Publicity and David McCaffrey for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Stark is a serial killer with no remorse, even when faced with a lethal injection. The families of those he killed want something from him, some show of regret or emotion but it just won't come. He knows what he's done and he enjoyed every moment of it.
Joe O'Connell is an investigative journalist who has become slightly obsessed with Obadiah. He plans to write a book about Stark; something new and different, something that hasn't been done before. In the course of his investigations he makes certain discoveries that lead him to believe that not everything is as it seems...
Obadiah made my skin crawl at points during the story. He's one nasty piece of work. But I found myself sympathising with him at points (you'll have to read the book to find out why), something I didn't think possible so well done David McCaffrey. This book has an american feel to it but the majority of the story is set in Ireland, which I found surprising for some reason.
Heart pounding stuff. I'm looking forward to reading the prequel and book three at some point soon.
Four out of five stars.
Many thanks to Booklover Catlady Publicity and David McCaffrey for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 8, 2016
Obadiah, a serial killer, is given the death penalty and then finds himself in another life.
Obadiah is suffering groundhog days and is married with a child- the antithesis of his former life. The first day he goes on a killing spree and is shocked on the second day to find those people alive and well, no one knowing who he is. He discovers that he has a malignant brain tumour which causes a change of personality, bad dreams and character changes- could this be the key? Is there a real man underneath the monster?
Meanwhile journalist Joe has been on the “Tally man” case for two years and has decided to write a book about it. Joe discovers inconsistencies about Obadiah’s incarceration and subsequent death which he investigates. One part did make me smile- “Hannibal Lecter was fictional- this man was real”!!
Although a book about a serial killer there are no gruesome scenes, they are written “as a matter of fact” rather than emotive and sensationalised (other than a couple of scenes towards the end).
An interesting story by a sesquipedalian author for readers with an extensive vocabulary (unless you have a touch kindle!). I rarely give 5* and this one deserves them for being so very different. A book I would not normally have read, and am very glad I did!
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an open and honest review
Obadiah is suffering groundhog days and is married with a child- the antithesis of his former life. The first day he goes on a killing spree and is shocked on the second day to find those people alive and well, no one knowing who he is. He discovers that he has a malignant brain tumour which causes a change of personality, bad dreams and character changes- could this be the key? Is there a real man underneath the monster?
Meanwhile journalist Joe has been on the “Tally man” case for two years and has decided to write a book about it. Joe discovers inconsistencies about Obadiah’s incarceration and subsequent death which he investigates. One part did make me smile- “Hannibal Lecter was fictional- this man was real”!!
Although a book about a serial killer there are no gruesome scenes, they are written “as a matter of fact” rather than emotive and sensationalised (other than a couple of scenes towards the end).
An interesting story by a sesquipedalian author for readers with an extensive vocabulary (unless you have a touch kindle!). I rarely give 5* and this one deserves them for being so very different. A book I would not normally have read, and am very glad I did!
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an open and honest review
January 1, 2016
Well-executed
It's not often a serial killer story starts with and continues from the murderer's execution. Right from the prologue however, you realise that this is no ordinary thriller, that Obadiah's fate is different. His story is expertly woven with reporter Jack's, building the suspense as the plot expands until it descends into a dark pit of deceit and cover-ups.
It is clear that the world described isn't what it seems, and a dark, Groundhog Day-esque manipulation of Obadiah adds to an intriguing situation. From the back story to the violent, sadistic exchanges described within, you are left in no doubt of the monster that the author has created. But as cold and as ruthless as his character is, your emotions are strangely torn between his suffering and a wish for his possible redemption.
Hellbound is a deep, psychological thriller that will make you question your own values and will keep you engrossed in the story until the very end.
It's not often a serial killer story starts with and continues from the murderer's execution. Right from the prologue however, you realise that this is no ordinary thriller, that Obadiah's fate is different. His story is expertly woven with reporter Jack's, building the suspense as the plot expands until it descends into a dark pit of deceit and cover-ups.
It is clear that the world described isn't what it seems, and a dark, Groundhog Day-esque manipulation of Obadiah adds to an intriguing situation. From the back story to the violent, sadistic exchanges described within, you are left in no doubt of the monster that the author has created. But as cold and as ruthless as his character is, your emotions are strangely torn between his suffering and a wish for his possible redemption.
Hellbound is a deep, psychological thriller that will make you question your own values and will keep you engrossed in the story until the very end.
February 11, 2015
Would make an incredible movie! I'm serious, this book if made into a movie would get me to the cinema as soon as it was released!
I was hooked from the first page. Read it in two days.
I'm very impressed by the way that David captured a monster(obadiah stark a.k.a the tally man) and brought us to almost see him as a man but wasn't afraid to end the book with the reality of the crimes committed by obadiah stark.and their consequences.
Honestly the best book I've read in a few years.
I only hope this book gets the exposure it needs and that I get to see it on the big screen soon.
Excellent.
I was hooked from the first page. Read it in two days.
I'm very impressed by the way that David captured a monster(obadiah stark a.k.a the tally man) and brought us to almost see him as a man but wasn't afraid to end the book with the reality of the crimes committed by obadiah stark.and their consequences.
Honestly the best book I've read in a few years.
I only hope this book gets the exposure it needs and that I get to see it on the big screen soon.
Excellent.
March 18, 2015
From the beginning I was wondering - where is this book going? How could this be possible? What's going on?! It kept me hooked throughout the whole book. Obadiah's character was so compelling and dark - there were no limits to him which I love about antagonists. What he had done in his life was disturbing, it added to how gruesome he was as a character.
The unanswered questions this book poses kept me gripped, and in the end I was blown away by the conclusion.
This is an original book which has a kind of Vanilla Sky feel about it, the story is compelling and unique and keeps you guessing right until the end.
Amazing debut novel!
The unanswered questions this book poses kept me gripped, and in the end I was blown away by the conclusion.
This is an original book which has a kind of Vanilla Sky feel about it, the story is compelling and unique and keeps you guessing right until the end.
Amazing debut novel!
March 11, 2016
I really wanted to like this book. When Maxine (thank you!) sent me a copy I read all those enthusatc reviews and expected something special and thrilling.
It is special in the way it is written. The basic idea is unique. But the parallel stories of Joe and Obadiah took too long to come together and I couldn't really relate to neither of them.
The interspersed clinical report seemed always to interrupt the flow.
Perhaps I've just read too many serial killer stories to be shocked by Obadiah's actions and the discussions about nature vs. nutrition, death penalty, justice in the eyes of relatives and friends were not convincing to me.
It is special in the way it is written. The basic idea is unique. But the parallel stories of Joe and Obadiah took too long to come together and I couldn't really relate to neither of them.
The interspersed clinical report seemed always to interrupt the flow.
Perhaps I've just read too many serial killer stories to be shocked by Obadiah's actions and the discussions about nature vs. nutrition, death penalty, justice in the eyes of relatives and friends were not convincing to me.
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