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2B
“When your ex wants you dead, they will take you to the grave with them!”
When two passionate lovers fall out, the results can be deadly. Berkley Simmons died … for five minutes.
Berkley woke up to find himself in the hospital. He discovered that his ex is dead after a failed murder/suicide attempt. With nowhere else to go, Berkley must return to the apartment where it all happened. It doesn’t take long for Berkley to begin to suspect that his ex never left the apartment, and still wants him dead.
When two passionate lovers fall out, the results can be deadly. Berkley Simmons died … for five minutes.
Berkley woke up to find himself in the hospital. He discovered that his ex is dead after a failed murder/suicide attempt. With nowhere else to go, Berkley must return to the apartment where it all happened. It doesn’t take long for Berkley to begin to suspect that his ex never left the apartment, and still wants him dead.
155 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2021
10 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 7, 2025
This was a fairly fun spin on a traditional haunting situation. It moves very quickly and is a short read, but touches on all the right notes. Berkley is a good character to follow, and his supporting cast are all entertaining, too. The initial, troubled interaction between Kevin and Berkley kind of caught me off guard, and it progressed in a bit of a surprising way, as well. Like you know things are bad, but did you expect them to get that much worse? But the journey had some genuinely creepy moments and you feel terrible for the unwanted events that plague our main character. But, again, his neighbor and friends bring some needed variety to everything, giving some lighter moments and proper support for Berkley. The conclusion of the story was not something I expected, but appreciated the twist, as the story would have been fairly bland if it didn't go that route. I did want a little more depth from Ernie and Kaitlin, but they were otherwise fleshed out in a satisfactory fashion. This is my second outing with Mark Allan Gunnells, and I'm enjoying the ride with this author so far.
June 17, 2021
Berkley Simmons, the main character, is a reader (he has great taste!) and he works in a bookstore which is so fun. Right away, I started getting strong, The Invisible Man, vibes. Berkley and his ex had a toxic relationship and when he ended things, his ex did not take it well.
A violent encounter leaves both men dead (not a spoiler), except Berkley's neighbor saves his life. When Berkley finally comes back to his apartment, the traumatic experience lingers--but also, strange things begin happening.
I love how the author developed the MC's friend group: Ernie, Sasha, and Zane. The different ways they support Berkley added so much depth to the way Gunnells was able to flesh out Berkley's feelings about what had happened through his interactions and conversations with his friends.
My favorite scene was game night with the whole friend group--the dynamic was so entertaining.
It was also fucking scary. I'm serious. I don't like Ouija boards. Great execution on delivering chills.
As the story progresses and grows in intensity, my investment in certain characters developed--especially Ernie and Sasha.
I'm recommending this book to fans who like hauntings, authentic relationships, character-driven scenarios to move the story along, dynamic friendships, the paranormal, Ouija boards, and unique plot developments. I loved this. (In fact, I'm changing my rating to 5 stars because I just realized how much I'm going to miss my fictional friends. Can there be a part 2?!)
A unique take on the good ol' fashioned haunted house trope, but that's not all! It's also infused perfectly with a ghost story. I love how Gunnells made this his own world by his rules.
A violent encounter leaves both men dead (not a spoiler), except Berkley's neighbor saves his life. When Berkley finally comes back to his apartment, the traumatic experience lingers--but also, strange things begin happening.
I love how the author developed the MC's friend group: Ernie, Sasha, and Zane. The different ways they support Berkley added so much depth to the way Gunnells was able to flesh out Berkley's feelings about what had happened through his interactions and conversations with his friends.
My favorite scene was game night with the whole friend group--the dynamic was so entertaining.
It was also fucking scary. I'm serious. I don't like Ouija boards. Great execution on delivering chills.
As the story progresses and grows in intensity, my investment in certain characters developed--especially Ernie and Sasha.
I'm recommending this book to fans who like hauntings, authentic relationships, character-driven scenarios to move the story along, dynamic friendships, the paranormal, Ouija boards, and unique plot developments. I loved this. (In fact, I'm changing my rating to 5 stars because I just realized how much I'm going to miss my fictional friends. Can there be a part 2?!)
A unique take on the good ol' fashioned haunted house trope, but that's not all! It's also infused perfectly with a ghost story. I love how Gunnells made this his own world by his rules.
September 12, 2021
Berkley's relationship break up ends badly with his boyfriend Kevin trying to drown him in the bathtub and almost succeeding save for the timely arrival of Berkley’s neighbor Ernie. Berkley ends up in hospital, and Kevin, the boyfriend, commits suicide in the said bathroom. That is all in the first few pages of Gunnell's ‘2B’. At least the worst is over, or is it? Berkley, not having enough money to change apartments, is forced to return to that same apartment where it appears that Kevin’s spirit is waiting to take Berkley with him.
The writing is good and the story is engaging. I finished it in one sitting and will certainly read more of this author. A thoroughly enjoyable short read!
The writing is good and the story is engaging. I finished it in one sitting and will certainly read more of this author. A thoroughly enjoyable short read!
March 1, 2021
A Different Kind of Haunting
My first experience reading Mark Allen Gunnells was picking up a copy of ‘A Laymon Kind of Night’, way back in 2012. This short, fun book of Richard Laymon inspired short stories was a solid introduction but I’m ashamed to say it has taken me this long to pick up a second book by the author. It seems like I now have a big bibliography to catch up on if 2 B is any indication of what I’ve been missing out on.
Berkley has been in a relationship with Kevin for several months, but things are just not working out. Breaking up by text message may not have been a good idea, but leaving Kevin with a spare key to the apartment was far worse. Kevin has not taken the break-up well and after a traumatic encounter in the sanctuary that is his apartment, Berkley finds himself struggling to move on from a truly life-changing event.
When Berkley returns from the hospital, his empty apartment feels different. He feels different. Unexplainable events are taking place, small things at first, but as things begin to escalate and his close group of friends begin to notice the strange goings-on, Berkley soon becomes convinced that his ex may have some unfinished business with him.
What stuck with me the most after reading 2 B is how unpredictable the whole book was. The story, on the face of it, sounds like a straightforward haunted house novel. We are even given a lot of information upfront about who it is that would be haunting Berkley, and why. This seemingly predictable setup lulls the reader into a false sense of familiarity, before subverting expectations and going in surprising new directions at every turn. This is no ordinary haunting, and the second you think you know what’s coming, Gunnells pulls the rug out from under you and throws something unexpected into the mix.
Although the story is overtly supernatural, it is also a very effective character study of somebody who experiences a severely traumatic event and is trying to come to terms with their ‘new normal’ in the wake of it. The haunting is effectively tense and genuinely scary, but it also reveals a great deal about Berkley’s state of mind following a terrible event at the book’s outset. It adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already effective horror novel.
Speaking of Berkley, he was a fantastic lead, buoyed further by an excellent supporting cast. He is a likeable but flawed protagonist, relatable and three dimensional. I also enjoyed the time spent with Sasha and Zane, both of whom offer friendship and support to Berkley in very different capacities and their different personalities and reactions to the events of the book open up a lot of possibilities with the story.
2 B is a compellingly haunting book, shifting tone effortlessly between heart-warming, touching, funny, disturbing and downright frightening. The plot is devious in its unpredictability and ingenious with its unexpected but perfect ending. This is a novel you’ll want to devour in a single sitting.
You can read more reviews of new and upcoming horror releases at https://www.myindiemuse.com/category/...
I also promote indie horror via Twitter - @RickReadsHorror
My first experience reading Mark Allen Gunnells was picking up a copy of ‘A Laymon Kind of Night’, way back in 2012. This short, fun book of Richard Laymon inspired short stories was a solid introduction but I’m ashamed to say it has taken me this long to pick up a second book by the author. It seems like I now have a big bibliography to catch up on if 2 B is any indication of what I’ve been missing out on.
Berkley has been in a relationship with Kevin for several months, but things are just not working out. Breaking up by text message may not have been a good idea, but leaving Kevin with a spare key to the apartment was far worse. Kevin has not taken the break-up well and after a traumatic encounter in the sanctuary that is his apartment, Berkley finds himself struggling to move on from a truly life-changing event.
When Berkley returns from the hospital, his empty apartment feels different. He feels different. Unexplainable events are taking place, small things at first, but as things begin to escalate and his close group of friends begin to notice the strange goings-on, Berkley soon becomes convinced that his ex may have some unfinished business with him.
What stuck with me the most after reading 2 B is how unpredictable the whole book was. The story, on the face of it, sounds like a straightforward haunted house novel. We are even given a lot of information upfront about who it is that would be haunting Berkley, and why. This seemingly predictable setup lulls the reader into a false sense of familiarity, before subverting expectations and going in surprising new directions at every turn. This is no ordinary haunting, and the second you think you know what’s coming, Gunnells pulls the rug out from under you and throws something unexpected into the mix.
Although the story is overtly supernatural, it is also a very effective character study of somebody who experiences a severely traumatic event and is trying to come to terms with their ‘new normal’ in the wake of it. The haunting is effectively tense and genuinely scary, but it also reveals a great deal about Berkley’s state of mind following a terrible event at the book’s outset. It adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already effective horror novel.
Speaking of Berkley, he was a fantastic lead, buoyed further by an excellent supporting cast. He is a likeable but flawed protagonist, relatable and three dimensional. I also enjoyed the time spent with Sasha and Zane, both of whom offer friendship and support to Berkley in very different capacities and their different personalities and reactions to the events of the book open up a lot of possibilities with the story.
2 B is a compellingly haunting book, shifting tone effortlessly between heart-warming, touching, funny, disturbing and downright frightening. The plot is devious in its unpredictability and ingenious with its unexpected but perfect ending. This is a novel you’ll want to devour in a single sitting.
You can read more reviews of new and upcoming horror releases at https://www.myindiemuse.com/category/...
I also promote indie horror via Twitter - @RickReadsHorror
January 4, 2022
Chills. Full body chills. I experienced something different reading this book from what I usually feel when reading before, especially as it relates to hauntings/ghosts. 2B by Mark Allan Gunnells had me totally invested in our characters and the plot, which made the creepy factor get dialed up a bit. I was trying to read this on my dimly lit Kindle in bed as to not rouse my sleeping husband, but I was getting freaked out in the dark with nothing but the wind howling outside and the heater kicking on and off.
What would you do if you woke up in a hospital and learned your ex was dead after a botched murder/suicide attempt? How does a situation like that even happen? Sounds like a toxic relationship that will literally never end, crossing over into the afterlife. What friends and resources will you have afterwards to help you cope and understand this trauma? Add to that there are strange goings on in your apartment like freshly written suicide notes, writings on the foggy mirror, blankets that try to choke you, Ouija boards flying, lights flickering, and an overall nasty presence lingering.
I can't love this story more than I do - it's great! Aside from all the spooky factors, Gunnells has written some extraordinary and interesting characters. Gunnells is a massive champion for diversity and his characters reflect that. They are diverse and authentic, and I found myself really sympathizing with their plights and frustrations, as well as wishing I could hang out with them or talk to them in real life. All of this makes the ending that much more impactful to me.
Gunnells also tackles emotional and physical abuse on a few levels in a way that's not exploitative or for shock value. There's even exploration into psychosexual behavior that I found quite interesting. This novella just has so many wonderful things all happening and being examined at once... it's incredible how Gunnells brings everything together for such a wonderful, creepy, emotional story.
Wow. What a ride. I will definitely be thinking about this one for a long time.
What would you do if you woke up in a hospital and learned your ex was dead after a botched murder/suicide attempt? How does a situation like that even happen? Sounds like a toxic relationship that will literally never end, crossing over into the afterlife. What friends and resources will you have afterwards to help you cope and understand this trauma? Add to that there are strange goings on in your apartment like freshly written suicide notes, writings on the foggy mirror, blankets that try to choke you, Ouija boards flying, lights flickering, and an overall nasty presence lingering.
I can't love this story more than I do - it's great! Aside from all the spooky factors, Gunnells has written some extraordinary and interesting characters. Gunnells is a massive champion for diversity and his characters reflect that. They are diverse and authentic, and I found myself really sympathizing with their plights and frustrations, as well as wishing I could hang out with them or talk to them in real life. All of this makes the ending that much more impactful to me.
Gunnells also tackles emotional and physical abuse on a few levels in a way that's not exploitative or for shock value. There's even exploration into psychosexual behavior that I found quite interesting. This novella just has so many wonderful things all happening and being examined at once... it's incredible how Gunnells brings everything together for such a wonderful, creepy, emotional story.
Wow. What a ride. I will definitely be thinking about this one for a long time.
April 16, 2021
A decent ghost story that has all the familiar tropes but does them well. What I liked the most was the characters, the believable dialogue, and how real it all felt. The twist at the end was decent but I did think there was gonna be a nasty twist to hit me on the last page that didn't come to be. Very enjoyable.
February 15, 2021
I love a well-told ghost story and Mark Allan Gunnells doesn't disappoint with this short, but original take on the form. A gripping tale that just might force you to read in one sitting, 2B is full of interesting and sympathetic characters and a palpable sense of dread as the tension and mystery rise. And watch out for the surprising, but ultimately very logical and fulfilling climax and denouement.
March 5, 2021
2B is an excellent ghost story with just the right amount of invention to set it apart. Its small cast of characters all feel real and their methods of dealing with the events of the story, their reactions, are so convincingly rendered that you get a deeper understanding of what they’re going through. This ups the stakes and makes the twists of the plot resonate harder.
Additionally, the prose is very conversational and laidback (which I love), and it makes 2B all the more readable and engaging.
2B delivers the ghostly frights without forgetting its realistic, engaging characters that makes for good horror. Highly recommended.
Additionally, the prose is very conversational and laidback (which I love), and it makes 2B all the more readable and engaging.
2B delivers the ghostly frights without forgetting its realistic, engaging characters that makes for good horror. Highly recommended.
September 5, 2024
An enjoyable, creepy different take on a haunting. It was well written and mysterious enough to keep me engaged. Quite emotional and I wasn't quite sure where the story was leading. Never guessed the end. Good job.
December 4, 2024
This book is scary. And probably dangerous or triggering for some. Can't recommend it. But it was really good!
March 23, 2021
Wow another really great read from Valhalla Books!
One of my favorite first pieces of Mark's writing I was introduced to was his story in The Devil's Due: Nothing Is Ever As It Seems: Horror dark spec fiction anthology called "Genevieve and the Owl". I was immediately drawn to it then for it's way of dropping you into the story, where the character brings you with them. Also, Mark Allan Gunnells loves his twist endings. 2B is no exception.
Mark's writing is very heartfelt and immersive. 2B was a very fast paced read, I finished it within a day. The story opens right in the recovery stage of a horrible event, we are thrown right into the thick of it. Something major went down, and we get into more action immediately with this ghostly tale. But this is so much more than a haunted house story. Berkley is a survivor of a murder attempt...by his ex-boyfriend Kevin. When he arrives home, the paranormal activity immediately begins, and Berkley knows who is behind it. This ghost isn't ready to break up just yet. Berkley begins to uncover more truths about Kevin's past, as he is coming to terms with his own feelings of surviving, though Berkley doesn't see it that way.
I really loved the inclusion of such an array of characters and personalities, especially where queer characters take up the majority of people in the story. Mark writes his characters richly. We know Berkley's deepest thoughts, and I found myself relating to him. He isn't perfect, but he is well rounded out by his friends; Sasha and Zane, as well as his neighbor Ernie. Right when I thought I had the story figured out, Gunnells throws a twist in, and I would have to start from scratch, theorizing about all I had read up to that point. I would have loved for this book to have kept going. I was so invested in all of the characters, and that is because the writing was so great. I will always read anything that this author writes. He is just that good.
I would definitely recommend this book to people who love ghost stories and hauntings, as well as fans of psychological horror, Fatal Attraction, LGBTQ literature and also books about exorcisms! Thank you so much to Adam Messer for sending me this book as a treat!
You can find more of my reviewing here at ScareTissue:
https://www.scaretissue.com/author/th...
You can also find me on Twitter here:
https://twitter.com/itsweevildead
One of my favorite first pieces of Mark's writing I was introduced to was his story in The Devil's Due: Nothing Is Ever As It Seems: Horror dark spec fiction anthology called "Genevieve and the Owl". I was immediately drawn to it then for it's way of dropping you into the story, where the character brings you with them. Also, Mark Allan Gunnells loves his twist endings. 2B is no exception.
Mark's writing is very heartfelt and immersive. 2B was a very fast paced read, I finished it within a day. The story opens right in the recovery stage of a horrible event, we are thrown right into the thick of it. Something major went down, and we get into more action immediately with this ghostly tale. But this is so much more than a haunted house story. Berkley is a survivor of a murder attempt...by his ex-boyfriend Kevin. When he arrives home, the paranormal activity immediately begins, and Berkley knows who is behind it. This ghost isn't ready to break up just yet. Berkley begins to uncover more truths about Kevin's past, as he is coming to terms with his own feelings of surviving, though Berkley doesn't see it that way.
I really loved the inclusion of such an array of characters and personalities, especially where queer characters take up the majority of people in the story. Mark writes his characters richly. We know Berkley's deepest thoughts, and I found myself relating to him. He isn't perfect, but he is well rounded out by his friends; Sasha and Zane, as well as his neighbor Ernie. Right when I thought I had the story figured out, Gunnells throws a twist in, and I would have to start from scratch, theorizing about all I had read up to that point. I would have loved for this book to have kept going. I was so invested in all of the characters, and that is because the writing was so great. I will always read anything that this author writes. He is just that good.
I would definitely recommend this book to people who love ghost stories and hauntings, as well as fans of psychological horror, Fatal Attraction, LGBTQ literature and also books about exorcisms! Thank you so much to Adam Messer for sending me this book as a treat!
You can find more of my reviewing here at ScareTissue:
https://www.scaretissue.com/author/th...
You can also find me on Twitter here:
https://twitter.com/itsweevildead
April 7, 2021
Gunnells proves himself a skilled storyteller of paranormal horror with his latest book 2B. He creates characters whose lives readers want to learn about. With these characters, he develops relationships that seem very much like the real-life connections we experience. He also explores some of the more unpleasant sides of human existence: abuse, trauma, abandonment, unrequited love, and death. Berkley, the book's protagonist, meets with a rather terrible and life-changing event that gives birth to a paranormal presence. He is then haunted and terrorized by this presence until it all comes to a head, giving the reader an ending with somewhat of a twist.
April 2, 2021
I rather enjoyed 2 B --- a short, yet satisfying novel of supernatural suspense. Horror simply does not effect a reader on any meaningful level unless one feels empathy for the characters. If there's one thing Mark Allan Gunnells is especially skilled at, it's making us empathize.
The climax was a bit quiet in comparison to the rest of the book, I felt, but the premise was so unique that I hardly minded.
The climax was a bit quiet in comparison to the rest of the book, I felt, but the premise was so unique that I hardly minded.
May 16, 2021
This is my first experience with Gunnells' long form fiction, after being a fan of his short stories for some time. It certainly won't be my last. A haunting with a difference (and I dare not say more on that for fear of spoilers), what really makes this book is the wonderfully realised cast of characters and the easy interactions between them. A short, great fun read.
April 11, 2021
A well told ghost story with a few twists to keep you guessing. Gunnels’ gives life to his characters with honest dialogue and real reactions to incredible situations. Very entertaining.
March 22, 2021
_2B_ by Mark Allan Gunnells receives four stars from me. I enjoyed it, but disclaimer here. I've only recently started to read horror. Keep that in mind.
For me, the prose has an ease and a lightness that pulls the reader into the story. I found myself reading and not noticing the time, and only putting the book down because it was late and I did have to sleep. I found it easy to pick up and continue. This is not a spoiler, but the story is a ghost or a haunting story. However, Gunnells does step outside the typical haunting story, which I liked. I liked his interpretation of the ghost genre. I think that readers of horror will enjoy that as well.
What did I like most about the novella? I liked that the side characters are given enough space that they are full characters (Sasha with her current relationship, her background, for example). I liked Gunnells take on the ghost / haunting story. I felt his choices were smart in this regard. I like the main character and felt disturbed by the situation he was in. I loved the start of the novella and how it put me on edge--why is he in the hospital? What is going on? Is he in danger?
Recommended: if you like horror or ghost / haunting stories, absolutely yes. If you are not a big fan of the horror genre, this might be good for you to try out the genre. If you want to get ahead on your yearly goal and need something short to read, this is a good one. You can read it fast and get a lot of it.
For me, the prose has an ease and a lightness that pulls the reader into the story. I found myself reading and not noticing the time, and only putting the book down because it was late and I did have to sleep. I found it easy to pick up and continue. This is not a spoiler, but the story is a ghost or a haunting story. However, Gunnells does step outside the typical haunting story, which I liked. I liked his interpretation of the ghost genre. I think that readers of horror will enjoy that as well.
What did I like most about the novella? I liked that the side characters are given enough space that they are full characters (Sasha with her current relationship, her background, for example). I liked Gunnells take on the ghost / haunting story. I felt his choices were smart in this regard. I like the main character and felt disturbed by the situation he was in. I loved the start of the novella and how it put me on edge--why is he in the hospital? What is going on? Is he in danger?
Recommended: if you like horror or ghost / haunting stories, absolutely yes. If you are not a big fan of the horror genre, this might be good for you to try out the genre. If you want to get ahead on your yearly goal and need something short to read, this is a good one. You can read it fast and get a lot of it.
March 11, 2021
So if you’ve read a few ghost stories, you’ve read em all right? Wrong! 2B will draw you in from chapter 1. It’s supernatural fiction, but unlike anything I’ve ever read. The old tired tropes don’t apply here. It wasn’t predictable in any way. It’s an extremely refreshing modern take on a ghost/haunting story. You will fall in love with these well fleshed out characters who all feel very real and very relatable, especially the protagonist Berkley. A few chapters in you might feel like you’ve got the story figured, but you’re terribly mistaken. Enjoy 😉
June 23, 2024
A creepy little haunting story that makes perfect sense by the time you get to the end. After a violent beginning, friends, some that don’t know each other yet, come together as a group, to help Berkley, the main character. They are a lovely bunch. Little morsels of information that are uncovered bit by bit, have you saying oooh, okay, oooh okay. As an added detail, I liked that a couple of people worked at a bookstore, and also the mention of several horror books.
March 31, 2021
This author understands how to use tropes and then turn them on their head. You have a very creepy ghost story, one with mounting dread from the first page, that all leads to a truly devastating conclusion. I highly recommend picking this one up!
February 24, 2021
2B is a gripping, dark and fresh take on the ghost story formula.
With each page, the prose makes you eager to keep reading and discover what’s going to happen next. The book is short, and can easily be read in one sitting but leaves no questions unanswered. So although the story is contained, there is no room for filler which makes every chapter significant. Gunnells’ pacing is spot on.
All the characters in the story are fully formed, and intriguing. There’s a relevance to all the characters which makes you care about everything they do. The plant and payoff is unexpected, and you’ll find yourself surprised by the twists in the tale.
2B is one of the most original books I’ve read in a while, and one that I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
With each page, the prose makes you eager to keep reading and discover what’s going to happen next. The book is short, and can easily be read in one sitting but leaves no questions unanswered. So although the story is contained, there is no room for filler which makes every chapter significant. Gunnells’ pacing is spot on.
All the characters in the story are fully formed, and intriguing. There’s a relevance to all the characters which makes you care about everything they do. The plant and payoff is unexpected, and you’ll find yourself surprised by the twists in the tale.
2B is one of the most original books I’ve read in a while, and one that I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
February 25, 2021
Mark has a way of writing characters you feel like you've known your whole life, then he says, "Now watch what I'm going to do to them lmao."
March 17, 2021
Review coming soon to horrorbound.net
May 5, 2021
Mark thank you for writing this book. I love the whole story so much so that I didn’t see that ending. Made me laugh and also feel sad reading the book. What a wonderful journey. Trish.
June 27, 2021
Really enjoyed this novel. I thought it was a pretty clever take on ghost stories.
June 18, 2022
Still trying to process this quick read. It was paranormal, contained violence, and abuse. Never heard of this author but plan on reading another of his books.
September 19, 2023
Imagine being haunted by an ex?? No thanks. Very spooky read though!!
June 20, 2024
I really liked this, and it has quite an ending!
May 21, 2021
A really interesting take on the hauted house story (or this case, appartment).
While it rides on some of the traditional tropes of a haunting, it does it well, and still managed to do something fresh and interesting with it too.
So What do you do if you're in a violent relationship? You get out. That's what what Berkley does at the first sign of Kevin'd violence. But Kevin's fr more deeply troubled than Berkley ever realised, and by the time he realises it, it's almost too late. Kevin's not going to take no for an answer, but his attempted murder-suicide is thwarted when Berkley's neighbour, Ernie, revives Berkley.
You might consider that a spoiler, but it's actually the starting point for this captivating novella.
Kevin might be dead, but that doesn't mean Berkley's off the hook, because once he gets out of hospital it's clear that something from beyond the grave wants to make that that's where he ends up.
The writing's sharp, often surprising, the characters are strong, and overall I really liked it.
While it rides on some of the traditional tropes of a haunting, it does it well, and still managed to do something fresh and interesting with it too.
So What do you do if you're in a violent relationship? You get out. That's what what Berkley does at the first sign of Kevin'd violence. But Kevin's fr more deeply troubled than Berkley ever realised, and by the time he realises it, it's almost too late. Kevin's not going to take no for an answer, but his attempted murder-suicide is thwarted when Berkley's neighbour, Ernie, revives Berkley.
You might consider that a spoiler, but it's actually the starting point for this captivating novella.
Kevin might be dead, but that doesn't mean Berkley's off the hook, because once he gets out of hospital it's clear that something from beyond the grave wants to make that that's where he ends up.
The writing's sharp, often surprising, the characters are strong, and overall I really liked it.
April 11, 2021
A ghost story about a young gay protagonist, a bookseller, who believes his apartment is haunted by a former lover who shot himself after trying to murder him in his bathroom. This novella has fully-realized characters, an informal prose style reminiscent of Stephen King, several familiar haunted house tropes (scenes with a ouija board and a medium, for instance), a breathless pace, a bit of gay sex, and a nice plot twist at the end. Despite minor inconsistencies and an indistinguishable locale, 2 B is an enjoyable and well-executed ghost story for LGBTQ readers. I read it in one rainy evening.
For my full review of this book and other haunted house novels, see https://bit.ly/34O7Zck.
For my full review of this book and other haunted house novels, see https://bit.ly/34O7Zck.
February 26, 2021
Mark Allan Gunnells' newest novel is a dark tale of murderous obsession, a dark twisted love, and lover who cannot let go, even after he blows his brains out.
Berkley Simmons picked the wrong boyfriend. When he breaks up, he finds out that Kevin is determined not to let him go. He haunts Berkley with phone calls and texts and finally in person. If Kevin can't have Berkley then nobody can. Kevin drowns him in the tub and then blows his brains out. "When your ex wants you dead, they will take you to the grave with them" (back cover).
The obsession doesn't seem to there. It looks Kevin is haunting Berkley, determined to that Berkley be with him in death. Berkley, helped by his best friend, Sasha, and his boss, Zane, does everything can to free himself from this dark spirit. Doing so turns out to be quite complicated
I wish this well-written novel had been longer. Dark, compelling, the story kept me turning the pages.
Well done.
Berkley Simmons picked the wrong boyfriend. When he breaks up, he finds out that Kevin is determined not to let him go. He haunts Berkley with phone calls and texts and finally in person. If Kevin can't have Berkley then nobody can. Kevin drowns him in the tub and then blows his brains out. "When your ex wants you dead, they will take you to the grave with them" (back cover).
The obsession doesn't seem to there. It looks Kevin is haunting Berkley, determined to that Berkley be with him in death. Berkley, helped by his best friend, Sasha, and his boss, Zane, does everything can to free himself from this dark spirit. Doing so turns out to be quite complicated
I wish this well-written novel had been longer. Dark, compelling, the story kept me turning the pages.
Well done.
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