Thank you NetGalley and William Michael Davidson for accepting my request to read and review Replenished.

Author: William Michael Davidson
Published: 11/01/22
Genre: General Fiction (Adult) -- Mystery & Thrillers

I'm torn between two ratings. On one hand, Stephen King flashed like a vacancy sign. On the other hand, possibly the author was influenced by King.

Then there is what I know: The story is too long and seems redundant. The energy the car provides loses steam from overuse. I appreciated and noticed, there was no profanity. In addition, I noticed and appreciated, the child was respectful. For these two reasons, I would look for future work by the author.

I liked the main male character, and thought he was well done. The main female character was not as solid for me. The ending took too long to make its point, and the final act I honestly didn't understand.

The story is not over-the-top, it's not bad, and it is an easy read.

An interesting idea, very well executed. The concept of consequences is at front of mind as you read and consider what price might be paid for this apparent supernatural benefit. I liked the writing style, too. This book is a terrific blend of reality and supernatural.

I’d categorise this as light horror/thriller. Entertaining and fun, but also unsettling, and surprisingly, emotional and deep. Add in lots of twists and turns, and this was a definite winner that I flew through in a day. Reminiscent of two Stephen King novels - Christine and Pet Sematary.

4+ stars.

That was certainly a very different read, I’m not sure what I was expecting but that wasn’t it. I’m not even sure what box to put it in - maybe some sort of speculative fiction? So it’s about a car with a mind of its own. Some readers may draw comparisons with Stephen King’s Christine but while I know of it I haven’t read it so I can’t comment. Also, this particular car - a 1969 black Corvette stingray in mint condition isn’t specifically evil. All it’s interventions are designed to protect its current owner.

It most recently fell into the hands of one Charlie Phoenix. But the book starts with Charlie on death row, about to be executed. Then we go back to how he got there which all started with the car.

After his wife walks out on him Charlie decides to indulge his mid-life crisis and buys the car, one he’s always wanted. He soon notices that this is no normal car. When the fuel runs low it magically replenishes itself. Damage to the exterior - no problem, it is fixed by the next morning! The car also seems to ‘heal’ people’s injuries or illnesses and improve interpersonal relationships. This is how Charlie gets to know his son again, they go for a few drives and - presto, they’re mates again. He decides to use the car for good purposes and help people.

But eventually all this is starting to freak Charlie out, it’s not normal is it? He becomes a little frightened of his car and tries to contact the previous owner but is told he is dead (although that is not necessarily cut and dried either). Then he tries to backtrack and find the car’s original owner which turns out to be quite difficult.

How does it work out for Charlie? You’ll have to read the book to find out. I really enjoyed this story because it’s quite different to anything else I’d read and I applaud the author for daring to go there. I had fun reading this. Many thanks to Netgalley and the author for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.

Title: Replenished
Author: William Michael Davidson
Publisher: By the Author
Genre: (Supernatural) Thriller
Pub Date: November 1, 2022
My Rating: 3.4 Stars

I used to be a big Stephen King fan and then switched to psychological thrillers. However, when I saw that this described as a combo of Pet Sematary and Christine two favs ~ I had to give it a try.
Plus I love the cover!!!

Charlie Phoenix tries to rebound after this wife leaves him with his dream car: a ‘69 Corvette Stingray. This Stingray has the ability to ‘replenish’ itself every time the fuel needle drops below E.
Charlie watches as the needle slowly returns to ‘F’.
Story starts with a Full Tank! SO get ready to enjoy this ride!

It seems this car has other replenish abilities as Charlie’s health issues have vanished, as well as his estranged relationship with his son seems to be just fine whenever they go for a drive together.

However, as time goes by there seems to be a dark side to this Stingray!

This certainly turned out to be a different read for me!!! I did enjoy it. I know car fans are going to love it!!!



Want to thank NetGalley and William Michael Davidson for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for November 1, 2022