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This was an incredibly short and to-the-point horror novel. I appreciated how (for the most part) direct the storytelling was, and how easily the plot moved along. There were some parts I felt that were over-explained which added seemingly unimportant details and dived away from plot. There was a lot of missing “whys” as well, which is just a personal pet peeve of mine. I fully get it was most likely done to keep an air of mystery but it’s frustrating me as a reader when we aren’t privy to it all. Especially as the “event” was never fully explored as to what could have caused it to happen.
The horror presented in this is classic paranormal. I was honestly left feeling let down by how cookie-cutter it was and how the shock effect quickly wore off. What I did find interesting was the significance of religion in both fighting the paranormal and the general background of the plot as well.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own opinions.
I was not expecting the humor in the story and I really enjoyed it. There were times where the description of events dragged a bit, but I was still wanting to keep reading so that says a lot in my books.
The illustrations also helped to pull me back into the story.
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Oy, vey iz mir!
I really wanted to enjoy this short read, but unfortunately, it wasn’t to my liking. While the main premise was intriguing, I found the execution to be lacking.
I liked the behavior of Zippy and the gross humor in this story. However, I believe the author needs to conduct more thorough research regarding the languages he used.
For instance, there were a few phrases that were inaccurately translated, which detracted from my enjoyment of the book. I guess Google Translate might have been used, which unfortunately marred the reading experience for me.
On a positive note, I enjoyed the few illustrations in this book - a nice gimmick!
Also, the open ending was well-executed.
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Rue Rosco 13 by Eddie Russell
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
Genre: Horror, Mystery & Thriller, Literary Fiction.
"I am not hallucinating, I am Not" , "Agnes is lying sideways on top of the cabinet, staring malevolently at the both of us".
Two middle aged cousins Eric and Bernie find themselves in an unforeseen situation. At the dead of the night bernie phoned eric, to inform that his mother Agnes had unexpectedly taken ill. Amidst the call, Bernie was attacked by his mother who had suddenly became violent and speaking gibberish.
Eric swiflty made his way to Bernie's, only to find bernie severely wounded and Agnes lying on top of a tall cabinet. Taken aghast by the current situation, eric tries different ways to get the 80 year old women off the cabinet, while tending to his wounded cousin. Their desperate attempts to get Agnes in control turn futile and only aggravated her more.
Believing that Agnes has been possessed by a demon and pertaining to Agnes' Jewish roots, they decided to ask a Rabbi for help. As time passes by, Agnes turns more verbally and physically violent. How did agnes ended up in such mishap? How much more can a 80 year olds body can take? Is she really possessed or is it an outburst of insanity due to dementia? Get "Rue Rosco 13" and find out.
It's a Novella of 100 pages, A short, comedic and interestingly light read. Featuring two middle aged characters and an 80 year old women as the lead makes it more contrasting and eye catching than the usual YA lead characters. Less characters, small plot and humorous narration certainly made it an awesome read. Rue Rosco 13 is a second novel of Eddie Russell, unfortunately I didn't get to read the first one. Story ended up on a cliffhanger, indicating that there is more. Which has left me wondering, "now what?". Definitely a must read for Horror and Mystery Thriller genre lovers. Although, its A and NC rated. Clearly, not for kids.
I got this Book as a Free ARC from NetGalley. Thank you to both #Netgalley and writer #EddieRussel.
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I enjoyed this quick read. However I felt that the middle was skimmed over and that made it feel anticlimactic.
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First off, thank you to NetGalley for this book.
I gave this a three star because I appreciate the approach of the book, and I loved that there were illustrations, however, the book fell a bit short for me. I would have loved a bit more backstory on the possession itself. Secondly, the pacing was just very odd. I did like the religious context in this book, and the characters were almost interesting. It did fall short of my expectations, but I did really enjoy the premise at least!
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I read Rue Rosco 13 after receiving an email request to review it. I don't often accept random review requests, but this cover and the fact it was horror caught my attention.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the complimentary e-book edition of the book.
"The call came in just after midnight."
Rue Rosco 13 is a story about Eric Meisinger helping his cousin Bernie whose mother is possessed by a demon. Eric persuades Bernie to seek out help from the local rabbi and priest. Will they be able to save his mother, Agnes?
This satiric horror novella created creepy imagery in my mind and made me laugh. With inspirations taken from the exorcist, this was an okay story for me. I loved the artwork.
Some parts didn't make sense to. Why did this happen to Agnes? The explanation of why Bernie didn't call the police didn't feel believable to me. Then they left and went out to eat in the middle of it? There are weird time/pacing issues (a phone conversation we read about doesn't have much dialogue but is somehow 2.5 hours long). There is drunk driving with no consequences and no one calls them out on it.
This story also fails the Bechdel Test. I didn't like the portrayal of women.
I don't think I'll be reading anything by Eddie Russell again. This one wasn't for me.
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I just really didn’t enjoy this. I loved the pictures like the graphic art but the story was flat. I just feel like it could have been something more.
Thanks to Netgalley and Grumpy Cat Press for this ARC.
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I was really excited to read this one, particularly because it was a possession story from a jewish perspective, or so I thought. While the possessed character was Jewish and that backstory was somewhat relevant to the plot this was *not* a Jewish based take on a possession story and I was utterly disappointed.
That being said, this is a very fast paced creepy novella- A bit gross in a few points, but it did keep my attention from beginning to end. While I liked the art- it reminded me more of the style you'd see in Hardy boys books, and for me didn't really fit the tone of this book. I think this one could've been a lot better if it was a full length novel.
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This was a short book but i absolutely love the Genre. By far my favorite so i was excited to receive a copy to read and review.
The writing was interesting and was on the dark side, which is awesome. Will read more by this author.
Thanks NetGalley for letting me read and review.
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Very short story. I think it could’ve been better if it was longer. I did like how it had illustration in the book.
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Thank you NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this book ahead of time in exchange for a review. It didn't disappoint! Must read!!
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Thank you so much to NetGalley and Eddie Russell for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Rue Rosco 13. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This was a novella. It’s the first book I’ve read by this author, so I didn’t know what to expect. I love horror books, but I don’t think this book was quite for me. I thought the writing was interesting, but it was very dark. It was a little too graphic for me. It’s about a possession, but it wasn’t quite what I was expecting. I would check out other books by this author though.
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I'm rating this higher based on the excellent creepy illustrations, but I was disappointed overall. I think people don't realize that a shorter story actually has to work harder to make its point. This book kind of went along with what was really just an incident where a family is dealing with a possessed relative, only to be let down by the ending.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
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Book Review: "Rue Rosco 13" by Eddie Russell
Summary:
"Rue Rosco 13" by Eddie Russell unfolds in the vibrant streets of New Orleans, immersing readers in a tale of mystery and intrigue. The plot centers on the enigmatic Rue Rosco, a charismatic but elusive figure navigating the city's underbelly. As the narrative unfolds, we encounter a cast of compelling characters and witness the convergence of their destinies in the heart of the French Quarter. The setting becomes a character in itself, with the rich cultural backdrop of New Orleans intricately woven into the story.
Thoughts and Feelings:
Russell's writing style is a tapestry of vivid descriptions and nuanced storytelling. The characters are multi-dimensional, each with their own motives and complexities. The pacing is dynamic, with moments of tension and introspection seamlessly interwoven. While the plot occasionally demands careful attention, it adds depth rather than confusion.
Language and Imagery:
Russell exhibits a mastery of language, painting scenes with evocative imagery that transports readers to the atmospheric streets of New Orleans. Memorable quotes and passages are sprinkled throughout, showcasing the author's ability to capture the essence of the setting and characters.
Emotional Impact:
"Rue Rosco 13" elicits a range of emotions, from the thrill of mystery to the resonance of human connection. Russell skillfully provokes thought on themes of identity, redemption, and the intricate dance between fate and free will. Certain moments are profoundly moving, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
Themes and Messages:
The novel subtly explores the complexity of human relationships and the impact of one's past on the present. It serves as a commentary on the diverse and layered culture of New Orleans, touching on societal issues with a delicate yet discerning hand.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
The strength lies in Russell's ability to craft a narrative that immerses readers in the soul of New Orleans. The characters' authenticity is commendable, though some may find the intricate plot challenging to follow at times. The atmospheric world-building, however, compensates for any minor complexities.
Recommendation:
"Rue Rosco 13" is recommended for readers who appreciate atmospheric mysteries set against culturally rich backdrops. Fans of character-driven stories with a touch of the enigmatic will find this novel particularly engaging. While it may require a degree of patience, the payoff is a deeply rewarding literary experience.
Comparison and Rating:
In comparison to Russell's previous works, "Rue Rosco 13" maintains the author's penchant for immersive storytelling. I would rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars. It stands out for its atmospheric world-building, authentic characters, and the exploration of complex themes within the context of a mystery.
Conclusion:
"Rue Rosco 13" is a captivating journey through the mysterious streets of New Orleans. Eddie Russell's ability to intertwine rich cultural elements with a compelling narrative makes this novel a noteworthy addition to the mystery genre. A must-read for those seeking an atmospheric and thought-provoking literary experience.
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Rue Rosco 13 had an interesting concept from start to finish but I feel like it was lacking something. You understand why the possession takes place, based on the backstop, and how they know it's a possession. But I felt like the exorcism itself was lacking. Either the priest was super powerful or the demon didn't really care at all. Either way, it was missing something.
I was kind of hoping for "The Exorcism" type exorcism based on what Agnes was doing prior to the priest coming, but it felt short.
Overall, the story was decent, just wished it had more indepth of the exorcism.
I personally loved the drawings that were included.
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I really enjoyed reading this book, it had a great overall fell in the genre. I enjoyed the horror to this book and that it had a great feel for a dark comedy. Eddie Russell has a great writing style overall and left me wanting more from the author.
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This was a novella length story of possession and exorcism. While I did enjoy the writing style, it was easy to read and fast paced, I was left really wanting more. I found the story to be lacking in depth and backstory so I was never really drawn in. I think there was a ton of potential to expand on the religious lore presented in the story as well as any backstory at all when it came to the characters. I really couldn't say if I liked the characters or not since I really had no real grasp of their motivations. Overall I am happy to have read the book and look forward to exploring more of what this author has to offer.
Thank you to Net Galley and he author for providing me with a copy of this book free of charge. I am leaving an honest review voluntarily.
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I enjoyed the fact this book took us away from the traditional Catholic exorcism. It was a quick dark somewhat comedic read. I wish there had been more back story on Agnes and Albert. Why was she targeted? I would definitely recommend this to someone looking for a quick read.
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This was quite the interesting take on a possession case. Then to figure out how to help get rid of it was also quite the tale, funny at moments. It was a quick read. And great for spooky season! Thank you Netgalley for allowing me access to the eARC.