Doughnuts, cops and death.

Or, "You're such a good boy, Jackson."

This is one of those occasional times when it would be helpful to have that extra bonus star rating for excellence, where it all comes together perfectly: story and narration et al.
The story is creepy from the very beginning: three friends find the murdered body of a girl from their school as they walk together through the woods..It's Autumn, in Apple, and every year there are murders in the autumn, in Apple. And have been for as long as anyone can remember.

Apple is the sort of small town everyone want to leave, little work, lots of drugs and poor areas, nearest biggish town an hour's drive away. Not many do leave, though. Two of the friends, Jackson and Annie, have planned to escape when they can, at least in their heads. The third youth is destined to follow on from his father as a local cop. Newie doesn't want to be a cop. And now it is Autumn again. No relief from the tensions at home, either: all three have dysfunctional families, especially Jackson.

Written in the first person from Jackson's point of view, the reader experiences all that he does, getting to know his friends, his hopes, fears, sadness and frustration as well as the town of Apple and his family. And lives through the murder days with him as he tries to make sense of what, and why, it's all happening again, just like every year. A good psychological horror thriller with clues along the way for those who can see them.
Narration by John Oak is superb, catching the nuances and emotion of the text without over emphasising anything but enhancing the mystery, the strangeness, the fear. An excellent performance throughout. The murder mystery might not be the most original but put into it's context and with Mr.Oak narrating, it becomes almost sublime.

My thanks to the rights holder of Bloody, Bloody Apple, who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy, via Audiobook Boom. If you like your books creepy then this is definitely for you. Highly recommended.

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Excellent Halloween Listen!

This book was not at all what I expected! Gory dark twists and turns and characters that have lots to like. My favourite character was Old Nick because the narrator read him so well. The story was excellent and the narration excellent with a nice accent and a voice that’s easy on the ears. I will listen to this one again! Highly recommended!

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Deliciously creepy

This is a deliciously creepy story expertly told by this narrator who’s voice suited the theme well.
The story centres around 3 friends all with personal problems of their own living in the town of Apple where every year in the Autumn grisly murders occur.
The storyline was different, creepy and had a fantastic twist! As for the end, I need to see if there’s another book that follows this one.

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