Gilchrist: A Novel

My next read will definitely be this author's first novel. I was so impressed with not only how well written this story is, but also with how Mr. Galacar brought his characters to life. He wove a frightening tale of unpredictable suspense which I had difficulty putting aside even for a moment until I reached the end.

I really enjoyed Gilchrist, it featured otherwordly creatures, horror, and a well-written plot line. The novel weaves various story lines about particular people in Gilchrist and how they are affected by a gishest (sp?) a creature, that is unique and interesting. I also like how the novel took place in the 60's a time before cell phones and a lot of technology that I believe changes the horror landscape. If you enjoy reading Stephen King novels then you will probably like this.

I really enjoyed Gilchrist, it featured otherwordly creatures, horror, and a well-written plot line. The novel weaves various story lines about particular people in Gilchrist and how they are affected by a gishest (sp?) a creature, that is unique and interesting. I also like how the novel took place in the 60's a time before cell phones and a lot of technology that I believe changes the horror landscape. If you enjoy reading Stephen King novels then you will probably like this.

Very good read,but a few sidelines.I thought about all the deaths going on where really not needed.the church ordeal was a bad chapter,and found it out of place.th actions of people are always a burden upon themselves.evil is a wicked tool,that unfortunately,only GOD himself can stop.

Wow. Okay. I was not expecting this. Gilchrist is so much more than your run of the mill horror yarn. In fact, I might not even call it straight horror. Sure it has its elements of the supernatural, but not in a cheesy over-the-top way. These are some richly developed characters, coupled with a well plotted story that builds towards a shocking ending. If the author's first novel, Cicada Spring, brought you to Gilchrist, then definitely give this book a read.

Started slow, built up the characters. He could have had some help with that and a bit more about the monster to. A little drawn out but if it lost a few pages that would be ok. More monster development, what was it and why. He has the makings of a good horror author. He just have to find a bit of his own style and form. After saying all that, you did ok. I take a chance on another one or your books.

This book follows a small town and the tragedies that seem to follow it. There are many greatly developed characters and plot twists. I found this book to have a "Stephen King" feel to it. There were many plot lines that the reader has to follow and the story felt a little unfocused at times. This story would have been good as a trilogy so each of the authors amazing ideas could have been developed to their full potential. Overall I enjoy this story and can't wait for this authors next book.

Gilchrist is a small New England town which seems to have had more than its share of evil events. Peter, an author and his wife Sylvia have come here to get away after the loss of a child. They become increasingly aware of strange events and deaths occurring in Gilchrist. Good people seem to be doing bad things. What can be the source of evil in this town? Well, you'll just have to read this book to find out. Christian Galacar is a very good writer. His character development is excellent. You feel as if you know and care for (or dislike) the people in his books. When he describes a scene, I can almost see it in my head. This book definitely kept my interest through to the end. I'm looking forward to Mr. Galacar's next novel.

I hate to give this book only 2 stars, especially as the ideas, concepts, and plotlines were pretty decent, and because I don't want the author, Christian Galacar, to become discouraged. However, the dialog between most of the characters was cliché, wooden and downright boring, not to mention that it made me wonder if the author was being paid by the word for this book. As a long-time fan of King, Koontz, and Robert McCammon, I KNOW high-quality horror when I read it, and this book had no business being compared to those great authors of renown.
I believe that Mr. Galacar has the potential to become a great horror writer, so I hope he works harder to bring his characters/dialog to life, and to do this BEFORE comparing himself to Stephen King.
So, after finishing this book, I was ultimately left feeling very cheated and dissatisfied. The boy, Kevin? His story was teased, but then left undeveloped and unused. The 'creatures?' Unless there's a sequel in the works, I found them to be confusing and not very scary. Also, they seemed to be patterned after the 'Dementors' of Harry Potter fame, especially the church scene. Oh, well, one can only hope that the author can learn to map out his OWN territories, instead of borrowing character or monsters from other authors.

What could possibly go wrong in a nice quiet town like Gilchrist? Find out by reading Christian Galacar's new book. Just like his first book Cicada Spring, Gilchrist is full of interesting characters, a strong, fast-paced storyline, and a deep, chilling evil. As the story progresses, you will be drawn in to the nightmarish menace that is lurking in this small Massachusetts town. So lock your doors and keep the lights on, you are now entering Gilchrist where the population is rapidly decreasing.

GILCHRIST is the second novel by Christian Galacar (odd last name, probably a pseudonym) but the first one I read. I'll be reading more. The book's blurb (from a couple of early readers) says something to the effect that if you enjoy the works of Stephen King or Dean Koontz, you'll probably enjoy GILCHRIST. I agree. Much more King-like than many other novels said to be influenced by the master, GILCHRIST is at the same time, very clearly not STEPHEN KING. It is Galacar's own.

In 1966, author Peter and wife Sylvia, still reeling from the accidental loss of their 3 year old to defenestration, Sylvia's subsequent suicide attempt, and seemingly unable to conceive another child (although there is no medical reason) find themselves renting a small vacation house on a lake in MA in the small town of Gilchrist. Shady Cove, their summer rental seems perfect. The lake is beautiful and the townspeople nice, and everything is going along wonderfully. Until it's not. It doesn't take too long for Peter to discover that there is something off about the town. There is vague history of unexplained bad things happening. After the initial setup, and introduction of a handful of townspeople that are well drawn and exhibit consistent voices and personalities, another one of those bad things gets set in motion and the action starts. No spoilers here, but there is an increasing sense of unease on the part of the reader that builds to a pot-boiler climax and an excellent epilogue

The writing is good, and tight, and the 512 pages fly by like they do in a good SK novel. Yes there are elements that SK has also used before, but this is a totally original story and if anything, is not a copy or pastiche of KIng's best, but perhaps an homage.

Highly recommended

After losing their son in an accident two years ago, Peter Martell and his wife Sylvia are devastated to learn that they might never be able to have another child. Peter has been having strange dreams and remembers the name Gilchrist from them. Out driving one day, he sees a sign for a place called Gilchrist and goes to investigate. Whilst there, he decides that a nice stay in a lake house will hopefully help his marriage and rents a cabin. Once there strange things start happening and Peters life is about to change forever!

This was a slow burner. We start off by getting to know Peter and Sylvia, which I really liked because it made them easier to like and connect with. Then we see some of the characters of Gilchrist and get to know them too. We get to see that this place isn't what we thought it was and that something evil is in town! I liked that the characters are all fleshed out and we get a sense of who they are.

The plot was slow to start too, but right from the start, we get a sense that something is coming and it makes the anticipation climb. There are some twists and turns that I enjoyed too. I also enjoyed the setting of the small town and that it was set in the 60's, it made it feel like the old school horror books.

In all, this was a good read. At nearly 17 hours, it's quite long, but it didn't feel it. It took me three days to listen to, though I wanted to listen to it quicker because I wanted to see what was happening. An enjoyable listen and I'll have to check out more from this author.

Kevin Clay did a great job with this. He was clear and concise and had tones for each of the characters, the only reason it wasn't a five start from me was because I felt like he needed to work a bit on his inflections and cadences to bring the creepy atmosphere to life fully!!

I was given this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts

This story strikes close to home, thanks to the main character being a struggling author. Peter Martell needs a break. A break and a good story that offers a cure for his failing marriage. He's depressed from an accident very parents dreads and his excessive drinking with only exacerbates the near toxic situation. Just when there seems to be nothing that can raise him from his never-ending plunge into chaos he finds Gilchrist. A simple, little town.
Or is it?
Cue the orchestral Dun Dun Duuuun! Gilchrist, by Christian Galacar, is one of those stories you’re immediately absorbed into. You like Peter and you want him to catch a stroke of luck. But the town he decides to visit, for a getaway with is wife, simply isn’t the place to be. Gilchrist isn’t safe. Strange accidents take place and people disappear. The residents seem fine but they know something’s awry. It’s not until Peter discovers a manuscript that seems to describe his miserable life, in detail, that things take a turn for the absolute worst.

Written with otherworldly mystery and totally insane characters that rise from the pages, Gilchrist is one of those books I could have finished in hours instead of days (busy schedule). The bizarre events that unfold lead you to a cause so science fiction, you wonder exactly what genre this book is supposed to sit in. The violent deaths have you feel you’re reading a Stephen King novel and what you’re left with leaves you satisfied.

What I appreciate most from Gilchrist is that it leads you to think your decisions aren’t your own. It takes you to a place beyond religion and definitely not fate. Everything’s been written for each and every person… but who’s doing the writing? Check out Gilchrist and see for yourself.

*Read full review at: www dot areneehunt dot com
Written by Christian Galacar
Publisher by Christian Galacar
Published March 2, 2018
510 Pages
Reviewed by A. Renee Hunt

Not bad for a first novel, but comparisons with other successful authors are overstated; this isn't Carrie or Salem's Lot so don't expect that and you won't be disappointed. Even Stevo King falls on his butt once in awhile, witness The Outsider, the entire Mr. Mercedes series, Cell and many others. There's definitely hope for this fellow.

It seems clear the author is strongly influenced by other writers in the genre and desperately needs to find his own voice, but I thought it promising enough to read his other two short stories and I found them much better. The small town horror story is pretty well trodden ground and this example offers nothing new. It's more of a leftover stew of other's work. Uninspired.

Still? Sometimes a good stew is better the second day. This one isn't going to kill you.

I like reading horror. My grandfather introduced me to Stephen King when I was 10-11 years old. I was an advanced reader and had run out of books to read while at my grandfather’s lake house. I guess I was annoying him because he shoved It in my hands, told me to read it and to leave him alone. My mother wasn’t thrilled but she allowed me to read more Stephen King novels. I have been a fan of reading them ever since.

I am originally from the North Shore of MA. I grew up and lived there for 37 years, before moving to NC 3 years ago (yes, I gave you my age….lol). So when I read the blurb and saw that Gilchrist was set in a fictional town outside of Concord, I was interested. When I realized it was horror, my interest grew. I am glad that I decided to review this book. Gilchrist reminded me of a Stephen King book. Which is a good thing.

Gilchrist had a slow beginning. The first few chapters were dedicated to learning about Peter, Sylvia and the tragedy that almost cost them their marriage. While some people might not like the slow beginning, I felt that it benefitted the book. I like it when the author takes the time to explain the backstory. Too often, I am left scratching my head when reading a book and things are mentioned but not explained until later in the book. I would rather everything be explained up front than to be left wondering.

The book does pick up speed once Peter and Sylvia are in Gilchrist. New plotlines are introduced but are kept separate from each other until almost the end of the book. Again, that might not be someone’s cup of tea. And again, it was something I liked. I liked not knowing how these people would intersect during the book. That kept me reading the book.

The sub-storylines added an extra depth to the book. The glimpse that was given to the town and the evil that crossed the barrier was chilling. I do wish that more description was given about the creatures stalking the town. I wouldn’t go as far to call them vampires but in a way they were. They fed off the violence and negativity that they created in the town.

While Peter and Sylvia were the main focus of the book, there were a few other characters that the author focused on. The police chief, his daughter, and the bad boy are all pivotal characters in the book. Their storylines happened the same time the town started to go insane. That was the perfect backdrop for the events that involved all 3 of those people.

The end of the book was explosive. No other words to describe it. There were no happy endings in this book either. While the storylines were resolved, they were not resolved happily. I do have questions about what exactly happened to Peter. I have my suspicions but I will be left wondering.

I would give Gilchrist a rating of Adult. There is sex, language, and violence.

This is a book that I would read again. I have a feeling that it will be better the second time around. I would also recommend it to family and friends but I would include a note that there is graphic violence and some scenes that could trigger.

**I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it**

You will understand. Everyone will. It harvests what it sows. Can’t you feel it everywhere… watching? Right around you, all the time? It’s been here all along.”

This story was eerie. It really does give off strong Stephen King vibes, and could be a mish-mash love child between Stranger Things and (insert almost any Stephen King novel based on small town nightmares).

I spent the first part of my life in a small town, so the “everybody knows everybody” feel resonated with me.

Although you get a taste of what is to come in within the first handful of pages, it really is a slow build (yum! My favorite). It gives you enough time to speculate but it’s not predictable and I loved that.

“Gilchrist hasn’t ever felt right, and you know it. There’s something… special about it, I guess you’d say. Not special in a good way, either. It’s like there’s some invisible wall between this place and another terrible place, and it has grown far too thin. The town looks good on the surface. But underneath… underneath, Corbin, you know it’s far darker and meaner than most places. And I think it’s that way for a reason.”

The town of Gilchrist really is a place worthy of nightmares, along with what may reside in it.

I highly recommend ??

A small town escape for Peter and his wife Sylvia after the loss of their son, trying to scrape their lives back together – and the small town vacation sounds like it might be what the couple needs. Oh but be very leery of small lake towns…
Set in 1966, in the small lake town of Gilchrist, Massachusetts – author Peter and his wife rent a house on the lake, intending to relax and unwind. But there is a strange presence in this town, and it’s not all it seems. I can’t get into the story without giving spoilers, but the author really nails this one and slowly ramps up the tension so by the middle of the book you are glued to the pages. Reminiscent of King and Koontz, the author does a brilliant job setting the stage and the characters feel real and believable.
I think this book is a hidden gem in the world of horror, my only advice is you might not want to read it before bedtime. Reviewed by Cyrene

Gilchrist ... you wouldn't want to live there. The small town of Gilchrist looks beautiful and even feels soothing to some. But beneath the attractive veneer, something lurks, something that feeds on tragedy. When novelist Peter and his wife, Sylvia take a summer rental, Peter hopes the summer will help them overcome their grief from the loss of their son. Gilchrist gives him a strong and appealing sense of deja vu. For Sylvia, Gilchrist quiets her depression and allows her to feel some contentment, which hasn't happened since she lost her son. But perhaps their arrival is just the catalyst needed to allow the monster to show it's face... I loved, loved, loved GILCHRIST. Galacar's style is reminiscent of Stephen King's in that he creates an engaging cast of characters to cheer for and an unknowable evil they must overcome. I would love a sequel.

I have read biographies and historical works almost exclusively for the last six months, so this summer I decided to do some plain old pleasure reading in my preferred genre, horror. I saw this book recommended after I purchased Stephen King's newest work, THE OUTSIDER, and took a chance on it. I am SO glad I did! This was a thoroughly entertaining, creepy, and twisty novel with engaging characters and a devious plot. Reminiscent of H.P. Lovecraft's Arkham and Stephen King's Derry, Maine, the town of Gilchrist is sure to haunt your dreams long after you have finished this book. Congrats to Christian Galacar for an outstanding addition to the genre.

Lewis Smith, Author of THE GNOSTIC LIBRARY and others

This was a fantastic book. When I started reading I couldn't stop!
The characters were believable. Peter & Sylvia, you can almost feel their heartbreak. The small town of Gilchrist strikes a chord with Peter, but he doesn't know why. He & Sylvia end up there for a vacation by the lake in hopes of finding themselves.
But something is wrong with this town. Something is there that really shouldn't be. Can you see it from the corner of your eye? Can you feel it ?
This was a really good story with multiple characters and a couple of different threads but they all tie in together.
There are more relatable characters that tie everything together, some good some bad. Will be looking forward to more from this author..?