Close to Death

Name: Close to Death
Price: 24.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781916705340

✍️ Rick Wood

Reader Score

4.5

(1 review)

$24.99

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A horror novel about a pregnant woman possessed by a demon that kills children.

The narrative centers on April and Oscar, whose joy at an expected birth turns to dread as her behavior becomes erratic. Derek, a character with prior experience involving demonic possession, identifies the threat. He recalls a specific case of a possessed pregnant woman who committed suicide and murdered children. This historical parallel drives the plot forward as Derek attempts to intervene. The story highlights the horror of losing one’s identity to an external evil force during a vulnerable time.

Key Themes

demonic pregnancy maternal deterioration past trauma

Literary Context

Rick Wood writes for Blood Splatter Press, targeting fans of modern supernatural fiction. The 2023 release continues his series on Sensitive characters. The book fits within the contemporary horror tradition of body horror and possession tropes popular in American independent publishing.

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Clive Barker · Peter Straub · Thomas Harris

🕯️

Supernatural

🏛 Blood Splatter Press 📅 2023 🌐 English 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9781916705340

📝 Description: Close to Death

Rick Wood presents Close to Death, a narrative exploring the terrifying intersection of pregnancy and demonic possession. The story follows April, who initially fears her condition until her partner Oscar celebrates the news. As months pass, April’s behavior deteriorates into bizarre actions that unsettle those around her. Oscar watches his beloved change, questioning the nature of what grows within her. Derek enters the fray when he recognizes dangerous similarities between April and a woman from his past. That previous victim was a possessed pregnant woman who took her own life after slaughtering children. Derek realizes he may be facing the same demon that claimed that other soul. He races against time to prevent April from suffering an identical fate. This work is the third installment in Wood’s breakthrough series, which examines the true terrors faced by those identified as Sensitive. The author positions himself as a new king of horror through this narrative. Readers seeking visceral tales of supernatural pregnancy and psychological decay will find this compelling. Those who prefer lighthearted romantic comedies or non-fiction medical guides should look elsewhere. The book delivers a grim examination of maternal fear turned monstrous.

💎 Our verdict on Close to Death

“

🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Rick Wood delivers a gripping entry in his Sensitive series, effectively blending psychological dread with supernatural terror. The narrative excels in portraying the gradual erosion of April’s identity, making her transformation both tragic and horrifying. By utilizing Derek’s past experiences with a similar demonic case, the author creates a sense of inevitable doom that heightens the tension. The book is best suited for dedicated horror fans who appreciate deep dives into cosmic and psychological threats. It offers a grim, unflinching look at the loss of self, appealing to those who enjoy complex character dynamics within high-stakes supernatural scenarios.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who crave visceral, atmospheric horror centered on the corruption of innocence and the fragility of the human mind will find this compelling. It is ideal for those interested in psychological decay and the terrifying intersection of maternal love and supernatural evil. Fans of dark fantasy and true crime aesthetics may appreciate the grim examination of a mother’s identity being consumed by an external force. However, it is strictly for those who enjoy intense, unsettling narratives rather than lighthearted entertainment or medical non-fiction.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 1 reviews

Horror Reads editorial team

Rick Wood delivers a gripping entry in his Sensitive series, effectively blending psychological dread with supernatural terror. The narrative excels in portraying the gradual erosion of April’s identity, making her transformation both tragic and horrifying. By utilizing Derek’s past experiences with a similar demonic case, the author creates a sense of inevitable doom that heightens the tension. The book is best suited for dedicated horror fans who appreciate deep dives into cosmic and psychological threats. It offers a grim, unflinching look at the loss of self, appealing to those who enjoy complex character dynamics within high-stakes supernatural scenarios.