Episode One
5 out of 5 stars
If you’re unfamiliar with serialized fiction – it’s the idea that you take a story and separate it out into episodes – like a TV show. These are usually released on a website or as a podcast. I’ll be reviewing each episode separately as they come out to provide an episode by episode review of the story. I’ll try to remember to link to the next and previous episodes where necessary.
Some of my reviews may contain spoilers to past episodes – I’ll try and keep that to a minimum but I can’t guarantee anything.
We’re introduced to Susan and Ted as they are on their way up to a special cabin. One they’ve been going to for 18 (now 19) years. We start in their car (a ’70 ‘Cuda) on their drive up to the resort. While on the drive, we find out that Susan is having numerous issues, including looking into the woods (it’s mentioned numerous times that she hates the drive there) along with being in a car (we’re told why, but I won’t spoil everything).
I can tell at during this episode that Motz is trying to set the tone (and maybe set up some future themes) – bringing up an accident, Blair Witch, unease looking into the woods, along with the cabin (and the scratches under the bed).
Another thing I noticed is that you can tell that Motz is a classic rock and old Amerian motors kinda guy. He spends a good amount of time talking about music and the car (from Ted’s point of view).
There’s something about Joe Hempel’s voice that instantly puts me in the mood for horror. Thankfully, almost every book I’ve listened to of his has been suspense or horror (or suspenseful horror 🙂 ). Starting up Pine Lakes that was the first thing that I noticed.
The episode finishes with such a bombshell. It definitely has me wanting more. Check out the episode here.
Book Description:
Pine Lakes: Episode One by Christopher Motz Narrator: Joe Hempel
Series: Pine Lakes #1
Published by Serial Audio Genres: Horror
Ted and Susan Merchant have been coming to the Pine Lakes Resort for nearly twenty years. In that time, their annual getaway has become a tradition, a peaceful week nestled in the picturesque mountains of northern Pennsylvania. For them, it isn’t just a simple vacation spot, but a magical destination where time slows and they become one with nature’s magnificence.
When a freak summer storm forces Ted to lose control of their car and plummet off the road, they’re relieved just to have survived, but relief quickly turns to dread as they find out all too soon they’re not alone.
Strange lights in the forest, whispered warnings, the insurmountable threat of unseen forces lurking in the shadows; nothing could have prepared them for the horrors that lie ahead.
Escaping the wreck is just the beginning.
Is their love enough to save them, or will they become the latest victims on the road to Pine Lakes?
Also by this author: Pine Lakes Episode Two, Pine Lakes Episode 3, Pine Lakes Episode Four, Pine Lakes Episode 5Also in this series: Pine Lakes Episode Two, Pine Lakes Episode 3, Pine Lakes Episode Four, Pine Lakes Episode 5
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