Crystal Bay

I could not put this book down. The suspense that breathes through these pages kept me at the edge of my seat. I highly reccommend this book to any fan of a good suspense or horror novel.

Gage is an English teacher who has wanted to write a novel as far back as he can remember. He agrees with his wife Beth that as soon as classes are over, he will go away to his parents' summer home in Crystal Bay to pen his masterpiece. Beth reluctantly agrees, not wanting to stand in the way of her husband's dreams. On the way there, Gage stops for a bite to eat and meets a dazzling woman by the name of Amanda. A few words are exchanged, and he is on his way. Imagine his surprise when he finds out the next morning that Amanda's got a house right next to his. One thing leads to another and before he realizes what's happened, he's in bed with her. What has he done? He could be throwing away his marriage. Suddenly, the writing comes easier and words flow on the page. Then he sleeps with Amanda again as if he were spellbound by her. What is wrong with him? In the meantime, the words keep pouring out of him, but he is ridden with guilt. Amanda has her sights on him, but there is more to her than meets the eye. Will Gage be able to resist her charm and save his marriage--and finish his novel? Amanda's got plans for him and she won't--can't--take no for an answer. Crystal Bay is Brandon Ford's debut novel and what an introduction it is! It is a far better book than the average first novel. He shows a lot of maturity and avoids many of the trappings of a first novel. There are echoes of Richard Laymon in his writing, but Brandon's voice is very much his own. His dialogue is sharp, the tension constant throughout, and the few characters we encounter are very credible. These are folks you know and you've met many times in the course of your life. Buddy the annoying neighbor who's got a crush on Beth and doesn't let a trivial detail like the fact that she's married bother him. Tina, Beth's best friend and business partner, who's still single and a party animal yet would do anything for her friend. Gage and Beth are extremely well developed and you feel and worry for them. I kept turning the pages and telling myself "one more chapter" until my eyes were too tired to go on. The story unfolds at a very good pace, moving back and forth between Gage at the summer house and Beth back in the city. The more you see what Amanda is about, the more you want Gage to get the hell out of there. Only he can't--even when everything around him is threatening to fall apart. This mysterious muse isn't that easy to leave. Crystal Bay is a strong debut, one which I highly recommend. If you're a fan of Laymon's twisted stories or if you've ever been tempted to get away for a few months to write a bestselling novel, then you should definitely pick up this book. It is the perfect summer read. Alan Draven, Author of Bitternest

Gage Healy is a high school English teacher who badly wishes to be a novelist. Fortune and glory seem to be only a single book away. All he needs is peace and solitude to produce his opus. His wife, Beth, fully encourages his need to write but is increasingly irritated by his insistence to spend two months locked away in a cabin far out in the woods. Her ire won't stop this man-on-a-mission, however, so off he goes to the far shores of Crystal Bay. Crystal Bay, by newcomer Brandon Ford, tells the story of Gage's quest to write his way to stardom and the misfortune that befalls him when he encounters beautiful Amanda at a seedy diner ten miles from his destination. He barely manages to escape with his honor intact only to discover that she's living in the cabin next door. This coincidental neighbor turns out to be a wet dream come true and a nightmare all bundled into one amazing blonde package. He cheats. He writes. He can only write when he cheats. He feels guilty when he cheats. It's possible I forgot to mention that Amanda is using dark magic to keep herself young and Gage is her most recent victim. Yeah, I forgot to tell you that but now I've rectified that mistake. Are you still interested? You should be! Brandon Ford paints a vivid picture of a man with a goal who is blocked by an obstacle that borders on supernatural. He's economical with his words yet very effective at making the reader feel the tension, the fear, the sexual arousal, that he wants them to feel. Though it could do with a little bit of spit and polish, this book is superb. I'm proud to own a copy and I can't wait to see what this man writes next! Jim Dodge Jr.

I am very impressed. Even though this is Brandon Ford's first novel, it shows writing experience and talent that wouldn't normally be expected from a first novel. The plot is pleasantly fresh rather than being some of the same old stuff or minute variations thereof, that seems to be coming from some presses these days. I absolutely recommend Crystal Bay to anyone who enjoys the horror/suspense genre. Congrats to Brandon Ford and Arctic Wolf Press! I'm looking forward to future releases!

"Crystal Bay" is a very suspenseful and intriguing read. Brandon Ford skillfully fluctuates between the different characters' point of view allowing the reader to experience a wide range of emotions. This in turn propels the story forward to its thrilling conclusion. By introducing a paranormal element in this love triangle, a new provocative twist is added to an age old theme. Add this author to your new favorites list.