The Birthing House

“Christopher Ransom’s The Birthing House was so all-out scary that it kept me up until the wee hours in a way few novels have since Carrie went to the prom…This book is killer.”

“[An] impressive debut…Replete with subtle symbolism that supports the birthing motif (spiders with bulging egg sacs, a moist clutch of snake eggs, etc.), this addictively readable ghost story will keep readers up all night, with the lights on, of course.”

“As much about the terrors of humankind as it is about the supernatural, this is an exceptional debut, full of action-packed gore and carnal imagery. Ransom’s style mimics that of the early Stephen King and Dan Simmons’ horror fiction.”

“A stunning debut—swaddling the reader in dread from the very first sentence and spiraling into a heart-stopping climax.”

“Author Christopher Ransom provides plenty of chills that will spook even the most dedicated of horror fans, especially as delivered by narrator Edward Herrmann. He reads with a subtle intensity from the very beginning of the story, implanting in listeners a strong sense of foreboding that helps to set the scene for the eventual mayhem. The story is filled with plenty of horror-story clichés but when combined with Herrmann’s skillful performance, the results prove to be compelling. An Audies Finalist.”

“Herrmann captures every disturbing nuance in this evocative debut horror novel…Herrmann perfectly sets the stage, beginning with a pleasant, straightforward recounting of events, before projecting the burgeoning horror as Conrad’s mental state deteriorates…Words and images that might be skimmed over in print reverberate in audio, thanks to Herrmann’s capable reading. He draws listeners in as foreboding builds and clues are revealed. This is all about mood, and Herrmann expertly channels the nightmare.”

“Stage and television actor Edward Herrmann’s narration is smooth, and he creates the appropriate ominous mood. His narration is skillful, professional, chilling.”