Schrader’s Chord: A Novel

After his father’s sudden death, Charlie Remick wants nothing more than to bury the lingering decay of their strained relationship in the ground along with him. Unfortunately for Charlie, his father left him an ominous parting gift: a mysterious box containing four records that, when played simultaneously, open a gate to the underworld. Wanting to see for themselves, Charlie, his sister, and their two friends make the mistake of playing them, opening the gate to the land of the dead and releasing a vengeful spirit hellbent on making them pay for their mistake in blood.

Full of music trivia and steeped in Seattle’s famously eclectic ambiance, Schrader’s Chord delivers a scintillating mystery wrapped in perfectly tuned atmospheric horror. My only gripe is that the storyline starts out strong but near the halfway mark the creep factor starts to fizzle out, leaving the plot to drift off the rails to a slightly lackluster ending. Regardless, Leeds has crafted a unique romp sure to please horror and music enthusiasts alike. Perfect for fans of Rachel Harrison and Chuck Wendig looking for their next thrilling read.