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By His Hand
It began when Bill’s hands began to cramp in odd and painful grips each morning. Soon he finds himself helpless as his body grows progressively more numb each day. His illness is a medical mystery. Although his mind is sharp and active, he can only watch as he inexplicably withers and decays into complete paralysis.
Awaking on his 40th day in the hospital, his family and friends from church find that he is miraculously cured. Bill’s hands and limbs have begun to move and feel, but they do so with a life all of their own. Bill is still trapped, defenseless within his own body. Whatever is controlling his actions has a dark and terrifying intent, yet no one sees beyond his miraculous healing.
Awaking on his 40th day in the hospital, his family and friends from church find that he is miraculously cured. Bill’s hands and limbs have begun to move and feel, but they do so with a life all of their own. Bill is still trapped, defenseless within his own body. Whatever is controlling his actions has a dark and terrifying intent, yet no one sees beyond his miraculous healing.
- GenresHorror
38 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 17, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 1, 2023
I went in knowing NOTHING about this book (other than the genre, which of course I am a big fan of) and I can honestly say it did not disappoint. I appreciate the dark tone of this story and the author did a great job at setting the mood from the start. I can typically see things coming a mile away, but I honestly did not expect a certain event to transpire the way it did, and was pleasantly surprised by the outcome (I'd add more details but don't want to spoil it for anyone). Even found myself responding out loud to some of the events in this book. Dark, twisted, and violent with a great story to back it up. highly recommend.
January 28, 2023
From the initial first page grab, I couldn't put this story down. Starting with the very familiar life and church events in a well known Southern California town, to literally your very worst nightmare. Shocking to say the least, which makes for a fantastic and very well written story. I want to read more!
February 7, 2023
Bill Perry was the narrator on two audiobooks of my published fiction. He’s a talented voice actor, and his reading aloud made my books engaging. He’s performed on many other audiobooks. Perhaps these infusions of story inspired him to write his first fiction, a novella entitled "By His Hand." He first sent it to me to see if it was worthy. I found it gripping.
I say this, too, not as a fan of horror. I stay away from it, in fact. I finally got into horror a little, starting with Stephen King’s non-horror work such as his short stories and the novel "11/22/63," and then working my way into some of his scarier stuff. "By His Hand" is more like something from the Twilight Zone with a horror twist. In fact, when I first started reading it, I was reminded by Edgar Allen Poe’s story, “Tell-Tale Heart.” Its narrator is similar. The story is not. It’s unique.
What more can I say? Perry writes with a sure voice, with powerful imagery, and with surprise. I bet his audio version will also be gripping.
I say this, too, not as a fan of horror. I stay away from it, in fact. I finally got into horror a little, starting with Stephen King’s non-horror work such as his short stories and the novel "11/22/63," and then working my way into some of his scarier stuff. "By His Hand" is more like something from the Twilight Zone with a horror twist. In fact, when I first started reading it, I was reminded by Edgar Allen Poe’s story, “Tell-Tale Heart.” Its narrator is similar. The story is not. It’s unique.
What more can I say? Perry writes with a sure voice, with powerful imagery, and with surprise. I bet his audio version will also be gripping.
March 1, 2023
By His Hand
A Horror Novelette
by William R. Perry
This is an ARC review and may have spoilers. Please be careful.
Possible TW, Tropes, and Genres
Mature, Short Story, Horror, Novelette, Possession, Demons, Medical, Religious, Murder, Death, Filming/Photography of Mulders, Fatphobia via Jokes, Blood, Death of a Adult Child by Parent, Poisoning, and possibly more.
This was a fast paced, horror novelette.
If horror, religion, blood, and murder are a no for you.. Then do not read this.
Overall the plot, and characters were good. I wouldn't mind reading something longer based around this idea.
Possession has always been on of my favorite horror plot points, especially when the person is religious already.
The use of ASL was interesting.
4 / 5 stars
-Destynnee.
I received a free copy of this book via Red Cape Reviews and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A Horror Novelette
by William R. Perry
This is an ARC review and may have spoilers. Please be careful.
Possible TW, Tropes, and Genres
Mature, Short Story, Horror, Novelette, Possession, Demons, Medical, Religious, Murder, Death, Filming/Photography of Mulders, Fatphobia via Jokes, Blood, Death of a Adult Child by Parent, Poisoning, and possibly more.
This was a fast paced, horror novelette.
If horror, religion, blood, and murder are a no for you.. Then do not read this.
Overall the plot, and characters were good. I wouldn't mind reading something longer based around this idea.
Possession has always been on of my favorite horror plot points, especially when the person is religious already.
The use of ASL was interesting.
4 / 5 stars
-Destynnee.
I received a free copy of this book via Red Cape Reviews and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2023
William R. Perry's 'By His Hand' is an amazing read by a wonderfully natural writer. The narrative is easy to appreciate: it's a police transcript of some handwritten notes, written by a church-going family man who starts losing control of his hands. First to arthritis, and then... to something far more sinister. There are scenes of true horror, grounded on atmosphere and feeling (not gore); there's an unforgettable scene in the middle of the story, where the narrative, striving for no effect, nothing feeling forced, managed in the most skilled and confident way to shock me (I mean the 'RELEASE ME' scene; trying to keep my review spoiler-free here!) I loved this and highly recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book via Red Cape Reviews and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Red Cape Reviews and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 3, 2023
In “By His Hand”, Mr. Perry is able to tell a story of intrigue, loss, and, might I say terror, in a most delightful way. I’m not an avid reader, but this story is the proverbial definition of “page turner”!
He is able to weave individual perspectives on life, love, religion, and so many other topics into a brilliant tale of – well, let’s just say – intrigue.
Spinning a well-worded, all too human tale of pain and desperation with the precision of a Teppanyaki chef, …
The personification of objects as characters is brilliant, and helps propel the story with a humanness that is unexpected.
He is able to weave individual perspectives on life, love, religion, and so many other topics into a brilliant tale of – well, let’s just say – intrigue.
Spinning a well-worded, all too human tale of pain and desperation with the precision of a Teppanyaki chef, …
The personification of objects as characters is brilliant, and helps propel the story with a humanness that is unexpected.
September 7, 2024
William R Perry is an all around talented and rad human. I was extremely excited to pick up this book for a late night read and found that once I picked it up I couldn’t put it down. Perhaps the same entity that Bill encountered in the pages of By His Hand found his way into me and kept me up late reading this story….but I doubt that… I definitely believe it was my own natural curiosity combined with William Perry’s ability to set the hook early and make you NEED to know what happens next. Highly entertaining with enough thrills to shock you and make you want to know what’s going to happen next. And probably one of the grossest moments I’ve ever encountered in a book. Well done.
September 23, 2024
THE PERFECT MIX OF BODY HORROR AND PSYCHOLOGICAL MIND- F*CK
Terrifying in an entirely different way than you’ve ever experienced. The narration is first person and much of it will direct your mind inside your own body as he effectively details uncontrollable and painfull changes happening within his body. The result is to create an almost somatic hypnotic state. What is happening to the narrator is abominable and you’ll be so drawn in that psychologically and emotionally the horrors that are being described will affect you in a personal way like you cannot imagine. This story will live in your mind long after you’ve read it.
Terrifying in an entirely different way than you’ve ever experienced. The narration is first person and much of it will direct your mind inside your own body as he effectively details uncontrollable and painfull changes happening within his body. The result is to create an almost somatic hypnotic state. What is happening to the narrator is abominable and you’ll be so drawn in that psychologically and emotionally the horrors that are being described will affect you in a personal way like you cannot imagine. This story will live in your mind long after you’ve read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2023
By His Hand by William R. Perry.
A Horror Novelette.
It began when Bill’s hands began to cramp in odd and painful grips each morning. Soon he finds himself helpless as his body grows progressively more numb each day. His illness is a medical mystery. Although his mind is sharp and active, he can only watch as he inexplicably withers and decays into complete paralysis.
A good read. I did like the cover that's what drew me to this book. 4*.
A Horror Novelette.
It began when Bill’s hands began to cramp in odd and painful grips each morning. Soon he finds himself helpless as his body grows progressively more numb each day. His illness is a medical mystery. Although his mind is sharp and active, he can only watch as he inexplicably withers and decays into complete paralysis.
A good read. I did like the cover that's what drew me to this book. 4*.
February 13, 2023
Awesome! What a ride! This book has everything from suspense, drama, and just the right amount of sarcasm and humor. One minute you’re on the edge of your seat with suspense, and the next minute you’re laughing out loud. Trust me, definitely worth the read. You will not be able to put this one down!
February 23, 2023
This Really worked well in a horror genre, it was a unique concept and I was invested in the story. The characters felt like real people and I enjoyed getting to know them. William R. Perry has a great style for the genre.
I received a free copy of this book via Red Cape Reviews and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Red Cape Reviews and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 13, 2023
By His Hand is a riveting story fill of mystery and suspense. It is a story that will keep you engaged to the very end. I could not put it down!! One of my favorite books! William Perry truly outdid himself, and I can’t wait to read more of his work in the future.
February 14, 2023
This book is a great, suspenseful read and keeps you guessing clear to the end! Such a thrilling Novel! I highly recommend if your a lover of horror!
March 16, 2024
Wow! This book had me hooked from the very first page. It was gruesome, detailed, and very well written. The only thing for me is i wish it were longer
March 28, 2024
A quick read, but William R. Perry did a fantastic job at drawing me in and making the characters feel real. The writing reads like entries by the main character.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews