I love horror and I love music. I especially love collecting vinyl, and I remember searching high and low for cds when I was younger. This book was pretty much meant for me. So I was extra excited when I was chosen as a reviewer. However, I had hit a bad reading slump and only recently gotten a chance to pick it up. Boy am I sad I waited so long. This story is amazing. It is so well written, and I love all the references to media over the years. The characters remind me somewhat of those from The Shining (SK version), and that is a great thing.
I find myself often not begin able to put the book down, and that is a bad thing because I read my ebooks before bed. LOL.

Scott Leeds is a new favorite, and I cannot wait to see what he does next. 10/10 great read.

A great paranormal read that I couldn't put down.

Amazing to think that this is a debut novel I cannot wait to read more by this author

4.5 stars

I was immediately intrigued by the premise of this book - it reminded me very much of the video game Song of Horror, which I greatly enjoyed, and I am very happy to say that Schrader's Chord delivered on my high expectations. It may be a little slow to start for some people, as the playing of the records occurs about halfway through, but the suspense and mystery imbued within the first half made it well worth the wait. I think at times the prose strayed into being a little contrived, but overall, Leeds did an excellent job of delivering the demonic, eldritch horror that I so love to read. The stakes felt meaningful and the imagery properly messed up and horrific, and I absolutely loved the conclusion. It can be so difficult to pull off an ending that both feels unexpected and inevitable, but Leeds truly astounded me with such a brutal, powerful price for Charlie to pay.

A chilling and unusual horror story, a well written debut that kept me on the edge and I loved.
Well plotted, good storytelling and world building.
I can't wait to read another story by this author
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Charlie Remick is living a quiet life, wells, as quiet as a life in the music industry gets at least. Dubbed 'the man with the magic ear' Charlie has been finding hit new musicians for the record company he's working for, and has signed success after success. He's a hot shot in the industry, and he's enjoying living and working in New York; even if he is living paycheck to paycheck. Things change for him, however, when he gets a message from his older sister, Susan, telling him that his father has died. Faced with the prospect of returning home after years away, Charlie is reluctant to go, but knows that he has to face the ghosts of his past.

Arriving in Seattle, he's reunited with Susan, and his twin sister Ellie. The three of them are left to deal with their father's estate after his grim death, a death by suicide. As they're trying to deal with everything that this tragedy brings, the employees at their fathers record store, Ana and Dale, worry about what Raymond's death might mean for them, and if they're out of a job. As the people in Raymond's life come together because of his death, strange things begin to happen. A crazed man dies in a horrific accident at the wake, and Charlie is left a case containing four mysterious records and the cryptic message 'I told you they were real'.

Charlie reveals that the records are part of a ghost story that their father would tell them growing up. Forged by the composer Ivan Schrader, the four records, when played together, would open a doorway to the world of the dead. Not quite believing in the myth, but curious to see what might happen, Charlie, Ellie, Ana, and Dale decide to play the records. What follows is a frightening experience, on that will see the four of them having to fight for their very survival as supernatural forces set their sights on them.

Schrader's Chord is a slow burn horror novel that puts character and story first before scares, one that ends up sucking you in and makes you forget that you're supposed to be reading a horror story. The first third of the book almost forgoes all horror, and instead focuses on the Remick family and the staff at Raymond's record store. It becomes a very real, very well crafted story about relationships, human nature, and the way that people intersect in ways that they don't expect. The main focus is on Charlie and Ana, who get the most time in the book split between the two of them, and explore the death of Raymond in different ways.

Despite being his son, Charlie isn't hugely affected by his fathers passing, due in large parts to how their relationship deteriorated over the last few years. He almost resents having to travel across the country to deal with his fathers death, and his initial reaction to inheriting the record store is one of dismissal, wanting to sell it immediately so as to be done with it, little thinking about what that might mean for those who work their and rely on the place. Ana, however, is the opposite to this. She's not related to Raymond, but has come to see him as a father figure and his presence had ended up changing her life for the better. She's mourning his passing, feeling like the world has lost a kind and caring individual. It's great to see these two almost opposing perspectives, in examining the different ways in which the same person can change peoples lives in completely different ways.

However, this isn't just a book about family relationships and mourning; though it would be fine if it were. This is a horror book, and as such things need to get scary. When Charlie and the others end up playing the cursed records things very much get scary, and from here on out the book becomes this delightfully creepy race against time to survive the horrors that the group unleash. Thanks to the records, the four of them are able to see the dead, to interact with the spirit world that exists around us, unseen by the living. This leads to some delightfully frightening and messed up moments when the group realises that they're in the presence of a ghost, and the dead people start doing some frankly fucked up stuff.

Even when the frights start the book still puts the human characters first. The focus is always on the people, how these events affect them, and how it brings them closer together; Charlie and Ana in particular. The ability to see the dead also leads to some interesting moments as Raymond, who lost his life at the family home, gets to make a reappearance, and he and Charlie are finally able to air their dirty laundry, and deal with the issues that kept them apart in life. It makes for an interesting thing to see a character dealing with the loss of an estranged parent, to have to recon with the issues they had never being resolved, for them to then have the chance to speak to that person again and get to put those demons to bed. As with everything in this book, it's the characters that come first.

Schrader's Chord is Scott Leeds debut novel, and it's astonishing how well crafted it is. A lot of the time with debut authors you tend to see the cracks as it were, the areas where they're not quite as strong, and the places where you know they're going to get better as their career continues. With this book, however, it feels like it's been written by someone who's been crafting books for decades. The character work is fantastic, the world feels full and lived in, the horror is chilling, and the creativity is wonderful. If this is the first book that Leeds has released I can't wait to see what they come up with in the future.

Whether you're into your music or not (if you are you're going to get a lot more out of the book!) there's something phenomenal to discover with Schrader's Chord. This is the kind of book that only comes along every once in a while, a debut that feels like a tour de force, that you hate having to put down because it's so engrossing, one that you can easily see being adapted into a horror film that would take the world by storm. Horror fans looking for something new and interesting need look no further than this.

This book may well have the best marketing images I've ever seen. Go look them up on social media. Heavily retro-inspired album covers and movie posters that would make studio executives snap it up in a moment (we can but hope).

The blurb is an accurate summary. Four records that when played simultaneously, produce Schrader's chord - an otherworldly note that seems to open a gateway to The Other Side.

It seems unlikely at first. What are the chances of four albums coming together after being scattered to the winds? Likewise finding four record players and music-lovers willing to sync them in order to play the chord? Then dealing with the after-effects?

If you like that premise, you'll like this book, but you'll find yourself in a much more human story than just the spooks.

This book is about an estranged father and son, a quest for those lost, and the lengths they'll go to in order to right perceived wrongs. It's an adventure, a quest with a deadline (literally) and yet it manages to be so very real.

The first half of the book sets up likeable characters that we learn about in the same manner as any new friends. When the proverbial Stuff hits the fan, I found myself genuinely hoping that they all survive. Of course, that's not going to happen, but as the race to the finish gathered pace, I still kept my mental fingers crossed...

It was an absolutely pleasure to read a horror book that is so grounded. It doesn't need to be mysterious or weird, although some questions were left unanswered. The reader learns as the characters do, with each seeming-impossible challenge being overcome - for good or ill - and every action having consequences.

If you come to this book looking for a cracking horror adventure ride, you'll get that. You'll also get a story whose tones will stay with you long after the last note has faded away.

An excellent debut horror novel from Scott Leeds. A family come together after their father's suicide. Family squabbles aside one of their inheritance opens the door to the dead. Good characterization and the horror slowly builds making you want to read more. Can't wait wait to see what Scott writes next. Thanks to Titan books and Netgalley for a review copy

Finally there is a horror novel that answers the 'why did they open the evil book/ play the evil records/ go upstairs to the evil room'. An amazingly confident debut novel that feels like a collaboration between Grady Hendrix and Nick Hornby. Charlie Remick returns to the family home when his estranged father commits suicide, and inherits a set of four records that if played at the same time opens a gate for the dead to return, and of course there are other horrific repercussions. With a dose of humour, and a lot of music lore, this is a wonderfully enjoyable horror novel. 3.5 Stars

I really enjoyed Shrader’s Chord. I love horror fiction, and this sounded right up my street. It reminds me a lot of other books I’ve read such as Joe Hill’s Locke & Key and some books by Stephen King. I loved the pacing of the book and how events gradually occur, urging you to read the next chapter and the next one and the one after that. I also loved the premise of the book, musical chords that open a gateway to evil if played at the same time. I also liked the fact that the player dies depending on the last chord they land on. The book was a lot of fun at times but pretty scary as well. I thought it was terrific.

Well, what can I say. This book is just exceptional. From start to finish. The way Scott Leeds describes everything in such details is brilliant. From the way the wind is blowing to the tears falling down a face. I was hooked instantly by this book.
The story is well thought out, well written and very well executed. I can't recommend it enough
#SchradersChord #ScottLeeds

Thank you to Titan and Netgalley for an Arc copy of this book.

I knew this book was going to be a joy to read from the first chapter. We have characters that can see the dead, cursed items, music references, and a strained father son relationship.
It had a feel of High Fidelity mixed with Final Destination, and it’s the combination I never knew I needed in my life!
All the characters are well fleshed out, they are flawed and human which made them feel relatable and easy to root for. The dialogue was so well written, and brought some incredible wit that broke up some of the tension in the storyline.
It has some incredibly gory scenes, our main characters can see the dead but they see them in their final form, and this creates some truly horrifying imagery.
The lore of Schraders Chord was interesting, and is a story that would give anyone the creeps sitting round a campfire, it’s like telling Urban Legends to your friends at sleepovers and scaring the hell out of each other! It’s fun, and has so much dark humour, but it also has some very human moments as the main characters deal with death and grief.
It’s a book that would be perfect as a series or film, and I’m looking forward to seeing what this author comes up with next. A

I requested this book on a whim, and I'm so happy that I did.

Despite my usual tendency to steer away from paranormal horror, sometimes I find myself in the mood for diving into such stories. "Schrader's Chord" is undeniably one of those books I don't regret reading and one that brought back my desire to explore this subgenre.

It's challenging for me to pinpoint precisely what made this book so good, but I'll attempt to articulate it as clearly as possible.

For instance, it's a remarkably fast-paced story. Despite its approximately 400-page length, I never grew bored and was consistently eager to discover what would happen next. The book boasts some visually impressive opening chapters that leave no choice but for the reader to become engrossed in the narrative.

The incorporation of family drama into the paranormal plot worked quite effectively, despite being an often overused theme in the genre. It might not have felt entirely fresh, but it managed to be both infuriating and heartwarming, making it a valuable addition to the overall eerie atmosphere of the book.

On the other hand, the main attraction of the book, at least for me is the originality. I mean, a record, that, when played, opens a gateway to the land of the dead is something unlike anything else I have ever read. The concept is simply fantastic and provides a delightful blend of fun, paranormal intrigue, and spookiness. Additionally, I absolutely adored the various musical references scattered throughout the book (there's even a playlist on Spotify for those of you looking to enhance your reading experience).

My only, and very minor, complaint is that the climax of the story felt somewhat rushed and slightly unpolished to me. All the tension that had been building throughout the pages of the book culminated in a somewhat anticlimactic ending (it vaguely reminded me of the conclusion of "How to Sell a Haunted House").

If you're a fan of paranormal horror, enjoy a dose of family drama, and happen to be a music lover, I wholeheartedly recommend reading this book. You won't regret it, and it might even become a new favorite for you.

Thank you to Netgalley and Titan Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have not enjoyed a horror novel in so long, but I tore through this book in what felt like hours, if not days. While it's horror, ultimately, it's about family and music and duty and grief and loss and a million other things. Don't get me wrong, the horror is awesome and real and terrifying, but I've always been drawn to the families at the heart of these stories, and the Remick family tore at me. Charlie, oh, my God, I could wax poetic about Charlie, and his relationship with Raymond. And that scene between Charlie and his sisters at the beginning, it was so beautiful and raw and confronting. And Ana's complicated relationship with Raymond, impacted by her own relationship with her absent father, and how she has to reconcile that with the truth that Charlie brings to this. Basically, I have too many things to say about this book and I could go on forever. Suffice to say, I really, really loved it.

Review
I love horror and I enjoy music so when I learned there was a new book that combined the two I was extremely excited and then grateful I was given an ARC to review! Schrader’s Chord is a force to be reckoned with and keep you hooked from start to finish.

Charlie Remick, known as the man with the magic ear, has been estranged from his father, Raymound for several years but after his father’s mysterious death he returns to Seattle to help with the funeral. While there he learns his father left him two parting gifts; the keys to the family record store and a strange black case containing four ancient records. Records that, according to legend, can open a gate to the land of the dead.

When Charlie, his sister Ellie and their two friend Dale and Ana play the records they unwittingly open a floodgate of unspeakable horror. As the darkness descends they begin to see the dead everywhere and begin to be stalked by a relentless, malevolent force. With time running out the only person who can possibly help is Raymond whose resurrected spirit knows the awesome power they have unwittingly unleashed. But will they be able to close the gate and silence Schrader’s Chord before it’s too late?

What a read this was! I actually finished it in two sittings because the tension was so high I HAD to find out what happened next. On top of this brilliant horror this debut novel deals with much more than chilling and visceral depictions of the dead. It is a story about family, music and the lengths people will go to for love. And how that love can sometimes corrupt the views we have of the world and people around us. While I have thankfully not lost a parent I have lost grandparents and I have to say the process of grieving seen through the book is still raw and realistic. I don’t enjoy spoilers but I don’t think this is as such, it is interesting to see how each character is affected differently by Raymonds death and ultimately seeing the spirits of those who have died. It gives a true insight into the different forms of grief and how long it takes to work it all out.

Speaking of the characters each one seemed realistic and well fleshed out, even the side and supporting characters are brought to life well. For example I can’t remember the last time a supporting character who only has about three pages worth of time, Bill, stuck out and remained a favourite of mine or how his interaction with Charlie helped to showcase Charlie’s personality (to people who aren’t his father at least). I personally find it a testament to Leeds writing ability and characterisation. But it is probably aidded by the reference to Launchpad McQuack. Speaking of references Leeds manages to ground his novel in the ‘real’ world with numerous musical (obviously) and pop culture references throughout. But he doesn’t fall into the trap of over using them or just throwing them around. They work with the plot and characters. I particularly loved the banter about the Eagles (who aren’t that bad if everyone is honest!). I also loved a bit of Northern banter being from Yorkshire myself in the form of Dale.

Tied to the characters and references is of course the writing style and this is where I think Leeds shines as well. The writing is very easy to follow, sets and pace and often has a lyrical quality to it when describing somethings that would often be far to grotesque or visceral. My only bugbear as anyone who follows me can guess is the animal injuries. That said they are part of the plot and aren’t overly just for shock but it was the only part of the novel I felt a little queasy. In a way this is further testament to Leeds’ writing. It just isn’t something I personally can ignore. Gore, guts, blood etc involving people in my books? No problem! Animals and it takes me a little while to get through. This probably says something about me as a person but we aren’t here to focus on that. Also as I said it didn’t take away my overall enjoyment of the novel but just a bit of an fyi? for any one like myself. On the other side the visceral description of Schrader and some of the spirits was amazingly put together. It was horrible but in the best possible way!

The main thing I really loved about this novel though was the sort of warped messages throughout of family and love and what that can do to a person. It’s hard to go into without spoilers but each person seemingly deals with the idea of love in all it’s gritty, imperfect and perfect ways. From the love of Raymond for his family although often shown in odd ways, to the love of Charlie for his mother and sisters, to Ana and her mother and her friendship with Dale and Raymond and even to Schrader who while the villain of our tale is almost Faustian in his downfall. A solid 5 for me.

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“But the taller the tale, the longer the shadow, and this tale casts a shadow so long and so black, it will swallow all of life . . . until there is only death.”

The book is creepy, unputdownable, evocative and dewy-eyed. The deadly mystery is connected with the past. One could say that the past is indeed perilous and romantic. Like nothing is fair in love and war. Sometimes love makes one do deadly things. The book is perfect for spooky season. It has so many
Unexpected twists with grave mystery.

There are many intricate mysteries in the plot and grudges each character holds from the past. Raymond might not have been a perfect father and the book may have flawed relationships. But Raymond mastered the art of storytelling and his kids loved listening to his stories. But the arrival of the devastating news of his sudden death shocked Ellie, Susan and Charlie. He left the record store and a mysterious black case containing four ancient records that could open a gate to the land of the dead to Charlie with whom he had bitter relationship while the house to Susan and Ellie. Though the mysterious black case is the root of all evil and somewhat the mystery is connected with one of the Raymond’s story. The one he used to tell his children. The two people who has unveiled its mystery, they had to pay it with their lives. But receiving it, has also put Charlie and his family’s life at stake. He must do something before the evil power grips him and his remaining family too. The book is dark, intense, evocative, spooky and unputdownable.

- Eerie setting
- Written in Third Person
- Artefacts, tragedy and curse
- Gruesome Deaths
- Family secrets
- Storytelling
- Music
- Unexpected Twists

Thank you Netgalley, Publisher and Author.

Leeds delivers a solid debut novel about family, music and Seattle - with a side of supernatural terror.
The main story of a group of four who open a gateway to the land of the dead when they play a set of four rare records, lifting the veil between both worlds and marking themselves the target of the records maker's furious vengeance.
It's a well-written if familiar tale of supernatural horror delivered with a confident new voice.

4.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

This was probably not the book to read whilst grieving my own Dad. There's a lot of death, ghosts, and tragedy. It's also full of music and complicated relationships. It's devastating and thrilling all at the same time. The characters feel pretty real, and each of them had their own relationship with Raymond: Dad, boss, friend, father figure, client, etc. There was some suspense at moments. It was sad, funny, mysterious. I don't know how to be the most eloquent in reviewing this, as it's tide up in my own circumstances, my own love for music shared with my Dad (although much more positive than in the book), my own yearning to see him again, etc. I wonder how I would feel about it if I read it at another time in my life.