Where the Chill Waits

Macabre Ink Resurrected Horrors, Book 19

By: T. Chris Martindale

Narrated by: John Walker

There are dark places in the forest....

Cold, sun-starved places where man wasn’t meant to go. But the hunters didn't—couldn’t—know that. They just knew what their leader had told them that the expedition was meant to test their mettle, to separate the men from the boys.

Four men went into the forest that day, entering the valley where the ancient evil hid. And when the winds came to collect them, when the animals they slew refused to die, they quickly learned who among them was weakest and strongest.

One day later, two men crawled out of the killing ground. Only to bring hell with them...where the chill waits.

©1991 T. C. Martindale (P)2023 David N. Wilson

Don't give up!!!

No dull moments, characters very well written, it a gave new meaning to "Don't give up on someone or something you love"

John Walker is a wonderful narrorator with his range of voice, his inflections on par with the characters emotions, most of all John Walker kept in pace of the listener, no hesitation, his annunciation and pronunciation were flawless.

The story may be from the genre of supernatural and it is...but if you read/listen to any book you try to identify with the story or the plot, I found that I identified with the characters, how they faced their demons. I found there was soul searching, compation and love that these characters needed to survive.

Amazing

Loved the story. I will revisit this numerous times, I’m sure. My one complaint is that I think the narrator recorded this in his living room. You can frequently hear traffic, animals, and other background noises.

Mixed Bag Wendigo Horror

2.5 I feel bad kicking on this one because it has good qualities but the plot is just all over the place. The first half is about the story of three businessmen who get rooked into an ill-advised hunting expedition in a cursed Canadian wilderness. It turns out their boss, a rich asshole, is about to have a nervous breakdown and lead them onto the land of an evil Native American spirit. It's slow going for about a hundred pages and abruptly shifts and changes locations, and does it twice again until there's a showdown against the demon. Our hero is joined by his Native Canadian guide and pretty magazine illustrator wife. It's silly pulp stuff that I would call good if it were a hundred pages shorter. I did, however, like the Native portrayals and the book still feels relatively modern. If Wendigo books are something you're interested in, this id a pretty solid take. It's just a mess, introduces characters that it then drops, has long scenes that don't go anywhere, and builds up to underwhelming action. But there are some good parts too, the bit with the dead deer gave me chills.

A Bone-Chilling Audiobook Experience

In the realm of spine-tingling horror audiobooks, "Where the Chill Waits" by T. Chris Martindale, narrated by the incredibly talented John Walker, stands out as a masterclass in suspense and terror. With a plot that weaves through the dark heart of the Canadian wilderness, this audiobook delivers a haunting narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

"Where the Chill Waits" introduces us to a group of four men, led by their enigmatic boss, Elton, who embark on a fishing expedition into the chilling depths of Chalako Lake. Little do they know that this vast, eerie wilderness is steeped in native legend, a place tainted by the spirits, a place to be avoided at all costs.

Martindale's narrative sets the stage brilliantly, immersing the listener in a sense of foreboding and unease right from the beginning. The slow burn in the opening chapters allows us to connect with the characters and feel the weight of their choices as they venture deeper into the wilderness. The atmosphere is palpable, and it's a testament to Martindale's storytelling prowess that he keeps us engaged even before the horror takes center stage.

As the story unfolds, we are introduced to the legend of the Wendigo, a malevolent spirit that haunts the forest. The legend itself is deeply rooted in indigenous lore and serves as a perfect backdrop for the unfolding nightmare. Martindale's research into the Wendigo myth is evident, and he breathes new life into this ancient tale, making it more terrifying than ever.

The character development is exceptional, with each member of the ill-fated expedition taking on a unique role in the narrative. Elton's descent into madness is particularly well-executed, and his transformation is as chilling as it is disturbing. The tension among the characters is tangible, and their interactions are filled with mounting dread.

One of the true strengths of this audiobook is the narration by John Walker. Walker's voice is perfectly suited for the genre, and his ability to convey the characters' emotions through his inflections adds a layer of depth to the story. His pacing is spot-on, and his flawless annunciation and pronunciation make for an effortless listening experience. Walker's talent shines through in every word, keeping the listener engrossed in the unfolding horrors.

Once the horror hits, the story takes off like a freight train, hurtling towards an inevitable, gruesome climax. The relentless tension is maintained throughout, a feat not often achieved in the horror genre. Martindale's ability to keep us guessing and fearing what lies in the shadows is a testament to his storytelling prowess. It's no wonder that "Where the Chill Waits" has earned the reputation as one of the best Wendigo stories ever written.

Now, let's delve into the historical context surrounding the Wendigo legend. The first known written mention of the Wendigo dates back to 1636 when Paul Le Jeune, a French Jesuit missionary, recorded an account among the Algonquin people in Quebec. The Wendigo was described as a creature that ate tribal members and would continue to do so if not called away. Various legends describe the Wendigo differently, sometimes as an emaciated figure, other times as a towering giant. It's a creature that grows larger the more it consumes, with sunken or glowing eyes, sharp fangs, and a stench of rotting flesh.

Wendigos are believed to possess exceptional senses and strength, living in the cold woodlands of Canada and the northern United States. They can move effortlessly through snow and ice, making them formidable hunters. Shamans are often the only ones capable of subduing or destroying a Wendigo, typically using silver, steel, or iron weapons. Some legends even suggest that the Wendigo's heart must be removed and destroyed to fully vanquish its spirit.

In Cree mythology, the Wendigo is seen as an evil spirit that possesses humans, leading them to cannibalism and madness. Those who are greedy, gluttonous, or suffering from hunger are thought to be more susceptible to this malevolent influence. The term "going Wendigo" colloquially describes this terrifying transformation.

It's worth noting that the modern depiction of the Wendigo, with its deer-headed appearance, differs from the original indigenous legends. This illustrates the evolution of folklore and how it has been adapted and reimagined in popular culture.

In conclusion, "Where the Chill Waits" is a gripping and unforgettable audiobook that skillfully blends indigenous folklore with spine-tingling horror. T. Chris Martindale's meticulous research and storytelling prowess shine through, while John Walker's narration brings the characters and their fears to life. The slow burn in the beginning, the relentless tension, and the nod to historical Wendigo legends make this audiobook a must-listen for horror enthusiasts. Brace yourself for a journey into the heart of darkness, where the Wendigo lurks, and the chill never truly lets go. This audiobook will stay with you long after the final chapter, disturbing your dreams and leaving you craving more.

Best Wendigo horror literature I've read

Characters were well illustrated and believable, story and pacing were excellent, chills and thrills abound. The only issue I had was a few minor editing issues.

Best Wendigo Story

Nice slow burn in the beginning and when the horror hit the story took off! The tension was maintained all the way through, which not many horror books can do. I can see why it’s called the best wendigo story ever written. Excellent body horror, with a palpable sense of foreboding. I also loved that the wife was a total badass. The relationship between husband and wife was so touching, it really made you root for them.

One section of the audiobook repeated itself. But thankfully it only happened once.

I’d highly recommend this book to any creature-feature or body horror fan.

A new face to the Wendigo legends

I really enjoyed this book, the characters were well written and the descriptions allowed me to really picture the scenery and story. I did notice that the narration occasionally had edits where words skipped or clipped together quickly or whispers could be heard in the background of recording. Overall a great listen though!

Beware the Wendigo

I always liked a good wendigo story. It is a shame that author T. Chris Martindale stopped writing books 30 years ago.

Really not good!

There was very little that was suspenseful about this story. The characters were so badly characterized. This was no better than a soap opera story. There are so many better authors.

not too bad

I was given this book for free from audiobook boom and asked to leave an unbiased review for the author and narrator.
The story starts out very slow and I admit I skipped through the first few chapters. Overall it wasn’t too bad I just lost a lot of interest since it didn’t get good till the end.
The narrator did a pretty good job, in my opinion he needs to work on his accents and different character voices, but his voice is pleasant and very easy to listen to.