Reviewing for Cemetery Dance. Let it be known: Andersen Prunty is a goddamn storytelling genius. I love his weirdo-brain. This collection floated me fReviewing for Cemetery Dance. Let it be known: Andersen Prunty is a goddamn storytelling genius. I love his weirdo-brain. This collection floated me for months during a global pandemic. THE MAN WITH THE FACE LIKE A BRUISE is still locked inside my mind as though I read it yesterday and it's been at least 2 months. I can't wait to share all my thoughts but in the meantime, this would be a great introduction if you haven't read any Prunty and if you have, this is a must! Either way, buy it....more
Original Review available at Cemetery Dance https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/... I read a brief tagline for Ring Shout that was along the lines of, Original Review available at Cemetery Dance https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/... I read a brief tagline for Ring Shout that was along the lines of, “a dark fantasy historical novella that gives a supernatural twist to the Ku Klux Klan’s reign of terror” and I was sold. I love everything the tagline promises: Dark Fantasy. Historical Fiction. Novella. Supernatural. Give me all of those things.
Ring Shout not only delivered on these promises, but it also flew past all of my expectations making this book a solid contender for my favorite book of 2020.
The most important aspect of my reading experience with Ring Shout is that I read it on my Kindle and I could highlight a specific mention in the book so that a definition or Wikipedia entry would get pulled up; I was able to, at the touch of the screen, educate myself on the references while I was reading. This interactive part of my experience was an integral part of why this book was such a success for me. I highly recommend reading it on a device so that you could do the same. When I’m reading a physical copy, I always have intentions of looking things up while I’m reading, but honestly, I never do.
It’s my understanding that P. Djèlí Clark is a nom de plume for science-fiction writer Dexter Gabriel. Gabriel is also a historian which explains why this novella is jam-packed with rich, historical elements. I felt like I was getting a solid education on Black history while also enjoying a dark fantasy tale with magical realism and seriously scary horror.
This is also a character-driven story. Clark’s female protagonists are larger-than-life and immediately worthy of emotional investment. I might have fallen in love with a character named Sadie—for obvious reasons, but mostly because she was brave and sassy. The main character, Maryse Boudreaux, is equally loveable.
Maryse is a “chosen one” hero. At some point in her life, she was singled out as a protector and given a magic sword. The sword embodies the war cries and testimonies of martyrs and fighters who have gone before her as they have embarked on similar quests for justice against oppression. Maryse’s specific mission is to rid the world of “Klu Kluxes,” monsters disguised as everyday members of the KKK. Things get tricky for Maryse when a new leader shows up on the scene, amplifying an even darker message of hate.
The stakes are so high in this story and the evil is overwhelmingly powerful and scary. Clark moves this tale along at a breakneck pace with edge-of-your-seat suspense. Every chapter ends with a fresh urgency to continue. I want more for this universe. I hope P. Djèlí Clark has more Maryse Boudreaux stories to tell because, even though Ring Shout felt like a complete book and I was not found wanting, I could see the potential for Maryse’s journey to either continue into more quests/adventures or for the author to write some of the backstories to some of the unusual/unique characters.
Even if we only get Ring Shout out of this universe, it truly is enough. I am enraptured by this book and can’t sing its praises loud enough or long enough. I’ll forever be recommending it as an all-time favorite....more
I'm looking forward to writing my review for Cemetery Dance. Andrew Pyper is one of my favorite authors and THE RESIDENCE is a haunting, historical fiI'm looking forward to writing my review for Cemetery Dance. Andrew Pyper is one of my favorite authors and THE RESIDENCE is a haunting, historical fiction ghost story that should make everyone's Fall reading list. Avail Sept. 1st, 2020...more
Review originally published at Cemetery Dance https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/... Showing up for a Chad Lutzke story is a resignation of emotionalReview originally published at Cemetery Dance https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/... Showing up for a Chad Lutzke story is a resignation of emotional preservation. You come to engage with the words on the page with your heart fully exposed and a willingness to let Lutzke do as he wishes. More often than not, the book will end on a note that breaks your heartstrings and leaves the reader with a nasty bookish hangover. The Neon Owl is a bit of a departure from the usual agreement and I loved it! This story manages to put a big grin on your face instead of streaking your cheeks with tears and I’m not mad about it. This guy named Jinx (who feels very much like one of those charming, confirmed bachelor types. Everyone knows a couple of those guys) inherits his Aunt’s fleabag motel called, The Neon Owl. It’s one of those roadside motels that have long-term, live-in residents rather than a place where tourists would want to stay for the night. I absolutely adore Jinx and the cast of colorful characters he meets assuming his new role managing the motel. Not at all surprising, Lutzke expertly leans into his gift of humor he’s been hinting at and teasing his readers with all along. It’s really clear that Chad is one of those people, in real life, who watches people. He listens to them. He’s an observer. He brings this gift of details and mannerisms to the page; bringing to life fully formed, dimensional characters that the reader can vividly see and relate to--often times I find myself thinking, I know somebody just like that. Somewhere along the line, a mystery is ushered into the plot and it is hysterical. I love the ridiculous nature of this situation Jinx finds himself in and the fact that it’s important enough to him and some of the residents in the motel, to solve the mystery once and for all. Of course, like most things in life, something that starts off seemingly innocent or silly, begins to snowball into something more serious. This is when things go from zany antics to wild and dangerous. I’m so pleased this is Book 1 and that Lutzke promises there are more of these tales to come. It reminds me of a series Lansdale would write- a mixture of horror, heart and humor. My all-time favorite blend. ...more
First things first, the introduction to this book, written by Stephen Graham Jones, is so choice. Bonus points right away for mentioning one of my favFirst things first, the introduction to this book, written by Stephen Graham Jones, is so choice. Bonus points right away for mentioning one of my favorite childhood stories ever: The Monster at the End of This Book (narrated by your lovable ol’ pal, Grover).
Dr. Jones goes on to say, “John Langan, both delivering us some compelling horror but at the same time interrogating the basic form of horror.”
That’s how this collection feels to me too: On its face, twenty-one stories of horror. Underneath it all, horror deconstructed and inhaled by the reader. It’s a part of you now. It informs you.
A perfect example of this is the second story, “Hyphae.” I can’t stop thinking about this story. It has penetrated beyond my mind’s natural order of things and has taken root in my fears. I have a new fear. I can’t tell you what this is because I want people to read this story with all the points of discovery intact—just the way I read it. I stumbled around in a dank, smelly, old house while James looked for his father; the father is found and…
…a new fear is born. Enjoy! (I say that menacingly because I want other readers to see what I can’t unsee.)
Sandwiched in between longer stories are some amusing tales that leave you hungry. One of these is “Zombies in Marysville.” Langan entices his readers with the perfect setup, then hides the rest of the story in the archives of his imagination. I enjoyed this because I was still thinking about it when I started the next story, and it’s that kind of crossover that feels intentional on Langan’s behalf.
“Into the Darkness, Fearlessly” is one of my favorite stories. In classic Langan fashion, our tale opens with a story within a story. A professional editor finds a manuscript the morning after (the morning after what? You’ll see) from his client, Linus Price. It’s title is A Grammar of Dread, A Catechism of Terror. Just even reading this title sends the editor into a physical state. This leads to the editor meditating on his relationship with Linus and Linus’s wife, Dominika. The storytelling here is so absorbing! I swear as I type this, the world utterly disappeared as the drama swallowed me whole. Also noteworthy: I love books about writing and writers, don’t you? The fourth wall is slightly transparent as Langan peels back the curtain, revealing to his readers the world of writers from a fictional POV.
One more note: I don’t know how to say what needs to be said without sounding like a creep, so have grace for me? Some writers don’t write sensuality or sex scenes that read real. The sex in this particular story proves that it can enhance authenticity instead of harm.
Lastly, before I carry on too long, the title story, Children of the Fang, is everything I have grown to admire about Langan’s writing—atmospheric descriptions, mysterious found-footage, rich mythical lore about ancient creatures or beings—it’s almost as if Langan challenges his audience to engage with his stories on a cultural level; an understanding that readers will bring with them their historical context or religious worldview. This kind of interaction means that everyone will have their own, unique experience based on the personal lens one wears while they read. Personally, Langan is my standard by which all other short stories are measured. There is something in this collection that will stand out as your favorite, relish your time in these Genealogies to find it. ...more
Review originally published at Cemetery Dance: https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/... I like that the synopsis of White Pines is short and ambiguous. Review originally published at Cemetery Dance: https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/... I like that the synopsis of White Pines is short and ambiguous. I’d like to leave it that way. I’m going to do my best to share my reading experience without disclosing important plot details in order to protect “reader discovery.”
What you know:
A woman, returning to her roots. A town, built on sacred land. A secret, cloaked in tradition and lore. Welcome to White Pines. Don’t get too comfortable. The new cosmic-folk-Celtic-cult-fantasy-horror novel from Gemma Amor, the Bram Stoker Award-nominated author of Dear Laura and Cruel Works of Nature, is available NOW. What I’ll tell you:
The protagonist, Megan, is so relatable. I enjoyed going on a journey of self-discovery and change with her at the beginning of the story; walking in her shoes and processing everything thrown her way.
I love that Gemma Amor writes flawed, realistic women that don’t come across as having it all figured out. Megan doesn’t always react the way I would in a situation, but that’s the beauty of investing in her story—to see where her choices will take her.
What makes this book full-on horror is the brilliant way Amor sucks the reader into the story without telegraphing where she is taking you. As Megan begins to unravel the mysterious situations that befall her, the pace quickens, hurtling towards the escalating drama without being able to stop. The suspense is exhilarating and addicting.
Perhaps most noteworthy is Gemma’s ability to seamlessly stitch together mythology with epic proportions while simultaneously laying down solid groundwork for the reader to stand on so that suspending disbelief comes effortlessly/naturally. It’s clear that world building and character development are Gemma’s wheelhouse, and her greatest assets that assist her in dynamic storytelling.
To say that she holds her readers captive in the palm of her hand doesn’t do the magic of White Pines justice, but it’s as close as I can get to describing the relationship I have with her gift of words.
A consistent feature of Gemma’s books is their ability to translate powerful emotion. I went through a plethora of feelings as this book wound down to its conclusion. A strong testament to Gemma’s work as a writer—her readers can confidently show up for her unique brand of horror and expect to be crushed under the weight of serious emotional investment. It hurts so good....more
Review originally published at Cemetery Dance: https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/... You know, if I didn’t have to sleep, eat, or tend to the family Review originally published at Cemetery Dance: https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/... You know, if I didn’t have to sleep, eat, or tend to the family during this stay-at-home order, I would have sat and read this one straight through. This book is everything.
Cue some strange intro music like the eerie riffs from X-Files or the digital notes of that synthesized melody from Stranger Things and settle into this binge-worthy genre mashup. Best known for his bizarro-horror style and flavor, Jeremy Robert Johnson is an unexpected hero for the coming-of-age conspiracy thriller genre.
Wait, is that a genre, or did JRJ just invent it?
In any event, this book covers a lot of ground and offers something for everyone: A strong, female protagonist named Lucy; witty (hilarious) sidekick besties, Brewer and Bucket; and a rocket-fueled storyline about a biologically engineered virus leaked from a lab and wreaking havoc in a small, rural town in the Pacific Northwest. There’s even a likable radio personality known as the Nightwatchman that gave me strong Pump Up the Volume vibes. Do you remember that movie with Christian Slater? Well I do. One of my favorite aspects of Johnson’s writing is the way everything is stylistically cinematic to read like a cult-classic from a familiar era (definitely the late ‘80s to mid-’90s).
But wait! That’s not all!
Given that this is a Jeremy Robert Johnson novel, readers can expect thoughtfully executed social commentary—primarily race and class. I enjoyed how Johnson utilized tension between kids from middle class families and the privilege that rich kids enjoy. Folded into this tension is Johnson’s natural-born talent for wit and sarcasm as well as his flair for spot-on pop culture references—a trifecta of storytelling gifts that Johnson’s fanbase has come to expect from his books.
On that note, this is where I recommend JRJ’s collection of stories, Entropy in Bloom. The Loop showcases his talent for breathing authenticity into his characters through realistic dialog and meaningful relationships in a way that I have seen in his short story work but is fully realized in this novel.
The Loop is a unique creation capable of melting even the hardest hearts. I dare you not to feel your feelings. This is a favorite book of 2020 for sure, and possibly my new favorite book of Johnson’s....more
Full review originally posted at Cemetery Dance: https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/... Some authors have a storytelling voice that feels familiar to Full review originally posted at Cemetery Dance: https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/... Some authors have a storytelling voice that feels familiar to the reader. I often say that these authors’ books are like coming home after wearing formal clothes all day, and then putting on your favorite pajamas; the definition of comfort.
Gemma Amor’s writing style “fits me.” We are a perfect reader/author match. The minute I start reading one of her short stories I am immediately drawn in and compelled to finish. It’s difficult for me to put any story of her’s down until I’m done.
Her first collection, Cruel Works of Nature, blew my mind. Each story so remarkably unique; the author’s very own illustrations introducing the next tale with the title. When I discovered she was releasing another short story collection, I was beside myself with excitement but also experiencing some hesitancy — what if it doesn’t measure up to the standard set by that first book? What if she decides not to include those illustrations! Perish the thought.
I’m thrilled to report that Till the Score is Paid is a worthy follow up to that high bar Gemma Amor set and, dare I say, she might have even outdone herself. I’m pleased Gemma stuck with her illustrations for this collection, I believe that when an author ventures forth with something unique like that, and it goes over so well with readers, it’s safe to assume they would miss it if it wasn’t there the second time around. We readers are a spoiled lot and we want what we love from our favorites. I loved the beautiful title pages as well, an additional treat.
All of the visual components aside, what about the stories? I must highlight some of my favorites:
“Justine” — Perhaps the standout story for its provocative subject material. A woman finds that she can use an unconventional method to make sure her victimizer pays for what he did to her. Obviously, triggersome (did I just make up a word?) but well worth the cringes and flinches to see Justine get her chance in hell.
“Rat Girl” — Timmy’s new friend is hiding something in his basement. The illustration for this one was so good, I just kept turning back to it while I read the story.
Here’s where I mention that Gemma often submits her short stories to be acted out old-school-radio-style on The No Sleep Podcast, including two of my favorites included in this collection:
“Heart of Stone” — A father would do anything for his daughter, Jenny. He only gets to see her every other weekend, so his time with her is precious. He gives her a special gift for her birthday which is the catalyst for some supernatural events. This one was unexpected and I loved the reading on No Sleep!
“A Birthday Cake for Brian” — Brian’s mother decides to make a special cake for her son on his birthday as a surprise. But it’s Brian who has a nasty surprise for his mother. I loved the way this one reads like a Creepshow episode — it’s brutal, short and sweet. Like the icing on the cake.
Do yourself a favor and grab both of Gemma Amor’s collections. She’s making big waves in the horror industry, nominated for a Bram Stoker and you don’t want to miss out on the conversation or her brilliant stories. ...more
It’s this reader’s opinion that short story collections are the best way to read a new author. It’s the quickest way to discover an author’s versatility; each story an opportunity to showcase a variety of unique skills without being locked into one narrative.
I also believe that a reader begins their relationship with a book with the cover. In this case, primate skulls in bold, appealing colors with a recognizable Matthew Revert style. A real winner for me. A cover-buy.
“Whispers in the Ear of a Dreaming Ape” is a weird, memorable, and intriguing title. What a clever first impression because it speaks to exactly what the reader will experience while reading these stories.
The first story, “Letters to the Purple Satin Killer,” is straight up brilliant. I’m not going to mince words. The style is confident, almost cocksure, commanding the reader’s attention and establishing authority. An epistolary story told by women writing letters to a convicted murderer. Definitely one of those short stories where I could have read a few hundred pages more of what Chaplinsky was giving out. There was a lot going on in those letters.
From that story on into the next dozen, it’s clear that Chaplinsky is comfortable writing in multiple different styles, formats, and points-of-view. As a whole, Whispers is a neon sign of where Chaplinsky is going as an author, and an invitation to readers who want to follow him there.
The stories range from traditional storytelling to something a little more atypical to downright strange.
The collection’s last story is another one I want to mention. In high school, if you bummed a ride from a buddy, it was common to hear the saying, “ass, gas or grass,” suggesting that the driver would take any of those three things as compensation for driving you around. Chaplinsky wrote a short story based on this saying and I will never, ever, NEVER, unsee it or not think of “nobody rides for free” if I hear that classic saying again. I was on the edge of my seat and if I wasn’t holding my Kindle, fervently reading, I would have bitten my nails down to the quick. Heart-pounding, nerve-wracking horror and the perfect ending to a pretty tight collection of stories. I recommend this one to fans who want to dive deeper into fresh, bizarro, experimental horror and a change of pace....more
Review originally posted to Cemetery Dance April 13th, 2020 https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/... We all know Michael David Wilson from the infamous Review originally posted to Cemetery Dance April 13th, 2020 https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/... We all know Michael David Wilson from the infamous podcast, This is Horror. Michael is the one with the exceptionally wonderful British accent. If you haven’t listened to an episode, question what it is about your life that needs assistance and then at least start listening to This is Horror on a regular basis. It’s a great way to get your life back on track.
The Girl in the Video is Wilson’s first published book of any kind and I know exactly why Max Booth III picked it up for Perpetual Motion Machine…
Pssst…because it’s awesome.
This book is seventy-one pages long so the potential to spoil a reader’s discovery is real and I will not be “that person.” The official synopsis is brief, so I will be too:
A married man gets an unusual video sent to his private messages on social media. He succumbs to curiosity (as so many of us would) and watches the video. Unfortunately, the contents of the video demand more from him than just his casual curiosity and the whole situation spirals out of control.
This book.
First of all, it struck me as a cautionary tale to us all. The internet is a wild and weird place. It brings people from all over the globe into this tiny universe where you can have access to anyone, literally anyone, with just one click. Which, in the right hands, can be a great thing. But like everything else in the world, a few “bad apples” can spoil the bunch.
Very rotten, bruised apples.
If you’re like me and you endured the Netflix documentary, Don’t F*ck With Cats, you know as well as I do how easy it is for people with too much time on their hands to find out a lot of information about someone — right down to exactly where a person lives just by digging around on social media. Also, equipped with the simple camera installed on a smartphone, mentally unstable and harmful individuals can do so much damage in a really short amount of time; a terrifying and shocking reality.
These are the horrifying facts at work in The Girl in the Video. It’s hard to bear witness to everything that happens in this dark story. I wanted to reach through the pages and scream a voice of reason or warning so many times, which is a sign that I was emotionally invested and a sign of brilliant storytelling.
Fans of cyber-horror, stalker thrillers, and edge-of-your-seat drama will want to pick this one up and binge-read it immediately upon release. Tuck Michael David Wilson’s name in your pocket for future reads as well because I’m sure there’s more to come. ...more
Our protagonist, Malorie, is young and a little naive. There is a global calamity going on and she seems very preoccupied with her own circumstances. As a reader, you are concerned with our protagonist’s perspective—can she navigate through this story safely for us? I wanted a more reliable, capable protagonist to be honest but this is a horror novel and I came prepared for the worst. And the worst did come… …This was an engaging, edge of your seat read. I loved every hair-raising moment. A solid work of horror, suspense and apocalyptic storytelling. In this sequel, Josh Malerman pens the evolution of the protagonist Malorie from his bestselling book (and one of my favorite horror novels) Bird Box. Malorie is an adult now. Her children are teenagers. They “live by the blindfold.” Considering the ending of Bird Box, this is a curious statement.
In order to protect reader discovery, this review must, at all costs, be light on plot details and lean in on my reading experience. I think the most important thing readers need to know is that yes, Malorie can be read as a standalone, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
Perhaps my personal favorite aspect of reading is joining a character on their journey towards self-discovery and evolution. In the genre of horror, this character growth is often a forced process as the characters are put through various trials and face many terrors.
In Bird Box, Malerman did an excellent job of portraying a young woman navigating through the catastrophe in a realistic way that many of us could relate to. She worries about her own self-preservation. She makes mistakes. She grows impatient and frustrated with her circumstances.
Sometimes, in horror, the “final girl” is immediately brave or heroic in almost all situations and it makes the reader feel detached from the story. It’s hard to identify with someone who can flawlessly execute “the right thing to do” all the time.
In Bird Box, Malorie was almost too real; too like me. I was scared about what could possibly happen to her and if she would be strong enough to survive. By the end of the book, she had undergone a huge transformation and the person she was, in the beginning, had been tested by fire. The woman that emerged was capable, competent and resourceful.
Malorie is the sequel we desperately needed but didn’t even know we wanted. When I heard Malerman was writing a sequel, I thought, “Of course Malorie has more to show us. There’s so much more to her story.”
Whereas Bird Box is one person’s journey, encountering various people along the way, Malorie is the story of a nexus. A family. The addition of Malorie’s children and the way they rub against each other’s flaws and distinct personalities makes this story shine.
Character-driven horror is my absolute favorite. I show up to my books expecting to fall in love so that I can be destroyed, and Josh Malerman delivers.
Malorie is a new favorite horror story and stands perfectly equal to its predecessor. Once again, Josh Malerman proves his place among my all-time favorite authors of horror fiction. Always unique. Insatiably original. An identifiable, almost magical quality to his storytelling that never disappoints. ...more
Originally published on Cemetery Dance https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/... I clearly remember a debate that transpired last summer on social media Originally published on Cemetery Dance https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/... I clearly remember a debate that transpired last summer on social media about anthologies. An author wondered about the future of anthologies because it seemed to him they don’t make any money. Several industry people weighed in with their strong opinions either in support of anthologies or against them (not really opposed to anthologies in general but speaking more about the profitability, or lack thereof).
Watching from the sidelines, I was beside myself. Anthologies are some of my favorite books to read. I chimed in on the conversation, only to add that I enjoy a well put together, themed anthology and that I am wholeheartedly in support of their continued success. Miscreations, by award-winning editors Doug Murano and Michael Bailey, proves beyond the shadow of a doubt that anthologies are well worth any amount of effort, money, blood, sweat, and tears.
The table of contents boasts an impressive collection of diverse, talented authors bringing original stories to the table. There isn’t a single lackluster tale in the whole lot. Perhaps my favorite reason to share with others why I love anthologies so much is that I get excited to read new short stories from my favorite authors, but even more delicious is the potential to find new favorite authors!
A solid example of this would be the first two stories. I read everything I can get my hands on from Michael Wehunt, and his story “A Heart Arrhythmia Creeping Into A Dark Room” is so perfectly Wehunt, I’d know it was his story without his name following the title. A reader enjoying his unique storytelling for the first time is given the best opportunity here to become a fan and buy more of his work.
The next story, “Matryoshka” by Joanna Parypinski, reads like modern folklore. A woman is in her childhood home, seeing her mother’s doll collection and its purpose for the first time. Halfway through, I made note of Joanna Parypinski: “Buy something from this author!”
Scott Edelman, also new to me, appears with a story about a victim of domestic violence who turns the tables on her aggressor. She decides to commemorate her victory in a startling way. This story stuck around in my mind long after I read it.
I read my first book by Victor LaValle this month, so reading another story so soon afterward was a real treat. “Spectral Evidence” is proof that an author can dig deep in a manner of pages. This one moved me.
I’ve been dying to read something from both Lisa Morton and Lucy A. Snyder; their stories blew me away. Morton’s is this strange story of a woman who sets her mind on creating a man from her own body. The results were both humorous and upsetting. Snyder’s is a brutal account of a sex worker encountering some kind of…monstrosity. It was really quite disarming and disturbing. Of course, I loved it.
I must make mention of the amazing work some of my long-time favorites did for this anthology. Nadia Bulkin captured my imagination and my heart with her mechanical giant. Josh Malerman did the same with his werewolves. I adored “You Are my Neighbor” by Max Booth III, once again confirming Max as one of the most consistently solid writers in the genre right now.
The poetry offerings peppered throughout by Christina Sng, Linda Addison, and Stephanie Wytovich are both impressive representations of their individual talents, but also a nod to Murano and Bailey for knowing that those lyrical reprieves were just what readers needed in between such meaty stories.
I can’t forget to say that Alma Katsu’s foreword and the interior illustrations by M. Fersner (hagcult) assist in making all the moving parts of this anthology feel like one, cohesive…beast. Monster. Miscreation.
Standouts from this collection: It’s no surprise to me that Bracken MacLeod’s dark tale, “Not Eradicated in You,” made a huge impact on me. I’ve read several anthologies featuring a story from MacLeod and they always stand out among the others. He is my favorite short story writer.
“Umbra Sum” by Kristi DeMeester, features her underlying dread and special brand of earthy, atmospheric storytelling. Mercedes M. Yardley’s “Asylum Ophelia” has that dark fairytale quality I have come to love from Mercedes. This story is so lush and beautiful I was dreading the turning of the last page.
“Paper Doll Hyperplane” by R. B. Payne. Who is R. B. Payne?* I don’t know but I assure you that after reading his story about a mathematician turned serial killer, I’ll be on the hunt for more of his work. Truly a standout. Lastly and perhaps the most colorful piece, Laird Barron’s, “Ode to Joad the Toad.” Trust me, you need this story in your life.
Miscreations is like a present stuffed with quality horror. Readers can open the gift slowly; tasting. Or tear through it; devouring. Authors you know and love delivering exactly what you want. New authors showing off and gathering new fans. Anthologies this good are an invaluable resource. Thank goodness for Doug Murano and Michael Bailey....more
Originally published at Cemetery Dance: https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/... Once every blue moon, a reader will encounter an author who possesses aOriginally published at Cemetery Dance: https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/... Once every blue moon, a reader will encounter an author who possesses a storytelling style that works for them every damn time. I have a few of these authors. Let’s call them the “Do-No-Wrongs.”
John Boden is a “Do-No-Wrong.”
Whether he’s lending his voice to a collaboration with Chad Lutzke or Bob Ford or one of many authors with a story in an anthology—whatever the case may be, I’ll be a fan of it. Having read almost everything I could get my hands on of Boden’s work, it’s my opinion that Spungunion is the pinnacle. You could start here and have the best possible representation of Boden’s unique way of telling stories; his special brand of character development, and that magical sadness he weaves throughout.
Deke Larch is a man on a mission. It’s not a noble mission. It’s a self-serving quest to restore what little sanity the man has left and damn the consequences. Quite remarkably, Boden’s protagonist follows a disturbing rendition of the “hero’s journey.” There’s a mentor figure with an unusual occupation. There are obstacles and enemies that try to distract Deke from his mission, and then there is that threshold moment when our unlikely hero must make difficult choices and either return home the same as he was, or push himself harder and forever be changed.
As the reader bearing witness to the whole affair, I can assure you that you impossibly hope for the best. Your heart is given to Deke on page one and it’s hard to watch him run away with it. There’s one scene where I wanted to cry out, “Uncle! I give! I give!” but Boden doesn’t pull any punches for you, sorry to say. It’s another one of those trademark moves you can assign to certain authors. John Boden will not let you off the hook easily. There’s no sparing of feelings here.
How all of this happens in about one hundred pages is mind-blowing.
It’s that magical sadness I mentioned earlier. Somehow, some way, Boden is able to infuse authenticity and sincerity into everything. By the end of this novella, my emotions were a tangled heap; tears were shed, my heart broken.
But it’s what I expect with John Boden’s stories. It’s what fans of his work show up for time and time again. I can’t wait to see what’s next in 2020 for this author. I will read all of it.
If you’re an emotional reader who enjoys investing in well written characters going through heartbreaking trials, I highly recommend Spungunion to you. You will never forget it....more
Review originally posted to Cemetery Dance April 1st, 2020 You might be a horror book consumer like me and have already bought into the Grady Hendrix bReview originally posted to Cemetery Dance April 1st, 2020 You might be a horror book consumer like me and have already bought into the Grady Hendrix brand. You come for the unique titles and clever packaging (My Best Friend’s Exorcism) but you stay for the alluring storytelling, memorable characters, and iconic cultural references.
Hendrix fans, this might be your new favorite. Within the first few chapters, I got a real sense of the author setting the pace. If you’re one of those book-bingers who jump in with both feet and start tearing through the story, let me caution you to slow down with this one and really savor the moments. There’s some masterful set-up going on in this book; some juicy nuances.
Patricia shows up to her Book Club and she’s supposed to lead the discussion, but motherhood and “life obstacles” have prevented any kind of self-care, let alone time to read a whole book (and a boring book at that). Instead of just coming clean, she decides to wing it and fake her understanding of the story hoping that by asking enough vague questions, the discussion will naturally give her enough clues to sound knowledgeable.
This scene is hysterical. The dialog, the characters, all the awkwardness of the moment—it’s almost like Grady Hendrix spent actual years in a woman’s book club. His focus on Patricia and her friends—their struggles with motherhood and married life—is why this book is so successful.
This is a vampire horror story, yes, but only as a vehicle to tell Patricia’s story—a woman with a thousand expectations put on her. Raising two kids and looking after an ailing mother-in-law, all while keeping up appearances.
At some point, members of the Book Club go rogue and instead of reading the typical literary go-to books (The Bridges of Madison County), they take a deep dive into the scandals of true crime novels. Around the same time, a strange man, James Harris, moves into the neighborhood under mysterious circumstances and befriends our attention-starved Patricia.
What might be mistaken as telegraphing the whole “vampire thing” is actually Grady Hendrix remixing a tired old trope, so don’t be tempted to exclaim, “I figured it out!” or “I knew this was happening!” You didn’t and you don’t. In the case of The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires, Grady Hendrix knows exactly what he’s doing. Everything you think you know was hinted at on purpose and everything that blows your mind at the end was Hendrix showing off.
Horror lovers who enjoy era-specific pop cultural references and a smart blend of vivid character-driven horror and humor will be well pleased. It’s everything Hendrix fans have come to expect from his exclusive brand of storytelling: Clever, compelling and plenty of chills. A new favorite!
Mother Horror blurb:
“Horror lovers who enjoy era-specific pop cultural references and a smart blend of vivid character-driven horror and humor will be well pleased. It’s everything Hendrix fans have come to expect from his exclusive brand of storytelling: Clever, compelling and plenty of chills. A new favorite!” Full review coming to Cemetery Dance
If Melissa McCarty and Kathy Bates don't star in the movie version of this book--then what would even be the point?! ...more
Review originally published at Cemetery Dance: https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/... The setting for Clown in a Cornfield is the fictional town of KeReview originally published at Cemetery Dance: https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/... The setting for Clown in a Cornfield is the fictional town of Kettle Springs, a rural town that sounds like good ol’ Nowheresville, USA. The townspeople seem caught in a time-warp where young people are to be seen and not heard, especially while the grown-ups are trying hard to “Make Kettle Springs Great Again.” Unfortunately for our protagonist, Quinn Maybrook, her father took a job in Kettle Springs and Quinn has no choice but to adjust to her new scene.
Adam Cesare is no stranger to horror tropes. He has a popular YouTube channel where he reviews and discusses horror movies and horror fiction. He’s written several of his own books, each one with their own cinematic flair and intentional nods to familiar tropes but with Cesare’s own twists.
It’s no surprise that Clown in a Cornfield, Cesare’s debut New York publishing novel, already has movie adaptation buzz surrounding it. It’s this reader’s opinion that his stories have always been ready for the big screen. There’s just something about his writing style and his passion for horror movies that translates onto the page.
Clown is no exception and reads like a retro-slasher film but with social commentary relevant to today’s audience. The best of both worlds. Some readers might find the first one hundred pages a bit of a slow burn. I found the set-up to be slightly underwhelming for all its early hype.
In classic slasher fashion where there’s an arresting, violent introduction (think of the babysitter scene in SCREAM or the hit-and-run scene of I Know What You Did Last Summer) Clown opens with a heart-pounding hook.
However, readers are then led through a meandering journey as Quinn makes new friends and asks them questions about some of the town’s landmarks and historical celebrations. Quinn finally recognizes that there is something seriously different about her new hometown and it becomes her mission to uncover the mystery and expose the truth.
Eventually, the horror engine turns over and it’s off to the races! The second half of the book is non-stop action. The body count rises and Kettle Spring’s streets run red.
Don’t let this book genre label turn you off from pre-ordering this title. There’s nothing “toned down” or unmentioned about this full-on attack on today’s youth. Other than the protagonist and her friends being teenagers, this is fully capable of providing full-grown scares....more
Late at night, in the comfort of my cozy bed with my husband slightly snoring next to me, I read stories about werewolves, monsters or bad things happ Late at night, in the comfort of my cozy bed with my husband slightly snoring next to me, I read stories about werewolves, monsters or bad things happening to people when they’re camping. I can rest easy before sleep knowing I can leave all those made-up nightmares in the pages of the books on my nightstand (I don’t camp or go outdoors so, no real threat there).
For me, the most terrifying horror stories are the ones that hit close to home. The subject matter is a little too believable or probable.
“This could happen.”
Michael Wehunt’s novella is set in the fictional town Fontaine Falls, North Carolina. A resident named Bea Holcombe lives the American Dream—she and her husband are raising their family in a quaint, idyllic town in the perfect neighborhood. They attend church, they have friends, everything is great.
Except, as a big fan of Michael Wehunt’s storytelling, I already know something bad will definitely happen here. (See the title of this novella? Clue number one).
Here is where I’m going to ask you to trust your Mother Horror. First, I’m going to recommend you do not read other reviews of this novella until after you’ve finished. I’ve read a few and they spoil some readers’ discovery for you; this story is best if you go in totally blind. Which leads me to my next recommendation: I saw Michael Wehunt post a link to preorder this Charitable Chapbook and I didn’t even blink—nor did I read the synopsis. There are some authors who can put anything out and I will buy it. Wehunt is one of them. After reading the synopsis, I suggest saving that until after you read it as well. Again, trust me. Dive in with no knowledge of what you’re getting into.
My last push is for you to hurry up and get one of these before they’re gone. It’s thirty dollars which is a steep price for a chapbook but this is worth every penny and then some:
Charitable Chapbooks by Nightscape Press help authors use their writing to generate funds for charity. So buying this novella directly supports the charity Michael Wehunt chose: The Southern Poverty Law Center.
The cover of this book was designed by the instantly recognizable talent of Don Noble. The interior illustrations peppered throughout are by Luke Spooner, a name horror fans should already know, and let me say—those alone are worth the price of admission.
So all of those reasons are just heaping on the awesomeness because let me just say, this story is everything. It’s hard for me to say with words how pleasurable it is to navigate through a narrative as controlled and intentional as this one is—it’s as though Wehunt wears many hats, not just a writer, but also an architect who has carefully planned every detail. He’s like a psychologist who knows the human mind with all its twists and turns. He can wear the hats that so many of us wear; mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, citizens of the United States who feel helpless to combat this current political climate.
Everything is Beautiful and Nothing Bad Can Ever Happen Here resonated with me on an intimate, personal level. My hometown could be Fontaine Falls. “It’s the perfect place to grow up; raise a family; retire. It’s safe. It’s untainted by all the bad things that happen everywhere else.”
I lived there for forty years and it’s dangerous. It’s a bubble. It has the appearance of being “safe” but it’s a breeding ground for all the same ugliness that’s everywhere else, it’s just not as exposed. It’s buried deep and hidden in the hearts of the residents so that your neighbors can’t even see it.
“This is a ghost story” Bea Holcombe tells the reader. And it’s our ghost story. Michael Wehunt just gave it words so that it could haunt us forever, and I’m grateful for that....more
“Somewhere out there is a true and living prophet of destruction and I dont want to confront him. I know he’s real. I have seen his work.” No Country for Old Men, Cormac McCarthy Sometimes the right story, told by the right author, finds itself in your hands at just the right time. I received Grind Your Bones to Dust by Nicholas Day as a printed manuscript, three-hole-punched, brad at the top and the bottom holding the many pages together. It felt special when I held it.
Flipping through, I saw illustrations; striking, intentionally scribbly illustrations of man and beast.
I already knew from reading Nick’s short story collection, Nobody Gets Hurt and Other Lies, what I should expect from his first novel:
The unexpected.
As I devoured this book, I had the distinct feeling that every single word was chosen with meticulous care and concern; no words were added flippantly, wastefully or without great intention. This kind of mindfulness from the author has a mesmerizing effect on me as a reader. This book is so compelling and gripping, my very life was suspended and held in tension until I finished.
Told in four parts, the first three parts are told almost as isolated events. There are small connective threads of familiarity, either with characters or the storyline, woven through so that you know that at some point everything is going to come together and it will be epic. That apex moment of all the points of light intersecting is in part four. The brilliance of it all is breathtaking; literally, the most masterful climax and conclusion. I have never read its equal.
It would be utter ruin if I were to overshare any of this book’s unique storyline. Part One starts right off with the protagonist, Louis Loving, fleeing a strange horror in the middle of the night. You have never encountered predators such as these in all your horror journeys.
Part Two features a villain so unfathomably evil…I could say with confidence that James Hayte is the single most wicked character to ever terrify me in literature. Second, only to Cormac McCarty’s the Judge in Blood Meridian. There are murderous deeds committed you will never want to read again, and Nicholas Day writes them in such a way that you are unlikely to ever forget a single one. Part of me wishes I could scrub them from my mind and part of me wants to applaud Day for being the kind of author who absolutely knows how to write exceptionally memorable acts of violence. He understands that sometimes full detail is not required to project a horrifying act into a reader’s mind. Things can be suggested with just the right words, and it’s more unsettling than full disclosure could ever be.
One of my favorite characters is Billings, a supernatural raven who speaks in these prophetic parables and mysteries. Billings and James somehow find each other and the two of them together are some of my favorite storytelling moments.
Part Three is the introduction of some important characters who are going to lead us back to Part One. This portion of the story provides the reader with some of the best dialog I’ve ever read. Truly some profound words are exchanged and I found myself wanting to either commit everything to memory or furiously scribble down notes, so I did both. It’s in Part Three that I read one of the scariest horror fiction moments I’ve read to this day. It reads like an intense scene in some indie horror movie that is talked about for generations. Once you read it, you’ll know—that’s the scene Sadie was talking about. Like already said, Part Four is Nicholas Day showing us what he’s made of.
He writes like a man possessed as if the very story you’re reading has somehow taken over Day’s being and poured itself out onto the page. I don’t know if Nicholas Day sold his soul at a crossroads to bring us Grind Your Bones to Dust, but this book feels like the result of a pact made with the Devil to bring us the finest horror has to offer. I’m thankful this is his first novel because it is this reader’s opinion it will propel him farther out into the industry and we can plan to enjoy many more novels from him. I’ll be standing in line....more
I read an interview with Stephen Graham Jones where he said, “I just figure I am Blackfeet, so every story I tell’s going to be Blackfeet.” (Uncanny Magazine/Julia Rios)
This one, simple statement is manifested in SGJ’s body of work; each book wildly different from the last, but distinctly identifiable as his own because they bear his fingerprints, unique storytelling voice and personal context.
Over the last few years, I have been a fan of his short fiction (“Dirtmouth”), novellas (Mapping the Interior), novels (Mongrels), and experimental fiction (The Last Final Girl). I will gladly show up for anything he has to offer.
The Only Good Indians begins with a swiftly-paced narrative, aptly balancing social commentary and real-time drama. Readers are drawn into the life of a Blackfeet Native American named Lewis. It takes only a few sentences to fall in love with him. He has an infectious personality when he’s interacting with those around him, but it’s Lewis’ inner thought life that reveals his sense of humor and vibrancy I found so endearing.
The narrative is two-fold: Lewis’ present day circumstances peppered with flashbacks to an elk hunting trip with his friends. It becomes increasingly clear that whatever transpired during this hunting trip almost a decade ago has haunted Lewis all of his days. Something bad happened there.
As Lewis goes through his day-to-day life, unsettling suspense begins to build surrounding Lewis’ past; it’s almost unbearable as Stephen Graham Jones expertly winds the tension tighter and tighter and tighter until there is an unexpected break. We finally learn Lewis’ secrets and once the reader sees the truth—you can’t unsee it. It colors everything from that moment forward.
This is the magic of SGJ’s storytelling—everything comes at you from all sides. A barrage of human experiences told through people who feel real to you, their feelings uncomfortably tangible. Stephen Graham Jones expertly switches POVs, head-hops, transitions the entire story into a new one halfway through, kills his darlings with unflinching decisiveness, and basically is able to get away with everything authors are told to never do. SGJ makes his own way, by his rules. And thank goodness for that.
This is a story that is shared so intimately, it’s hard to separate and let go of the connection that is formed when it’s over. I almost feel possessive of it—this book is mine! Nobody will engage with it the way I did!
I wonder if other readers will experience that same feeling of ownership over this story? There is something so devastatingly heartbreaking as a reader to feel a kinship to a protagonist and his story but at the same time, know that the stakes are too high—the hunter has become the prey. I wanted to jump through the pages and protect Lewis from what I was sure was coming for him.
I loved the time I invested in this story. There were some major payoffs—the ending is spectacular. This will likely be the book that catapults SGJ’s name on the lips of all readers, not just die-hard horror junkies who already know and love his work. He’ll be everyone’s new favorite and it is well deserved. This is the new benchmark for slasher/revenge stories—SGJ just flipped the script and staked a new claim. A gold standard for the genre.
Blurb: "WHOAAAAAAAA!!! Writing up my review for Cemetery Dance but mark my words: It's this book by SGJ that is going to be made into a movie (I'm already calling it) This is the kind of horror people want right now. The characters are memorable, interesting, flawed, funny--REAL. This horror has something to say. A modern revenge story with biting social commentary that eats away at your soul. My heart and my mind ached after I finished."...more
4.5! Review originally published at Cemetery Dance: https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/... I have never wanted to live in the pages of a horror novel a4.5! Review originally published at Cemetery Dance: https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/... I have never wanted to live in the pages of a horror novel as much as I did while reading The Ancestor. Alberta Montebianco lives a stressful, emotionally complicated lifestyle in New York. With almost magical timing, a letter shows up addressed to her but with a new title in front of her name— “Countess.” As it turns out, Alberta discovers that she is possibly the sole, living heir to a noble title, and a castle in Turin, Italy.
The perfect set-up for a compelling story! I felt like I was reading the source material for an old black-and-white movie starring a classic Hollywood, silver screen beauty. All of the chapters with Trussoni’s bewildered protagonist as she explores her new digs in Italy are life-giving, fairytale-esque magic! I loved all the detailed, descriptive language of the castle and decor.
Bear rugs. Fireplaces in all the rooms. Chandeliers. A whole library in a turret with rounded walls and bookshelves everywhere. Secret rooms, strange servants and even a mysterious person dwelling in a private room. There was an excitement building in me as I realized that at some point in the story, there would be so many remarkable revelations. It’s a dream-like reading experience I would wish on anyone who might want to imagine what it would feel like to live vicariously through a modern-day woman turned countess.
This is where readers of this review might begin to question the validity of the publisher’s marketing strategy in genre labeling this book as horror. It all sounds a little bit fanciful and even romantic.
But, oh-ho, horror fans! Remember, my job is to share my reading experience with you while preserving your own reading discoveries. I don’t want to allude to anything that would potentially spoil some of the amazing plot details that await you on this journey. Just know this: it would be almost impossible to imagine, at the start of this book, where it ultimately ends up. Horror fans, you’re in for a treat....more
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