Steve Stred's Blog, page 77

Book Review: Devil’s Night by Curtis M. Lawson

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Title: Devil’s Night

Author: Curtis M. Lawson

Release date: September 20, 2020

Huge thanks to Curtis for arranging for a digital copy to head my way to review. Look at that cover!! ‘Devil’s Night’ is Curtis’ latest collection and is available as a signed/limited hardcover only, as of writing this review. Judging from the photos I’ve seen online and the gorgeous illustrations within, if you are a fan of Lawson’s work and love collecting stunning releases, this one is right up your alley.

This is my second experience reading Lawson’s work. I read his co-authored novella ‘Those Who Go Forth into the Empty Place of Gods’ which was actually a bit of a miss for me. But, in my brain, there was a germ of a story teller I wanted to explore more. I do have ‘Black Heart Boys’ Choir’ on my Kindle and after reading this, I’m going to need to get to that ASAP.

What I liked: ‘Devil’s Night’ is a collection exactly about that. Devil’s Night is a night of vandalism and arson that occurs on October 30th. Historically associated with Detroit, Michigan. Curtis decided (smartly, I might add) to take that idea and pair it with the legend of the Nain Rouge. The Nain Rouge is a red-dwarf like creature, often assumed to be or associated with the devil. Within, we get some truly stunning stories, and even an appearance by the famed Hobo Pig Lady of Michigan lore.

The fourteen stories opens with the fantastic ‘Trash-Fire Stories,’ which was also my favorite of the group. The story is centered around a teen boy who is doing street art in an industrial area when three kids from his school stumble upon him as he works. They share their own experiences with the Nain Rouge. This story was creepy-personified and the ended was spot on.

This laid some great ground-work for what was to come. The next story ‘D20’ was a great fantasy/horror blend between two brothers playing a board game while the real world howls at their window. This one was even a bit sweet in places.

Other stand outs for me were ‘No One Leaves the Butcher Shop,’ ‘Fire Sermon,’ ‘Rashaam the Unholy’ and ‘The Exorcism of Detroit, Michigan.’

You really can’t go wrong here as Curtis has crafted a collection that will become a classic release, especially for Halloween lovers as the years go by.

What I didn’t like: With any collection there is an ebb and flow with each story and a few of them suffered from the normal ‘I wish this story was a longer’ and ‘I wish this story was shorter’ thoughts that populate a readers brain. Overall, each story is rock solid, which made it easy to overlook those tendencies.

Why you should buy this: As I said in the opening, if you love Lawson’s work or love collecting gorgeous books, this is one you’ll need on your shelf. Coupled with the top notch story telling and the phenomenal imagery Curtis conjures in here, this one’s should be a must read for lovers of dark fiction and people who devour Halloween infused horror.

5/5

You can buy Devil’s Night here;

Devil’s Night

Book Review: Mr. Cables by Ronald Malfi

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Title: Mr. Cables

Author: Ronald Malfi

Release date: Nov 6, 2020

Engrossing.

Thoroughly, thoroughly engrossing.

Absolutely captivating.

Shamefully, this was my first experience reading Mr. Malfi. Crazy right? I have a number of his books sitting in my TBR, and when JournalStone announced this, I immediately snagged the Kindle version. But then, like a decent chunk of my books, it languished for a few weeks. Until I saw Jeremy Hepler post or tweet that he’d really enjoyed this book and I slapped myself.

So, last night, I was just going to read 25%. I have four other books on the go, all fantastic reads, so I was just going to read 25% and then finish off The Messy Man by Chris Sorensen.

But then this friggin’ book was so friggin’ enthralling, I read it in one sitting.

What I liked: NYT Bestselling Author Wil Paventeau is at a book signing when an older lady comes up to him, tells him his book is the scariest she’s ever read and then flops down a tattered hardcover of ‘Mr. Cables.’ The book has his name on it, his author photo and an almost accurate bio, but the only problem is – he never wrote it.

From there, Malfi delivers a full-force creep attack of something peering in the window, pages that read differently for different readers and the growing sense that the ‘meta-ness’ of the book is all too real. That Paventeau himself is/is not the same author who wrote the book.

I couldn’t stop reading this. Whether the book gripped its talons into my brain like our Mr. Cables did for the readers, or Malfi just writes with such a a casual inviting prose, I just couldn’t bring my self to close the Kindle.

This was superb. Think Stephen King familiarity of writing. Growing dread on each and every page. And an utterly fantastic ending.

What I didn’t like: I’d call it a minor thing, because I really, really did love this book, but there’s a few moments where we kind of need to suspend belief to believe Parenteau forgot some truly key moments in his life. Moments that I’m not sure most people would forget. Places and people. It’s minor but that may put some folks off.

Why you should buy this: There’s a handful of books for me lately that were so engrossing I simply couldn’t put them down. ‘The Ritual’ by Nevill. ‘Night Train’ by Quantick. ‘All Hail the House Gods’ by Stone. ‘Armageddon House’ by Griffin. ‘The Killing Circle’ by Pyper. This easily slots into that array of books that zoomed by and I had to question whether I even breathed.

My introduction to Malfi may have come far later than it should’ve, but holy hell, what a gem this was and I’m beyond excited to dive into this.

Color me a fan.

5/5

JournalStone direct link;

https://journalstone.com/bookstore/mr-cables/

Amazon link:

Book Review: Unnerving Magazine #14 – Another Stephen King-Inspired Extended Edition

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Title: Unnerving Magazine #14 – Another Stephen King-Inspired Extended Edition

Publisher: Unnerving

Release Date: October 25, 2020

Recently I did my first movie review here on the site, for the wonderful film ‘The Place of No Words.’ Now, I’m doing another first – a magazine review. It probably won’t become a habit, but when Eddie Generous announced they were doing another King-inspired edition, I was intrigued. But in all honestly, it was three pieces here that REALLY intrigued me the most. When I saw that Andrew Pyper was sharing a bit about King, I was sold. Add in Richard Chizmar discussing King in the slush pile and Charles Ardai talking about how King released ‘The Colorado Kid’ through Hard Case Crime – sold.

But Unnerving Magazine is so much more.

What I liked: Truthfully, I ‘m not 100% sure how to review a magazine issue. I’ve become so mentally focused on ‘book reviewing’ or at least how I review books, that the flow and layout of a magazine is very different.

It begins with an editor’s note (as most magazines do) from Eddie, sharing the ‘why’ of releasing a second King edition. This was a fantastic bit and really showed how King has touched so many people’s lives in ways they never realized.

The fiction in here was fantastic. Bev Vincent, William Meikle and Karron Warren had some phenomenal stories, but the absolute highlight for me was Stephen Graham Jones piece ‘The Spindly Man.’ Holy hell that was a frightening piece, one that both showed why SGJ is a stunning writer but also played homage to King.

The anecdote pieces that were interspersed throughout were great, sharing authors first experience with King. (This was where I found the Pyper bit placed, for those wondering!)

Chizmar’s sharing of having a story from King sitting in his slush pile in his closet was fantastic. For die-hard King fans, this article is a must read bit. Made me laugh thinking that the story was in a file folder.

The absolute gem of this edition was easily Charles Ardai discussing how King came to be a member of the Hard Case Crime family and the effect it’s had on that series and Ardai himself. I wished this article was twenty times longer, it was fantastic. And for those waiting to see the release of King’s next story through them, ‘Later,’ Charles does add some insight into it.

The two features of revisiting King, Cassie and Tracey’s were really well done. Thorough, and definitely topical books that seem to be some of the best King’s ever released, in terms of standing the test of time.

Danger’s Failed Film Pitches were hilarious. I’m a fan of Danger Slater and was always curious about these pieces. I truthfully thought, going in, that these were real movies he’d written screenplays for, but the hilarity of these were fun.

What I didn’t like: I mean, crap. This is usually where I share something that I think might discourage a reader or annoy a reader about a book. A magazine is a completely different beast. So, I’ll treat it like an anthology or collection – not every reader will enjoy every short story. Does that work? Ha! I enjoyed them all… so… moving on.

Why you should buy this: Unnerving always puts out top-notch releases and it’s no secret I’m a big fan of Eddie Generous and his writing. The Unnerving ‘Rewind or Die’ series has been stunning and I’m glad I finally dove into one of the Magazine releases. I think if you’re a big fan of Stephen King, you’ll find something in here that’ll make you smile or inspire you, or in the case of ‘The Spindly Man,’ creep you the hell out.

5/5

Snow On A Clear Night

‘Snow On a Clear Night’ was originally hosted on Kendall Reviews on April 13th, 2020. This was part of Gavin’s ‘Isolation Tales’ series, giving some free reads for those as the pandemic started to ramp up.

I’m sharing it here today, for those who missed it, those who enjoyed it and want to revisit it and for those who just want something sweet to take their minds off of the strangeness of the world.

Mason McDonald created a fantastic cover for this story.

Enjoy.

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Snow on a Clear Night.

 

Simon was dead.

Sitting on the front step of his parent’s house, he waited for his best friend, Mike to get home from school.

Mike lived across the street and didn’t mind that Simon wore a sheet over his body. Two eyeholes cut into the thin piece of material showcased Simon’s black eyes. Mike found that even without seeing his friends face anymore, the eyes divulged how Simon was feeling just as well as any facial expression ever could.

This was Simon’s favorite time of the year.

Fall.

The leaves had changed colors, people started to decorate and put out blow up’s of zombies, vampires and scary clowns. Neighbors raked their yards, kids and dogs alike running and jumping in the piles. The coats were thicker, gloves keeping hands warm.

The summer was Simon’s least favorite season because Mike went away on vacation.

During the summer months, Simon would bide his time.  Hour after hour on the front step, longing for school to return, for August to end.

It had been four years since Simon died.

Since that day, Mike had grown older and taller, but he still played with Simon, still considered him his best friend.

Seeing the school bus pull up, Simon smiled under the white cloth, waving excitedly at his friend as he hopped off the bus.

“Hey, Simon,” Mike yelled out, jogging over to the smaller kid.

“Hello, how was school?”

“Fantastic! I have some homework to do. After dinner, how about I come over and tell you about it?”

“I’d love that,” Simon said, watching as his friend went to his house, back pack weighed down from the heavy school books.

Moments like these reminded Simon of the blackness he had inside. He could feel the warmth of joy trying to worm its way back to the surface. That sensation made their relationship worth it.

Simon went inside their boarded up house, looking for his mom.

He found her crying in her room.

“Mom, sorry to interrupt. May I spend some time with Mike tonight?”

The night time was Simon’s preferred time to play with Mike. Nobody ever questioned them as they ran and laughed. The darkness was their camouflage. It was a love-hate relationship though. On school nights, Mike couldn’t stay out late.

She looked up at her son, smiling at the ghost before her.

“Yes, my boy. Of course.”

Simon left her to cry some more.

She’d mourned him every day since he’d stopped living. Her only pause had been after she’d bled out in the bathtub, the despair of losing her child too much to take. When her spirit returned to the house, she returned to crying. Her tears were for the memories she no longer had, the life she no longer lived.

Simon paused in the hallway.

Re-entering her room, he walked over to her and gave her a hug, wrapping his white clothed arms around her.

“Would you like to go for a walk, mom?”

“I would love that.”

He took her hand and led her outside, feeling the crisp bite of the air that only October weather can bring. The feeling of snow in the not-so-distant future made for crunchier leaves and greyer clouds. It was the seasonal change that hurried the elderly to warmer climates and the young to dream of costumes and candy, chased by snow forts and Santa.

They walked slowly down the block, stepping from the sidewalk to let the living pass. Some could sense their energy, but they didn’t want to intrude in their lives.

They chatted about what Mike was learning in school, Simon excited to hear about the new stuff later. These talks always made her stomach knot, knowing her boy would never get to have those experiences again. All of his friends had aged, moved on, most having already forgotten about her small boy.

“Do you think any of my friends remember me?”

“Oh, honey. I know they do.”

“I think most of them want to forget me. Forget what happened.”

She looked off into the distance, hoping her son wouldn’t see the emotions that crawled across her discolored skin. It occurred to her that while he still appeared to be an elementary child, his soul was growing older as time marched on.

“Whoa! Mom! Look at that,” he shouted, running ahead of her, transforming back into a kid.

The Larder’s at the corner had already put most of their Halloween decorations up and Simon was thrilled.

There was a grim reaper driving a carriage, the horse looking fierce at the front. There were pumpkins, zombies, scary cats and werewolves. They’d gone all out this year.

“I wish we could do something like this at home,” Simon mentioned, as they investigated everything. As they passed near Mr. Larder, he noticed the man shiver and look around.

“I know. But this is just down the street. I promise, every night, we’ll walk over here and spend some time enjoying it.”

They carried on, travelling the small loop that made up their block. By the time they’d returned home, the sun had long since set and the street lights were now on, illuminating the sidewalk. If someone looked just right, they’d still be able to see faded chalk where hopscotch lines had once been drawn.

“I’ll just wait out here for Mike, if that’s ok?”

“Yes, my love,” she said, kissing his head.

It wasn’t long before Mike came barreling out of his house, running over to Simon.

“Hey,” he shouted. When the two were close enough, Mike extended his hand and they shared a high-five. Simon had no idea why Mike could see him or have physical contact with him, but he was thankful for it. He suspected it was because Mike had been his one true friend. The only kid to always come to his birthday parties. The physical world of the living was moving on, Simon sensing the fleeting remnants of touch disappearing.

“It means a lot that you still visit me.”

“Simon, you sound like an old man! Of course I’d want to hang out with my best friend!”

The two then hurried into Simon’s back yard.

From the kitchen window, Simon’s mom watched them play. They chased each other, played in Simon’s old sand pit and then took turns on the tire swing. Seeing this was the highlight of her day. Her boy still had a friend; a living, breathing friend. In that moment, she knew Simon was the happiest kid on the planet.

*

Another school year sped by, as only they do when you’re young.

The last bell of the year sounded and the kids piled out of the classrooms, the happy clamor of freedom ringing throughout the halls of learning.

Mike stopped at the little plaque near the metal shop before he left.

He read the words twice, not wanting to forget them.

The memorial for Simon always made him sad, but for some reason he found this time was the saddest one yet.

*

Mike skipped off the bus and waved at Simon, sitting in his familiar spot.

“Hey, buddy!” He yelled, jogging over.

“Hey.”

“You don’t sound very happy?”

“Sorry. It’s just… it’s gonna be summer time. You’ll be gone and I won’t see you for months again.”

“I know. I’m real sorry.”

Then Mike tapped his shoulder, told him he was it and dropped his back pack. He took off on a dead sprint and Simon followed, the white sheet flapping behind him. The two friends laughed and laughed as they played, knowing time wasn’t on their side. As the night grew dark and the hour late, Mike’s mom yelled for him to come in.

“Sorry, mom. Was just playing with Simon.”

His mom looked around wearily, before ushering her boy inside. She hoped this stage would be over soon.

*

The September long weekend was something Simon looked forward to.

He’d spent the last few months entertaining himself.

His mother had taken to spending more and more time in her room. It made for many lonely stretches for Simon.

But that was about to change.

His friend would be home soon.

*

Hearing the arrival of the family car, Simon hurried outside to watch them unpack their holiday gear.

Mike had told him years ago about how his parents owned a cabin on a lake and when they lived there, they’d spend the months fishing, swimming and having wiener roasts around the fire.

“If you were still alive, you’d be coming to visit me for sure! We’d sleep under the stars, go for hikes and we could sit on the edge of the dock, letting our feet dangle in the water,” Mike would say, not knowing just how deep that statement hurt Simon.

If I were alive, things would be so very different, he’d think. My mom would still be alive.

His dad would still be around.

After his mother took her life, his dad couldn’t continue to live in the house. All of his memories of his son, his family and that life were there. So, he packed up and moved to an apartment across town. Once a week, Simon would stand in the window and wave while his dad sat in their car, parked in the driveway. For the first few years, he would be crying. Simon wished so desperately to be able to go out, talk to him, hug him. He’d tell his dad how much he missed him and that he loved him. How mom was with him and they were still in the house. Mostly, he wished his dad could see him standing there.

As time went on, his dad boarded up the place, wanting to make sure no one ever moved in.

If Simon were still alive, the house would still be filled with life.

Now, he sat at his spot, watching with excitement as Mike and his parents made multiple trips from the car into their house, carrying in all of the stuff they’d brought with them that summer.

Soon. Soon he’ll be done and come see me, Simon thought, growing giddier as the day progressed.

As dinner time came and went and the night descended on the residents of the town, Simon remained, patiently waiting for his friend.

He was playing with a stick he’d found, pushing some rocks around, when a noise from across the street grabbed his attention. He looked up and beamed, seeing Mike leaving the house. Then Mike got on his bike and peddled away.

His mom popped out, yelling after him; “Be home before nine, please!”

Mike just gave her a wave and kept on riding, never looking over at the small, forgotten ghost.

*

The greens turned to oranges, the warmth to cool.

Still, Simon sat and waited.

Maybe today he’ll come say hello, he’d think as those days turned to weeks.

He practically felt alive each time the school bus pulled up. Then Mike would get off and walk directly home. Simon felt like he was stabbed in the chest, his friend not even stealing a glance at the costume pleading for some acknowledgement.

Simon had never felt so isolated. His mom no longer spoke any words, now spending all of her days sobbing in the corner of her room.

The black mold and frayed wallpaper of the house indicated that things were changing, that the living were leaving them behind. Simon couldn’t even remember the last time his dad had stopped to visit.

How can I go on without a friend? He wondered one night, as the tire swing slowly turned him in circles.

Above him, even the man on the moon felt his sorrow.

*

The first day it snowed that year, a knocking sound brought Simon to the front door.

He’d long since given up believing that it was going to be Mike, asking if he’d like to play.

When he went outside he found a group of city workers hammering a sign on the door.

CONDEMNED, it read.

DEMOLITION SCHEDULED.

Simon understood the impact of those words. He ran inside to tell his mom, but couldn’t find her anywhere.

“Mom?”

He searched high and low, thinking maybe that she was teasing him. He hoped that her sobs would give away her hiding place. Maybe she is playing a game with me, he thought.

After looking everywhere, the truth hit Simon.

He was completely and utterly alone.

A small, scared child, now dead five years. Alone.

No family and now no friends.

He walked back to his mom’s abandoned room and crawled onto her bed. He could still smell her under the mildew and the dust.

*

The night before the machines were to destroy the remainder of Simon’s world, he sat on the front steps one last time.

He longed to go for one last walk, immerse himself in familiar sights, as more and more Christmas lights were put up. He wasn’t sure what would become of him once the house was knocked down. A part of him was worried that if he did go for a walk, the house wouldn’t be there when he got back. Maybe, it would up and leave like his mom?

His costume fluttered as the snow begun to fall. Being dead provided the benefit of never getting cold, but he could still feel the attack of the wind as it whipped up and howled.

Across the way, he watched Mike and his family laughing at their kitchen table, an act that appeared foreign to Simon.

Did we do that? When we had dinner, did my parents laugh?

Above him, the dark sky began to sparkle and dance as the stars appeared.

How Simon ached to have a connection.

He hung his head, lost in his thoughts as his shoe worked the snow, making little graves.

He was so focused that he never heard Mike, until his friend was standing there.

“Hey,” Mike said, startling Simon.

His head snapped up, not believing that Mike was talking to him.

“Hello.” He replied, trying to keep his excitement in check.

“I’m sorry I haven’t been to visit.”

Mike sat beside the ghost, joining him on the step.

“That’s ok. I’m not that much fun these days.”

Mike nodded, not sure what to say.

“My mom’s gone,” Simon finally said.

“She is? Where?”

“Don’t know.”

“Awe, buddy I’m so sorry,” Mike replied, putting his arm around the boy and giving him a hug.

“How has school been?”

“Really good. They’ve made a bigger plaque for you.”

They sat silently, Mike starting to shiver.

“Simon. I’m… I’m really sorry for what those kids did to you.”

Simon looked to his friend, seeing that the waver he heard in Mike’s voice matched the wetness in his eyes.

“Thanks, Mike.”

“The bullying should’ve stopped. You should’ve told me. I would’ve been there for you.”

Simon returned the gesture, giving his distraught friend a hug.

“I know.”

Mike wiped his face, his sleeves covered with snot.

“Simon, my parents have told me I’m too old to believe in ghosts.”

Simon understood.  Mike had come to say goodbye.

“I guess they’re right. It’s probably not healthy for you to be hanging out with the spirit of a kid who killed himself?”

Quiet reflection returned as they watched the flakes grow in size, some as large as quarters dropping from above.

“I never understood how it can snow when the sky is clear,” Mike finally spoke, breaking the stillness.

“You told me once, after you learned about it in school.  The year after I returned.”

“I did?”

“Yup.”

Simon sensed their time was growing to a close.

“I wish we could be friends forever,” he said, looking at Mike.

Mike returned his gaze, eyes finding the two black pupils behind the sheet.

“We will be. I’ll never forget you. I just can’t visit with you anymore.”

From across the street, they heard Mike’s mom yell that he should think about coming in soon.

“Hey, Mike?”

“Yeah?”

“You think you can push me on the tire swing, one last time?”

“Absolutely.”

So, the ghost and his friend made their way through the layer of snow now starting to cover the grass, around the condemned house to the old tree in the back yard.

Simon climbed onto the tire, legs wrapping around the rope that was fixed to the thick branch above.

And for the next hour, long after Mike’s mom had made her way over to tell him that it was time to get ready for bed, Mike pushed his departed friend.

The sound of children’s laughter echoed across the fields and houses nearby. The glee and joy shared between the two friends was infectious enough that even the boarded up house groaned on its weary foundation as their love seeped in.

He never did visit Simon again, after that night. Nor did he ever see him.

Where Simon ended up he didn’t know, but he always wondered.

The next day the house was demolished and a duplex was built in its place, the tire swing never replaced.

At the end of every school year, until he finally graduated, Mike made sure to stop and read the plaque put up to remember Simon. He’d leave some flowers or a note for his friend.

Sometimes a single memory will last long after a friendship has ended.

For Mike, that memory was of getting off the school bus and waving at the little ghost sitting patiently, waiting for his best friend.

He’d often think of that whenever he’d find himself watching the first flakes of snow dance in the air, under the starlit sky.

END

My Andrew Pyper Collection

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If you follow me on any of my social media accounts, you’ve undoubtedly discovered my love of Andrew Pyper’s books. In fact, you may have even discovered this love through my two celebrations of Andrew’s work, which I dubbed PYPER-MAY-NIA and did a bunch of posts around his work the last two May’s. Andrew was even kind enough to let me interview him three times for those celebrations and participated in a signed book giveaway.

So, why are we here, today, with this post. A few reasons really. I recently was able to get my hands on the final ARC (advanced reader’s copy) that I needed to have a complete collection. Through this, some folks have asked about what books I have and which ones are signed.

For me, as well, I just have a passion for books and while my love of Pyper’s work may annoy some (looking at my wife, and probably a bunch of Twitter folks!) it brings me great joy day in and day out. How books should be.

I know that I’m not the best photographer of books, so Andrew and the book community/bookstagram world, I do apologize, but please find my collection below.

Stats;

30 books

9 Hardcovers

10 Arcs

14 personalized/inscribed

9 flat signed

23 total signed

I’m actually working on this, knowing in a few hours I’ll be watching Andrew chat about The Residence as part of the Blue Heron Book Event!

Kiss Me – released January 1st, 1996 by The Porcupine’s Quill.

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Andrew’s first release and only collection thus far, ‘Kiss Me’ features a group of stories that are very far from the horror/thriller author we know of today. These were a fantastic mix. Loved this.

I was lucky enough to get this one signed by Andrew. I have to say, the paper used for this release is amazing.

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This book was released without any ARC’s or Hardcover versions, hence my singular copy.

Lost Girls – released April 13th, 2000 

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Of the three, the paperback was my first version in my collection. I actually ordered that and the paperback of The Damned at the same time from Coles in Seven Oaks Mall in Abbotsford when I lived there. It’s amazing how books (and music) can transport you to a specific time and place.

I was lucky enough to get the paperback signed by Andrew.

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The Hardcover is gorgeous. When I ordered it, I had no idea it was already flat signed (in silver sharpie!) and came in a protective sleeve.

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Lastly is the ARC. This one is really neat, because it came with the feedback card still tucked into it!

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Of the three covers, my personal favorite is the paperback one. With how the story unfolds, the girl floating in the water is both a gorgeous cover but ominous.

The Trade Mission – released September 1st, 2002

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Of all of Andrews books, I think this one has had the most amount of cover variations. I might be wrong, but my Kindle version is completely different, as well as I’ve seen two other paperback variations.

It was also released as ‘Dark Descent’ in paperback form.

The Hardcover version was actually my first one of these, followed by the ‘Dark Descent’ paperback and then the ARC. I have both the Hardcover and paperback signed.

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Of all of Andrew’s work, I think this survival story is the most overlooked. Sure, Kiss Me may not be in most readers minds, but it’s a different beast altogether. The Trade Mission was a dark read, showing the lengths people go to survive. Definitely one I wish more people would read.

Of all the covers that have came out, I still love the Hardcover/ARC variation with the shadowed jungle as the focus.

The Wildfire Season – released January 1st, 2005

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I remember finishing off The Wildfire Season and immediately messaging Andrew on Twitter. I try not to be a bother, but The Wildfire Season felt like he’d created this book just for me. It was fantastic.

The paperback was one I got for Christmas a few years back, which amazingly Andrew inscribed for me!

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Much to my surprise, both the Hardcover and ARC that I tracked down came flat signed!

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Of the three covers, I personally think the Hardcover one is my favorite. I love that raven soaring through the burning forest. It perfectly sums up the experience in Ross River.

The Killing Circle – released January 1st, 2008

My favorite book of all time.

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What Andrew Pyper crafted here is absolutely phenomenal and it boggles my mind that this was released way back in 2008. Shamefully, this was also the last Pyper book I read. I saved it until the end, worried I might not like it, like a total schmuck.

I love the paperback cover variation between these two. A single edge of a circle bleeding out onto the page. Stunning. 

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The ARC was one that was sent to me by mistake. I was trying to track down The Only Child ARC and the shipper said they had that and sent this out. Not only was it incorrect (which I was fine with!) but it was flat signed!

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The Guardians – released February 1st, 2011

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The Guardians might very well be the best Canadian coming-of-age/haunted house story ever written. Pyper has such a way with crafting characters and environments, that this one floored me when I read it. 

Of the three covers I have, I think the paperback version is my favorite, which is also the one I have signed.

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The ARC of The Guardians is gorgeous. It really is. Even if I was a proficient photographer, I don’t think justice could be done.

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The colors on the Hardcover are fantastic in person. Again, my poor skills steal some of the beauty that inhabits these books.

The Demonologist – released March 5th, 2013

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The Demonologist is responsible for three things.

It was my gateway Pyper book. My first discovery and first experience. I’ve told the story a million times, but years ago I spotted the paperback copy of The Demonologist in Walmart in Abbotsford. I ended up buying it (along with The Troop by Nick Cutter) as part of Walmart’s 2 for $15 deals.

The second thing it was responsible for was my desire to collect Andrew’s books and ARC’s. The Demonologist ARC was my first Pyper ARC, and one surprisingly that I stumbled upon at Value Village here in Edmonton.

The third thing, really, is that the story within The Demonologist made me an instant fan and within days of finishing that book I’d ordered The Damned and Lost Girls. I’ve been hooked ever since.

Let’s start with the paperback first, which is signed and personalized.

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Next, let’s take a little look at the ARC, which is also signed.

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I love the artwork that is in this book. The ARC has this inlay, while it’s also on the Hardcover.

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And now, let’s take a closer look at the Hardcover of The Demonologist. This is easily the most gorgeous book I own. Photos really don’t do this thing justice. As well, the texture of the dust jacket is sublime. 

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Just a stunning release. I find myself removing it from the shelf every few days to admire it and just feel it within my fingers.

The Damned – released January 1st, 2015

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As I mentioned, The Damned was just the third Pyper book I owned. I grabbed the paperback, with the flames on the cover, along with Lost Girls shortly after finishing The Demonologist.

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I really do love the cover art for the ARC and the Hardcover.

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The Only Child – released May 23rd, 2017

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The hardest one to get, of all my ARC’s was The Only Child. I’ll talk about The Homecoming ARC next, but The Only Child was an odd one. It just simply didn’t exist. I searched long and hard for this one, sending out almost 300 inquiries to try and track it down. I still can’t believe I managed to find a copy of it! I did deep dives on Google, Instagram and Twitter. Emailing, DMing and commenting whenever I found an image of it, knowing that someone had possessed the book! I’ll be forever indebted to Benoit for digging through his stored books and finding it in the last box! (And big thanks to Erin for connecting us!)

This book features my favorite opening line ever;

“She was awakened by the monster knocking at the door.”

The Hardcover is gorgeous. I love the raised lettering effect, but on The Only Child, it really does feel pristine.

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The paperback is stunning, with a mild variation on the look of the image from the Hardcover. I’m also blessed to have my paperback inscribed.

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The ARC is just stunning. I love it so much and still can’t believe it’s on my shelf!

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One thing I always joke about, but have yet to be told otherwise, is that I believe the man walking away on the cover is in fact Andrew Pyper. Even when I’ve casually brought it up in messages etc, it’s never been acknowledged or confirmed/denied…

The Homecoming – released February 26th, 2019

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Ah, The Homecoming. The second hardest ARC to find. It took me over a year to find one, as I did another deep dive into it’s whereabouts.

Some folks might find it odd that I didn’t receive one, considering I did my first Pyper-May-Nia celebration only a few months after this came out, but the reality was, at that time, I wasn’t known by anyone or thought of by anyone as someone to receive it. I say that with no sense of arrogance or ego, I’m still not a known reviewer or author etc, to any large degree, but at the time of this release, I simply didn’t have any sort of hook ups or contacts to receive one.

It wasn’t until I connected with Dana recently, who found her copy and sent it out that I was able to add it to my collection!

Sadly, The Homecoming only came out in paperback format. I wish this had a Hardcover option because the cover art and colors are stunning.

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The Residence – released September 1st, 2020

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The Residence. A haunted White House.

My first official ARC.

I’d received hundreds of digital ARC’s for reviews before. Heck, I’d even received a digital ARC of ‘The Residence’ through Edelweiss. But this one is special. Why? Because Andrew sent it to me himself. Amazing.

I love the mild variation between the three. The Hardcover has a quote from Josh Malerman, while the paperback has a quote from Iain Reid.

I have the ARC and the Hardcover signed already!

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Other Pyper things;

I currently have two other Pyper collectables or ephemera, if you will. 

The first is my custom Pyper plaque. My super talented brother-in-law Devon made it for me in his wood shop. I was inspired to do something unique after seeing the love that my pal George has shown for his Paul Tremblay collection.

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The second is the amazing gift that Andrew gave me, from our mutual friend Jennifer. It is a photo of Andrew’s own demon research bookshelf and he kindly signed it as well!

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I actually have this sitting near me at work as inspiration for my own writing.

So, there we go. All of my collection in one tidy post. Phew. Amazing.

What’s next then?

A few things;

1 – I’m trying to track down the three Brazilian editions of Andrew’s work. They are stunning Hardcovers, but I’ve had difficulties with shipping from Brazil.

2 – I’m trying to figure out something cool to do with two of the books that didn’t have Hardcover releases.

3 – I’m planning on doing a reread of The Demonologist, The Damned and Lost Girls. It’s been a number of years since I’ve read them and want to experience them all over again!

4 – I’m trying to think of something neat to do for the third installment of Pyper-May-Nia!

Thank you for putting up with my love of these books. They really have made a profound impact on my life.

Movie Review: The Place of No Words

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Title: The Place of No Words

Written by: Mark Webber

Release date: October 23, 2020

At some point in 2018, I was doing a deep dive on Instagram, looking for creature designs to act as inspiration for my novel ‘Piece of Me.’ A story set in a world of snow and ice, where a woman waits for here husband and son to return after disappearing on a hunting trip a decade prior. While searching, I came across this photo;

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(Image retrieved from The Place of No Words Instagram page)

I was hooked. It had a ‘Where the Wild Things Are’/ ‘Labyrinth’ vibe and I immediately followed the page and began to follow the journey. At that time, the movie was titled ‘Freeka Reeka Sheeka Deeka and The Big Battle in the Forest.’

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(Image retrieved from The Place of No Words Instagram page.)

As I began to watch this gorgeous film being made, then travel the world and become a film festival sensation, I began to feel something that I’d not felt in a long, long time.

When I was growing up, in the middle of nowhere in a small town in British Columbia, movies were my escape. Legend, The Last Unicorn, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, and The Neverending Story were films that took me from the forest world at the base of the mountain, to these fantastical locations and worlds.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve fallen out of love of cinema and really dove deep into the fiction/literature world. I read a lot, review a lot and write a lot, but I simply struggle to find engagement in movies like I did in the past. I can count on my hands the number of movies I’ve watched over the last few years that I enjoyed and can’t even remember how many I’ve turned off after a half hour.

What I’m trying to say, is that from day one, of discovering this production, I’ve been absolutely giddy at the prospect of watching this.

Now, things change in peoples lives. I’m now a 39 year old man, struggling with life’s issues. I have a fantastic 4 year old son, an amazing wife and a wonderful dog. But life has its ways of forcing depression and anxiety down your throat.

As of writing this, we’re almost exactly four months past when my father in law passed away unexpectedly and it’s safe to say, we’re struggling with it, my wife more so.

Add in the fact, that when my son was born, him and my wife died. It’s a completely insane sentence to type, but it was an even more chaotic experience to live through. Everything was going fine, then a second later, they lost all signs of my son. My wife struggled to breathe, her face going red and ballooning. She was rushed away, a suspected pulmonary embolism deciding to take her and him away from me. I waited in agony until they managed to bring them both back. Now, every birthday is a wonderous moment.

What I’m trying to say here, is that how you’re life has been and the experiences you’ve had will directly influence how you see this movie.

As I typically review books, I’ll follow the same format as that’s how my brain functions.

First, here’s the trailer;

What I liked: The movie follows along as a father is in the last clutches of what I can only assume is Cancer. His wife and son struggle to equate the man they see with the man he used to be. The movie is told through the eyes of the son, Bodhi, Mark Webber’s real life son. Bodhi is fantastic in this and the interactions between father and son are genuinely pure joy to watch.

As the story progresses, we get some emotionally charged back pieces, moments of bliss, agony and devastation and the fantasy elements in here are so sublime.

I was going to watch this over two nights, as I typically don’t get much free time, but I was unable to tear my eyes away from this, even as they became filled with tears.

This movie is such an amazing look at both the inner workings of a four year old’s make believe mind, but also grief and the tendrils that grow out from the source.

What I didn’t like: Honestly, I loved absolutely everything about this movie, so let’s be picky! There were a few moments in this movie that were really dark and hard to see. A minor issue, but I need to find something, right?

Why you should buy this: Mark Webber and the entire cast and crew have really created something truly magical. This had odes to The Neverending Story, Labyrinth and numerous other movies from my youth. Stunning cinematography, this movie was just outstanding and one I’ll be buying once on Blu-Ray.

This is a movie that’s going to stay with me for a very, very long time.

Currently available to stream in the US and Canada at these places, I highly recommend you take a look!

5/5

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More info here;

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8110988/

Book Review: Warding by Kev Harrison

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Title: Warding

Author: Kev Harrison

Release date: December 28, 2019

I only recently had the pleasure of reading some fiction by Kev Harrison. We’d connected some time ago on Twitter and interacted a fair bit, but it wasn’t until I reviewed his recent Short! Sharp! Shocks! release, ‘Curfew’ that I’d enjoyed his prose. I do need to get reading ‘The Balance’ from him at some point here, but when he tweeted about his novella ‘Warding’ being available for free, I snagged it and dove in.

What I liked: ‘Warding’ is a truly stunning feat. Originally released in a Things From the Well Anthology, Tales From the Cellar specifically, Harrison has packed a novels worth of dread, emotion and story in about 55 pages.

Like many horror books, we dive into to Kate moving into her recently purchased house. Down in the cellar, there is an odour that she can’t place, but when her dog, Tig, comes down, there is an immediate response. The dog gets low, growls and freaks Kate (and the reader!) out.

From there Harrison gives us not only a great backstory on the house, but also on the area itself. Her dad becomes involved who then recruits a man from the local museum, which was a stroke of genius for Harrison. This allows us to get quick answers to questions that may normally need a dozen chapters to flesh out.

The writing is fantastic. I found I was unnerved the entire time, even as we start to learn just what is happening and the ending was a superb close to the story.

What I didn’t like: While Harrison did give us a fair amount of detail, I wish we’d have been given a section of backstory where we got a flashback scene to learn about what happened in the past. I want to stay spoiler free, so that’s all I’ll say. Obviously the original piece most likely had word count restrictions but with it being individually released later on, that would’ve been a nice touch.

Why you should buy this: Well, currently it is a free download, so go grab it. Otherwise, this is a fantastic story that’ll have you making sure a light is on and the covers are tucked. The story unfolds really nicely and Harrison makes sure that we get to squirm and cringe over and over. Really loved this one.

Easy 5/5

Book Review: Double Barrel Horror: Highway Hunger & Motel Madness by Calvin Demmer

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Title: Double Barrel Horror: Highway Hunger and Motel Madness

Author: Calvin Demmer

Release date: October 11, 2020

Earlier this year, I read the excellent Anthology, Double Barrel Horror Vol. 3. Within was featured two new Calvin Demmer shorts. If you’ve followed along with my reviews, you know how much I love Demmer’s writing and his masterful control of short story telling.

A few days ago, he reached out to ask if I’d be keen to revisit the two stories featured in the Anthology, as they were being packaged together as a stand alone release.

ABSOLUTELY.

What I liked: Both stories are quick reads, the page count totaling about 30 when all is said and done. Saying that, Demmer packs a ton of story into these pages. You’ll already know that if you’ve read his stunning releases ‘The Sea Was a Fair Master’ or ‘Dark Celebrations.’

‘Highway Hunger’ opens up the duology with a story that follows a man doing probation work along a stretch of highway. When they come across an injured animal, his colleague quickly informs him they need to leave and quick. From here, Demmer delivers a brutal story of an unknown inhabitant that rules the blacktop. Loved it. (5/5)

‘Motel Madness’ is just that. The second story here throws us into the deep end and we get to watch as things unravel quickly. Demmer decides to forego any sense of breathing space for the reader and instead creates a nightmare induced landscape, all within the confines of a singular room. (4/5)

As I said before, Demmer is such a master at crafting a story with as few words as possible, that you’ll feel like you’ve ingested a 300 page novel, all in a tenth of the page count.

What I didn’t like: Interestingly, I could always spout off word for word ‘Highway Hunger’ as though I had just read it, but ‘Motel Madness’ felt completely new and foreign. I remember enjoying the story the first time, but it is one that definitely didn’t stick around in my head. I think if this one could’ve had a touch more description on the why of some of the actions earlier, it wouldn’t feel so congested.

Why you should buy this: I’ve said it a thousand times, but one more won’t hurt – Calvin Demmer very well may be the greatest short story teller of our time. When all is said and done, they’ll be studying his work for decades. He doesn’t waste any words and gives us the meat and potatoes of each story. It is always a stunning experience reading his work and Demmer is absolutely a writer who is teaching me how to better tell a story, each time I read his work.

This is a perfect introduction for new fans, but a worthy addition for current fans.

Definitely recommend you get on this!

4.5/5

Book Review: The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay

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Title: The Cabin at the End of the World

Author: Paul Tremblay

Release date: June 26, 2018

Very rarely do I go into any books with any sense of trepidation. More often than note, I go in by briefly reading the synopsis or having someone comment or message that if I liked X I would probably like Y.

‘The Cabin at the End of the World’ is a book that I see a lot of chatter about. Over on Facebook, it’ll often be brought up on the Books of Horror group. Someone will ask what people thought of it and there will be several hundred responses ranging from BEST BOOK EVERRRR!! to HATED IT!!

In my own social media bubble, I’ve developed a friendship with George Rason. On Twitter he is known as Book Monster aka sshh_ImReading aka the world’s biggest Tremblay fan. He’s always insisted I should read this book and give it a fair shake.

Which is how I approach every book, no matter what I’ve heard.

So, I dove into Mr. Tremblay’s book, which won the Best Horror Novel Award in the 2019 Bram Stoker Awards.

What I liked: Recently, I have fallen in love with the seemingly sparse detailed books. Those books that create a sense of anxiety and dread from page one, all the while you never know just what is happening in the larger world around them. ‘All Hail the House Gods’ by Andrew J. Stone. ‘Foe’ by Iain Reid,’ ‘Night Train’ by David Quantick and ‘Armageddon House’ by Michael Griffin immediately jump to the front of my mind.

‘The Cabin at the End of the World’ is another book in that seemingly post-apocalyptic style where something major is happening in the macro, but the story focuses on the micro. In this readers opinion, Tremblay does it masterfully.

The story follows the two dad’s, Andrew and Eric and their adopted daughter Wen. They’ve rented a cabin in the middle of nowhere to unwind and decompress. That is, until one day, four strangers show up and tell them, a decision must be made to prevent the world from ending.

We get seven total characters in this book and Jesus does Tremblay work them to the max. House/cabin invasion stories are always tension filled, but Paul decides to add in an existential additive with the ‘four horsemen’ of the apocalypse narrative and the harrowing thoughts of family sacrificing family for the greater good.

I loved the internal narrative monologues that he gave the reader, each person struggling with their current situation as well as the world at large.

This book also goes from chaos to carnage at the flip of the switch time and time again and some of these scenes are so brutal, it will make you cringe.

For me, personally, I thought the ending was sublime. This seems to be the make-it or break-it point of the book for most people, but I thought it worked out exactly how the story had went. We get a little not a lot.

What I didn’t like: Oddly, the only thing I really wasn’t a huge fan of was the Sabrina chapter closer to the end. I found the 1st person POV shift a bit jarring and the entirety of the chapter is almost a complete run on sentence of rambling thought. I does work well for the story over-all, but for me it was a bit of an abrupt shift.

Why you should buy this: Tremblay is a stunning writer and it’s insanity to really think this is my first book of his I’ve read. The book is sweat inducing and I couldn’t stop reading it. This was a book that I couldn’t wait to dive back into whenever I wasn’t reading it. I love when a book keeps you guessing about what is to come, even if you start to formulate your own answers to questions not yet asked.

I absolutely ate this book up and truly loved it. Mileage on the ending of each reader may vary, but for me, personally, I thought it was pitch-perfect.

5/5

Book Review: Whitechapel Rhapsody: Dark Poems by Alessandro Manzetti

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Title: Whitechapel Rhapsody: Dark Poems

Author: Alessandro Manzetti

Release date: October 6, 2020

Alessandro Manzetti has been a name I’ve seen pop up time and time again with his stunning Independent Legions Publishing as well as his releases and frequent Bram Stoker Award consideration.

I personally, and shamefully, didn’t take the plunge into his work until I devoured the absolutely bleak ‘The Keeper of Chernobyl’ recently.

Much to my surprise and shock, I recently received a Facebook message from Alessandro, asking if I’d be at all interested in his newest release ‘Whitechapel Rhapsody: Dark Poems.’ Are you kidding me?! Awe-struck. Manzetti is a dark fiction giant in my eyes. Truly humbling that he’d even think of me to begin with.

So, I absolutely accepted, and once it arrived in my email – straight to the Kindle where I tore through it in two sittings.

What I liked: Whitechapel, an infamous district in East London. Known for the alley way murders from 1888-1891. Home to the legend that is Jack the Ripper. It is from this set up that Manzetti dove into a retelling of the serial killers rampage. Told from a few points of view, Manzetti crafts a seemingly one-man play here. Going from sorrow to manic, gleeful and odd, we get every emotion at play as the characters come to grips with what is going on.

I am far from any sort of poetry expert. But what I can say, is that Manzetti goes from two line rhyming to three or four line spurts of prose with the ease of a painter laying down color on a canvass. It creates a sense of reading a story that is interspersed with song lyrics.

With 26 poems featured in here, I was intimidated at first to think if anything would stand out as my favorite, but when it was all said and done, the combination of FROM HELL and MARY JANE (A Violet From Mother’s Grave) truly stole the show. I hope Manzetti doesn’t mind, but look at this little snippet from FROM HELL;

Do you hear them crackle?

It’s a new sound, right?

No, they don’t feel pain anymore, but anyway they cant scream,

And open their tongueless mouths yawning smoke, before melting.

This is how all things end, 

But the hunt for the monster is always open.

I mean, really? Jesus, if that isn’t the most cinematic moment of brutal darkness I’ve ever read, I don’t know what is. Just pure filthy gruesomeness. Amazing stuff.

What I didn’t like: I mean, I created this section to try and remain fair and give a reason why some readers may not enjoy this. It gets tough when I adore a book as much as this. So, if there was one thing I would mention, it was that as much as I don’t like chapters/stories/poems with dates to indicate when they happen, I kind of wish each on had that feature here to really follow along with the timeline.

Why you should buy this: Manzetti is a stunning writer and the visual scope he created here is truly phenomenal. Each poem is layered with single poem story and over-arcing story, creating a thematic connection that really forces the reader to gallop along. I also want to mention the stunning artwork/illustrations that feature in here. Stefano Cardoselli really adds to the feel of each piece of work.

Outstanding stuff from a master at the height of his craft.

Easy 5/5