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Stalking You Now
The reprehensible man sits in the restaurant. Laughing with his friends. Entertaining them with a story about his wretched behavior.
He doesn't know that somebody at another table is watching him. Somebody filled with hatred. Somebody waiting for him to be alone. Somebody with duct tape and a gun.
It's a night for vengeance. And a hell of a lot more.
He doesn't know that somebody at another table is watching him. Somebody filled with hatred. Somebody waiting for him to be alone. Somebody with duct tape and a gun.
It's a night for vengeance. And a hell of a lot more.
58 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
67 people are currently reading
433 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Strand
230 books2,220 followersBram Stoker Award-winning author of a bunch of demented books, including PRESSURE, DWELLER, CLOWNS VS. SPIDERS, AUTUMN BLEEDS INTO WINTER, MY PRETTIES, the official novelization of ATTACK OF THE KILLER TOMATOES, and lots of others!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
September 24, 2019
If it wasn't for bad luck, some people would have no luck at all...
This was hilarious. Seriously, from the halfway point I couldn't stop laughing. Sure, it was a little sick too, but only Strand can do it this well.
Loved it!
This was hilarious. Seriously, from the halfway point I couldn't stop laughing. Sure, it was a little sick too, but only Strand can do it this well.
Loved it!
January 14, 2016
The Flatside Killer stalks the man who blundered upon the bodies of his victims 25 years ago and ended his rampage. He captures the man and it would have gone perfectly but he didn't count on the man having another stalker; his girlfriend Mindy...
This is the twenty-third book in my Kindle Unlimited Experiment. For the 30 day trial, I'm only reading books that are part of the program and keeping track what the total cost of the books would have been.
I have a confession to make. One of the reasons I jumped on board the Kindle Unlimited free trial was because DarkFuse has a ton of stuff that's part of the program. Stalking You Now might be the best DarkFuse novella I've read yet.
Jeff Strand's Wolf Hunt was a gore-strewn dark humor tale and I liked it quite a bit. This one didn't have as much gore but I thought the dark humor was even better. Once Mindy shows up and Flatside has to improvise, the book is one of the funniest things I ever read in a dark sort of way, mostly in Flatside's internal monologue.
One of my favorite lines was "For a split second I'm offended she would suggest I'm the one responsible for the problems in my relationship with my completely fabricated girlfriend."
I know I shouldn't have felt sympathy toward Flatside but I felt sorry for him close to the end. He was just trying to get revenge when Mindy blundered upon the scene and was surprisingly capable. Cut a poor killer some slack...
The DarkFuse novella series continues to kick ass by the truckload. Five out of five stars.
Current Kindle Unlimited Savings Total: $124.87.
This is the twenty-third book in my Kindle Unlimited Experiment. For the 30 day trial, I'm only reading books that are part of the program and keeping track what the total cost of the books would have been.
I have a confession to make. One of the reasons I jumped on board the Kindle Unlimited free trial was because DarkFuse has a ton of stuff that's part of the program. Stalking You Now might be the best DarkFuse novella I've read yet.
Jeff Strand's Wolf Hunt was a gore-strewn dark humor tale and I liked it quite a bit. This one didn't have as much gore but I thought the dark humor was even better. Once Mindy shows up and Flatside has to improvise, the book is one of the funniest things I ever read in a dark sort of way, mostly in Flatside's internal monologue.
One of my favorite lines was "For a split second I'm offended she would suggest I'm the one responsible for the problems in my relationship with my completely fabricated girlfriend."
I know I shouldn't have felt sympathy toward Flatside but I felt sorry for him close to the end. He was just trying to get revenge when Mindy blundered upon the scene and was surprisingly capable. Cut a poor killer some slack...
The DarkFuse novella series continues to kick ass by the truckload. Five out of five stars.
Current Kindle Unlimited Savings Total: $124.87.
February 13, 2022
What started as a revenge killing story soon gets twisted. Who is the Flatside axe killer? Why does he want to kill Terrance? What about Mindy? Is there something going on between Flat and Mindy? Interesting characters but a bit of an uneven story line here. The interaction between the characters in the end were highly implausible in my opinion. The later half dragged a bit. Overall not bad if you are into twisty stories but for my liking the cover promised more. For Jeff Strand fans.
October 22, 2023
Pleasantly surprised by how comical this short was. Going in I was under the impression it was going to be a good slasher and it ended up being a good slasher/comedy. Who'd a thought it?? I especially got a huge kick out of Mindy's character and how she (in the blink of an eye) changed the whole course of the plot. Never underestimate the abilities of a woman, particularly one who is scorned.
For being only a bit over 50 pages, Strand's Stalking You Now had a great beginning, middle, and a very satisfying ending.
For being only a bit over 50 pages, Strand's Stalking You Now had a great beginning, middle, and a very satisfying ending.
January 29, 2018
The way this story unfolded was similar to watching an SNL skit. It was sort of funny and cringeworthy, and the revenge theme opened the door for so many silly errors to be made by the narrator.
► Short and free story with entertaining bits.
► Short and free story with entertaining bits.
November 12, 2013
Jeff Strand could quite possibly rewrite a phone book into something entertaining and fun to read. He's just that kind of writer. Highly entertaining, funny and fun to read. This novella's no exception, a story of a clumsily named serial killer who comes out of exile for some revenge and ends up getting way way more than he bargained for. Good for your inner serial killer. Very quick read. Recommended.
March 11, 2013
This novella was so good, I read it all at once in about an hour.
It showcases Jeff Strand's comedic style, while also being as serious as death. It sounds kind of crazy but somehow Mr. Strand pulls it off.
The story involves a serial killer stalking his victim and somehow evolves into something else entirely.
I loved it and if you're a fan of Mr. Strand, you will too! Highly recommended.
It showcases Jeff Strand's comedic style, while also being as serious as death. It sounds kind of crazy but somehow Mr. Strand pulls it off.
The story involves a serial killer stalking his victim and somehow evolves into something else entirely.
I loved it and if you're a fan of Mr. Strand, you will too! Highly recommended.
February 23, 2018
Nasty people coming together in disharmony
Terrible people make for great stories. You immediately want the piece of work being stalked in the opening to get some sort of comeuppance. There’s a twist when we find out why the narrator is so mad at this dude, and then another twist during delivery of said comeuppance. Lots of twists and turns and daaaaaaamns. It’s a quick read so I can’t say too much, other than it’s a fun little ride about nasty people coming together in disharmony. As always, Strand’s writing is engaging and flows easily, his characters are believable, and the story kept moving — no fluff or filler here!
Terrible people make for great stories. You immediately want the piece of work being stalked in the opening to get some sort of comeuppance. There’s a twist when we find out why the narrator is so mad at this dude, and then another twist during delivery of said comeuppance. Lots of twists and turns and daaaaaaamns. It’s a quick read so I can’t say too much, other than it’s a fun little ride about nasty people coming together in disharmony. As always, Strand’s writing is engaging and flows easily, his characters are believable, and the story kept moving — no fluff or filler here!
September 28, 2018
Stalking You Now is a novella and will be easy to spoil if I get all long-windy so I’ll be keeping it short. When it begins a stalker is doing what stalkers do best. He is following around a loud mouthed man who deserves a beating just because he’s so obnoxious. Whoops, did I say that out loud? Anyway, the stalker (whose real name is never revealed) has a history with this lout and plans to mete out his revenge tonight.
But things go . . . awry.
Turns out Stalker Man is quite possibly the most inept killer on the planet. Instead of playing out his lovely little revenge scenario on the man he believes ruined his life his night takes a turn into Cuckoo Land. Nothing goes as planned and humor and pain ensue.
There is a very small cast of characters here, none you’ll fall in love with but that’s not the point. Read it for the humor, the tension, the small moments of gore and the twisty turns. As with most novels by Jeff Strand you never know where he’s going until he gets there and it’s never where you expected him to go. There are some eye squinting scenes and plenty of morbid humor and the dialogue is mostly good and snarky. And the ending? Well, I thought it was pretty great. Check it out if you need a little humor in your day.
But things go . . . awry.
Turns out Stalker Man is quite possibly the most inept killer on the planet. Instead of playing out his lovely little revenge scenario on the man he believes ruined his life his night takes a turn into Cuckoo Land. Nothing goes as planned and humor and pain ensue.
“We struggle. She has the advantage of my pain and disorientation, and also her vicious fingernails. But I’m stronger and have murdered people. She’s winning. I’m no sexist, but how the hell is she winning?”
There is a very small cast of characters here, none you’ll fall in love with but that’s not the point. Read it for the humor, the tension, the small moments of gore and the twisty turns. As with most novels by Jeff Strand you never know where he’s going until he gets there and it’s never where you expected him to go. There are some eye squinting scenes and plenty of morbid humor and the dialogue is mostly good and snarky. And the ending? Well, I thought it was pretty great. Check it out if you need a little humor in your day.
March 29, 2014
Jeff Strand writes killer dialogue...pun intended. No, seriously. Strand is a great storyteller but his talent at writing tight, and in this case funny, dialogue slays me..also intended. Stalking You Now is not only a great example of his execution (cough!) of dialogue but also his ability to knock off (gag!) a frightfully funny suspense tale that doesn't leave the reader hanging (cough, cough) at the end. At 50 plus pages, it is either a long short story or a short novella, But either way it is just the right length to give you an hours worth of dark comedic entertainment. By the time it is terminated (cough!) and finished off (zap!) you will agree that it was not time wasted (ka-ching!).
Good. I got that out of my system.
So what is Stalking You Now about? Therein lies the problem. In 50 pages, a lot happens and there is one great little twist not too far into the story. So saying too much will ruin the ride. It is a story of revenge although whose doing the revenge and why may leave you pleasantly disoriented. The story begins as our revenge minded protagonist is stalking his victim. The author gets into the story running and doesn't let up. It's that dialog thing happening. There is also a another little twist involving a third character. Let's just say tables are turned often.
I've always enjoyed Strand's ability to find the humor is the darkest situations and this story is no exception. Good dark humor elicits laughs of the type that may make you feel guilty but...hell! It is only a story. So get this story and enjoy a few evil laughs at characters who may (or may not) end up deserving it.
Good. I got that out of my system.
So what is Stalking You Now about? Therein lies the problem. In 50 pages, a lot happens and there is one great little twist not too far into the story. So saying too much will ruin the ride. It is a story of revenge although whose doing the revenge and why may leave you pleasantly disoriented. The story begins as our revenge minded protagonist is stalking his victim. The author gets into the story running and doesn't let up. It's that dialog thing happening. There is also a another little twist involving a third character. Let's just say tables are turned often.
I've always enjoyed Strand's ability to find the humor is the darkest situations and this story is no exception. Good dark humor elicits laughs of the type that may make you feel guilty but...hell! It is only a story. So get this story and enjoy a few evil laughs at characters who may (or may not) end up deserving it.
April 21, 2018
Terrence is at a restaurant with a few of his friends, insensitively complaining to them about his girlfriend. Terrence is what most people would call a douchebag (or something similarly demeaning). He's taken aback when a man sends him a glass of wine. A short while later, when he and his friends are at a bar, the same stranger takes a seat at their table. Terrence wastes no time dispensing his disparaging remarks and sending the guy out of there. But he'll soon realize that he has a dangerous stalker.
And he's not the only one....
Strand has such an incredible way words. His great sense of humor adds so much to his compelling stories. There was a nice twist in this one and I thought the characters all got exactly what they deserved.
And he's not the only one....
Strand has such an incredible way words. His great sense of humor adds so much to his compelling stories. There was a nice twist in this one and I thought the characters all got exactly what they deserved.
November 2, 2013
A serial killer returns from an enforced absence with murderous plans of revenge on the man responsible for his sabbatical. Things take a turn when the killer is confronted and an almost surreal exchange results in the totally unexpected. This is a macabre situation handled in a delightfully comical way, it’s not all laughs due to the proposed end game but the shift in dominance from the strong to the weak and some persistent laugh out loud moments make this a highly enjoyable read. The stories short, easily read in a couple of hours and doesn't take itself too seriously, and I will definitely read more of the authors work.
October 16, 2014
This is the second book I have read from Jeff Strand, I will continue to read more from him.
This is a very good short read. My how the tables turned.
This is about a serial killer that gets revenge on someone he feels ruined his life. Then the guy's girlfriend shows up and all hell breaks loose.
Very nice twist.
This is a very good short read. My how the tables turned.
This is about a serial killer that gets revenge on someone he feels ruined his life. Then the guy's girlfriend shows up and all hell breaks loose.
Very nice twist.
March 2, 2013
This is classic Strand! Fast reading, dark and humorous. Jeff takes us on a quick journey to see what happens when revenge goes wrong...really wrong. A fun, short read that I wish was a wee longer. 4 Stars. Recommended.
July 22, 2014
I'm fairly new to Jeff Strand. In hindsight, starting my Strand education with his addictive romantic adventure, Kumquat, might not have been a good idea. I disagree. Yes, Strand is known for his horror prowess, and I feel like a kid in a candy store with all of his books. However, Kumquat opened my eyes to his comedy persona, one so naturally unique and realistic that his books become effortless to read. And one thing I love is horror with a cheeky, funny side. Three lines in...and I come to a conclusion: I haven't enjoyed discovering a new horror author, and such a diverse back catalogue, this much since King or Laymon.
Told from the first person, a serial killer returns to his roots to find the man that forced him into exile some years before. His plan? Revenge. However, as he soon discovers, it's not all that easy. Killing is simple when you're unattached but when fuelled by a motive? Things start to unravel very quickly. To say any more would ruin a very taut, amusing thriller. Just be aware, this story has three main characters...that's it. It's a testament to the writing ability to keep you hooked to what is basically a two-sided conversation for most of the story.
SYN is an excellent short story, one that doesn't scrimp on the gore, funnies and moral advice. Fancy cheating? In Strand's dark, noir-like world, you'd be better off at home with the wife. Cheating is a base theme and the story hinges on the repercussions of such a thing. Revenge thrillers are plentiful - and we all love to read one - but SYN pulls off a rare feat: It switches genre mid-story. Again, not to ruin the story, but events in this menace laden tale turn it on its head. Some may predict where it's going, but when the story is this razor-sharp, this darkly funny, you won't really care.
Strand's writing is excellent. And realistic. Horror is much scarier and poignant when the horror is authentic. Anything in SYN could happen. Seriously, when a horror author manages to place you in a gritty world, one that sits outside your window on a daily basis, one that we take for granted, you know you're reading something special. Yes, some may find this uncomfortable - who needs social problems rubbed in their face - but there's no arguing it will keep you hooked. I read SYN in one sitting and I would again, it's that engaging.
5* - A great start to my Jeff Strand horror journey. After this, I downloaded two more books. As I contemplate reading Dead Clown Barbeque - awesome name - next, I have a huge grin on my face. Horror is a genre that speaks to me, provokes a passion within me, and when I find an author that makes me comfortable in my reading, it's a special feeling. Some write horror off as the weak genre and I've heard people say 'anyone can write it'. Okay, so prove it? Horror is not an easy genre to write but Strand proves that, with a love for the genre (evident in the writing), you can create a smart, funny and very thrilling tale. And all that with three characters. Amazing read!
Told from the first person, a serial killer returns to his roots to find the man that forced him into exile some years before. His plan? Revenge. However, as he soon discovers, it's not all that easy. Killing is simple when you're unattached but when fuelled by a motive? Things start to unravel very quickly. To say any more would ruin a very taut, amusing thriller. Just be aware, this story has three main characters...that's it. It's a testament to the writing ability to keep you hooked to what is basically a two-sided conversation for most of the story.
SYN is an excellent short story, one that doesn't scrimp on the gore, funnies and moral advice. Fancy cheating? In Strand's dark, noir-like world, you'd be better off at home with the wife. Cheating is a base theme and the story hinges on the repercussions of such a thing. Revenge thrillers are plentiful - and we all love to read one - but SYN pulls off a rare feat: It switches genre mid-story. Again, not to ruin the story, but events in this menace laden tale turn it on its head. Some may predict where it's going, but when the story is this razor-sharp, this darkly funny, you won't really care.
Strand's writing is excellent. And realistic. Horror is much scarier and poignant when the horror is authentic. Anything in SYN could happen. Seriously, when a horror author manages to place you in a gritty world, one that sits outside your window on a daily basis, one that we take for granted, you know you're reading something special. Yes, some may find this uncomfortable - who needs social problems rubbed in their face - but there's no arguing it will keep you hooked. I read SYN in one sitting and I would again, it's that engaging.
5* - A great start to my Jeff Strand horror journey. After this, I downloaded two more books. As I contemplate reading Dead Clown Barbeque - awesome name - next, I have a huge grin on my face. Horror is a genre that speaks to me, provokes a passion within me, and when I find an author that makes me comfortable in my reading, it's a special feeling. Some write horror off as the weak genre and I've heard people say 'anyone can write it'. Okay, so prove it? Horror is not an easy genre to write but Strand proves that, with a love for the genre (evident in the writing), you can create a smart, funny and very thrilling tale. And all that with three characters. Amazing read!
March 26, 2013
When you visit Jeff Strand's website at jeffstrand.wordpress.com, the first thing you notice is the greeting "Welcome to Gleefully Macabre!" And that phrase pretty much describes the work of this writer who is as popular with other horror writers as he is with his growing fan base. As he did last year, Jeff will once again emcee the 2013 Bram Stoker Awards® Banquet and act as Toastmaster at the World Horror Convention 2013. Both of these events are part of the Bram Stoker Awards Weekend, to be held in New Orleans from June 13-16, 2013.
His latest release is the Novella, Stalking You Now. A demented little tension builder, told effectively in the 1st person. It's the story of a deranged madman who stumbles over someone even crazier than he is.
When you pick up a Jeff Strand book, you know it's going to be a fun read and that's just what this is. Plus, he uses one of my all time favorite words, "discombobulated." Oh, it's a real word, go ahead and Google it. I'll wait.
Subject matter and some colorful language makes this one for adults. But I think even some of my non-horror frends will enjoy Stalking You Now, avalable now for the Kindle and in other digital formats soon.
His latest release is the Novella, Stalking You Now. A demented little tension builder, told effectively in the 1st person. It's the story of a deranged madman who stumbles over someone even crazier than he is.
When you pick up a Jeff Strand book, you know it's going to be a fun read and that's just what this is. Plus, he uses one of my all time favorite words, "discombobulated." Oh, it's a real word, go ahead and Google it. I'll wait.
Subject matter and some colorful language makes this one for adults. But I think even some of my non-horror frends will enjoy Stalking You Now, avalable now for the Kindle and in other digital formats soon.
February 21, 2013
Finished Stalking You Now last night, great read as always from Jeff. Gave it 4 stars. I always enjoy books like these that read fast and your not quite sure what going to happen next. Keeps you on the edge of your seat and waiting for the other shoe to drop. Even though I enjoyed the story alot, I just couldn't give it 5 stars. Because I didn't think it was as good as Dweller or Pressure that I did give 5 stars to. I might be a little jaded since I read Dweller and Pressure first and it kinda set the bar high.
June 6, 2013
This is the story of a man who feels he has been wronged. He sets out to exact revenge on the man he feels ruined his life 25 years previously. It starts off well, but soon it turns into a night he will never forget and things will never be the same again...
This was an unexpected treat. It was dark, and atmospheric but there were moments of surreal humour as well. Some of the situations the protagonist finds himself in when things don't quite go as planned make for quite funny reading. It was a quick read, and a well paced one. The characters were all a bit nuts but that made them all the more engaging. I recommend this one for a dose of deliciously dark humour!
This was an unexpected treat. It was dark, and atmospheric but there were moments of surreal humour as well. Some of the situations the protagonist finds himself in when things don't quite go as planned make for quite funny reading. It was a quick read, and a well paced one. The characters were all a bit nuts but that made them all the more engaging. I recommend this one for a dose of deliciously dark humour!
December 16, 2013
Full review can be found at On Top Down Under Book Reviews.
Brilliant. An excellent tale of a man out for revenge who gets more than he bargains for.
This book was provided by Net Galley and Dark Fuse in exchange for a fair and honest review.
My Favorite Books of 2013 .
Brilliant. An excellent tale of a man out for revenge who gets more than he bargains for.
This book was provided by Net Galley and Dark Fuse in exchange for a fair and honest review.
My Favorite Books of 2013 .
December 15, 2012
Jeff Strand calls his novels ‘demented’ and I guess he means this as humorous since STALKING YOU NOW is a dark thriller, a sort of
psychopath’s holiday clothed in black humor.
Strand creates a tension between terror and humor, and this tension is the essence of the psychopath – it is Hannibal Lecter’s humor, without his odd taste in foods.
STALKING YOU NOW is a dark humor romp.
psychopath’s holiday clothed in black humor.
Strand creates a tension between terror and humor, and this tension is the essence of the psychopath – it is Hannibal Lecter’s humor, without his odd taste in foods.
STALKING YOU NOW is a dark humor romp.
July 10, 2013
I'm becoming such a big fan of Stands' work. He has a great ability to mix humour and horror without drawing anything away from the story.
Someone is out for revenge but gets more than they bargained for when a third party decides to join in. This story took many unexpected turns and the ending was amazing. A fantastic novella and highly recommended.
March 15, 2013
An exciting fun read, typical Jeff Strand which means great stuff!
July 4, 2013
A terrific little novella from Strand that combines his best elements--dark humor and a wicked, nasty plot. Great beginning and a satisfying ending. This is why I read Strand. Highly recommended.
May 20, 2015
Who's Stalking Who
A great twisted tale of Stalking that goes horribly wrong. Just when you think you know where Mr. Stand is headed he makes a left.
A great twisted tale of Stalking that goes horribly wrong. Just when you think you know where Mr. Stand is headed he makes a left.
December 16, 2016
Short but sweet from Strand. A plot that keeps you guessing and a storyline that makes you whisper "what the fucking fuck" every few minutes.
July 21, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Just when you think you know what direction the story is going... boom! Game changer. Loved the witty banter. Awesome read!!
August 24, 2018
Read this, you’ll be glad you did.
Very weird and creepy! The tables are turned on a ruthless killer when he comes out of hiding for revenge. Very creepy in that it’s told in a very matter-of-fact manner in first person from the point of view of the killer out for revenge. Wonderful writing.
Very weird and creepy! The tables are turned on a ruthless killer when he comes out of hiding for revenge. Very creepy in that it’s told in a very matter-of-fact manner in first person from the point of view of the killer out for revenge. Wonderful writing.
January 29, 2018
Jeff Strand writes in a very familiar kind of way. Almost all of his MCs have the same slightly cynical, vaguely amusing view of the world (much like Strand himself I would assume). It doesn't matter if those MCs are good people with the best of intentions, or despicable people who fail to give a shit about anything other than their own (insane) ends. So it's fortunate that Strand writes so engagingly well that I find all of his works to be comfortingly good.
The protagonist in Stalking You Now is one of Strand's insane characters. He has an axe to grind with a person who wronged him in the past, and this 57 page story picks up with him observing said person while seated a couple of tables away from him at a restaurant. Things progress from there in typically Strand-esque fashion - which is to say, unpredictably - with his MC quipping away through it all.
So while this is still an easy and decent read, it is by no means Strand's best. The MC is too idiotic to be who he is after what he has done (he said, dancing around spoilers), and he's not "Strandy" enough to be likeable or empathic. Which means being stuck with him for 57 pages starts to become a bit of a chore. The ending, though, satisfies.
All of which is to say: mark this one down as being middle of The Strand. (I can't be the first person to make that lame joke, but I don't care. I'm rolling with it.)
3 Reasons to Always Have a Foolproof Plan - Especially if You Are a Fool - for Stalking You Now.
Merged review:
Accidentally re-read this one, getting all the way to the last 10 pages before realising I'd read it before. Which, if I'm honest, is a bit of a worry ...
But anyway, my complaints from my last review are exactly the same here. This is not Strand at his best, and the characters he creates are not likeable and do not make decisions I could even remotely relate to.
As such, I'm dropping this one a half a star grade. It should be better the second time around if I'm reading it again, damnit!
2.5 Questionable Deductive Methods for Stalking You Now.
The protagonist in Stalking You Now is one of Strand's insane characters. He has an axe to grind with a person who wronged him in the past, and this 57 page story picks up with him observing said person while seated a couple of tables away from him at a restaurant. Things progress from there in typically Strand-esque fashion - which is to say, unpredictably - with his MC quipping away through it all.
So while this is still an easy and decent read, it is by no means Strand's best. The MC is too idiotic to be who he is after what he has done (he said, dancing around spoilers), and he's not "Strandy" enough to be likeable or empathic. Which means being stuck with him for 57 pages starts to become a bit of a chore. The ending, though, satisfies.
All of which is to say: mark this one down as being middle of The Strand. (I can't be the first person to make that lame joke, but I don't care. I'm rolling with it.)
3 Reasons to Always Have a Foolproof Plan - Especially if You Are a Fool - for Stalking You Now.
Merged review:
Accidentally re-read this one, getting all the way to the last 10 pages before realising I'd read it before. Which, if I'm honest, is a bit of a worry ...
But anyway, my complaints from my last review are exactly the same here. This is not Strand at his best, and the characters he creates are not likeable and do not make decisions I could even remotely relate to.
As such, I'm dropping this one a half a star grade. It should be better the second time around if I'm reading it again, damnit!
2.5 Questionable Deductive Methods for Stalking You Now.
February 15, 2013
For those who haven't had the pleasure of reading anything by Jeff Strand, he does a few things extremely well: his dialogue sings, his characters often display a warped sense of humor and individuality, his sense of pacing is often spot on and he deftly handles conflicts between two characters. In this thriller novella, told in the first person by a mostly unlikable narrator, Strand returns to the style of past novellas of his like "Disposal" and "Kutter" by using less comedic and more serious tone and structure. The main protagonist is seeking vengeance and stalking a man named Terrence who he felt wronged him twenty-five years ago. What keeps the reader going is learning how this man wronged him and what kind of vengeance will be enacted.
From there the story takes a quirky turn and a third character is introduced who becomes a main player. Saying any more risks spoiling the story, but you'll keep the pages turning to find out what happens on a very odd, surreal night between a serial killer, his victim and, well, you have to read to find out.
I was thinking easy 4.25 stars until the ending which sort of left me a bit puzzled from a technical standpoint. I suppose writing rules are meant to be broken by skilled writers like Strand, but here's my problem, and please do not read the following spoiler until you have read the entire story:
Anyway, I knocked off a half star for the ending, the rest of the story I thoroughly enjoyed. 3.75 stars, rounded up. 1,167 Kindle locations. Recommended.
From there the story takes a quirky turn and a third character is introduced who becomes a main player. Saying any more risks spoiling the story, but you'll keep the pages turning to find out what happens on a very odd, surreal night between a serial killer, his victim and, well, you have to read to find out.
I was thinking easy 4.25 stars until the ending which sort of left me a bit puzzled from a technical standpoint. I suppose writing rules are meant to be broken by skilled writers like Strand, but here's my problem, and please do not read the following spoiler until you have read the entire story:
Anyway, I knocked off a half star for the ending, the rest of the story I thoroughly enjoyed. 3.75 stars, rounded up. 1,167 Kindle locations. Recommended.
March 9, 2013
Jeff Strand has a great way of mixing comedy into his horror novels, and Stalking You Now is no exception. I can definitely say I laughed more than I was horrified, but there was a violent moment here or there to keep it in the horror genre.
The big surprise of this little short though, is the main plot has little to do with the back of book & product summaries. The 'Stalking' portion of this book is pretty much done by a third of the way in, and the rest of plot is sort of a buddy-comedy gone bad, that turns into a more standard horror movie set. Or rather, there's a third major character that the summary doesn't hint at and plays a huge role in the story.
Not necessarily a bad thing, though. The story goes along where you'd expect, and then takes a full 180 out of nowhere and you're as confused as our main character, so I think it works.
Speaking, I'm a sucker for an incompetent bad guy. The Stalker fits that bill and then some. More fun, is when he catches himself doing something stupid and has to make up for it. It's almost sort of adorable. *pinches his cheeks*
My only issue with the book is the ending. I didn't really like it, but that more has to do with how much I started to dislike New Character #3, and less about how it worked as an ending to the story overall. It was a bit of
Overall? Good, short read. I enjoyed it & would recommend it if you're looking for some good old dark humor and bungling serial killers.
The big surprise of this little short though, is the main plot has little to do with the back of book & product summaries. The 'Stalking' portion of this book is pretty much done by a third of the way in, and the rest of plot is sort of a buddy-comedy gone bad, that turns into a more standard horror movie set. Or rather, there's a third major character that the summary doesn't hint at and plays a huge role in the story.
Not necessarily a bad thing, though. The story goes along where you'd expect, and then takes a full 180 out of nowhere and you're as confused as our main character, so I think it works.
Speaking, I'm a sucker for an incompetent bad guy. The Stalker fits that bill and then some. More fun, is when he catches himself doing something stupid and has to make up for it. It's almost sort of adorable. *pinches his cheeks*
My only issue with the book is the ending. I didn't really like it, but that more has to do with how much I started to dislike New Character #3, and less about how it worked as an ending to the story overall. It was a bit of
Overall? Good, short read. I enjoyed it & would recommend it if you're looking for some good old dark humor and bungling serial killers.
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