What do you think?
Rate this book
The Dunfield Terror
It starts with a strange glowing fog that arrives at the height of a snowstorm.
A terror from the past has returned, bringing with it death and destruction that threatens to overrun the town. The old stories tell of a post-war experiment gone wrong, one that opened the way for the fog—or whatever was behind it—to begin its reign of terror.
A small team of workmen are the last hope to keep their town alive through the long, storm-filled night. But the many horrors that await them are beyond anyone’s worst nightmares.
A terror from the past has returned, bringing with it death and destruction that threatens to overrun the town. The old stories tell of a post-war experiment gone wrong, one that opened the way for the fog—or whatever was behind it—to begin its reign of terror.
A small team of workmen are the last hope to keep their town alive through the long, storm-filled night. But the many horrors that await them are beyond anyone’s worst nightmares.
Paperback
First published April 1, 2015
35 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
About the author
William Meikle
407 books1,849 followersI'm a Scottish writer, now living in Canada, with more than thirty novels published in the genre press and over 300 short story credits in thirteen countries.
My work has appeared in a number of professional anthologies and I have recent short story sales to NATURE Futures and Galaxy's Edge. When I'm not writing I play guitar, drink beer and dream of fortune and glory.
For an intro to me, my writing and my accent see my Youtube channel
My work has appeared in a number of professional anthologies and I have recent short story sales to NATURE Futures and Galaxy's Edge. When I'm not writing I play guitar, drink beer and dream of fortune and glory.
For an intro to me, my writing and my accent see my Youtube channel
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
July 15, 2017
When a strange glowing fog descends on a Newfoundland town, Frank and the rest of the snow plow crew try to save their neighbors. But what does the fog have to do with a bizarre experiment on the Dunfield in the 1950s?
In the chaos that ensued during the tribulations at DarkFuse, this went on sale and I snapped it up. I passed on it when it showed up on Netgalley, thinking it was a pastiche of HP Lovecraft's The Dunwich Horror. I was wrong.
You can see the confusion, though. It doesn't take much to get from Dunwich to Dunfield and William Meikle has written his share of Lovecraftian tales. However, this was more of an homage to The Colour Out of Space by way of the The Philadelphia Experiment.
The story is told in two threads: the present day and the time of the Dunfield experiment and its aftermath. The parallel structure does a lot to enhance the dread. If scientists couldn't contain the fog, how the hell can a crew of snowplow drivers?
Frank and his neighbors have been haunted by "the fucker" for decades, a glowing fog that warps and kills anything it touches. When the fog shows up during a blizzard, things go south in a hurry. The isolated townsfolk drop like flies and Frank knows there is very little any of them can do. The juxtaposition of the blizzard with the fog makes for some tense moments, pitting otherworldly horror and the everyday horror of death by exposure or frostbite.
The experimental thread focused on the horrors of the unknown and things men wasn't meant to know. The weird tech reminded me of Pentacle, making me think it probably takes place in the same universe, and also The Fold and 14. I also thought it was great how Meikle used The Philadelphia Experiment for the basis of a horror novel.
I feel like I've come to the William Meikle party late but I'm here for the duration now. Four out of five stars.
In the chaos that ensued during the tribulations at DarkFuse, this went on sale and I snapped it up. I passed on it when it showed up on Netgalley, thinking it was a pastiche of HP Lovecraft's The Dunwich Horror. I was wrong.
You can see the confusion, though. It doesn't take much to get from Dunwich to Dunfield and William Meikle has written his share of Lovecraftian tales. However, this was more of an homage to The Colour Out of Space by way of the The Philadelphia Experiment.
The story is told in two threads: the present day and the time of the Dunfield experiment and its aftermath. The parallel structure does a lot to enhance the dread. If scientists couldn't contain the fog, how the hell can a crew of snowplow drivers?
Frank and his neighbors have been haunted by "the fucker" for decades, a glowing fog that warps and kills anything it touches. When the fog shows up during a blizzard, things go south in a hurry. The isolated townsfolk drop like flies and Frank knows there is very little any of them can do. The juxtaposition of the blizzard with the fog makes for some tense moments, pitting otherworldly horror and the everyday horror of death by exposure or frostbite.
The experimental thread focused on the horrors of the unknown and things men wasn't meant to know. The weird tech reminded me of Pentacle, making me think it probably takes place in the same universe, and also The Fold and 14. I also thought it was great how Meikle used The Philadelphia Experiment for the basis of a horror novel.
I feel like I've come to the William Meikle party late but I'm here for the duration now. Four out of five stars.
March 27, 2015
4.5 stars!
I love the writing of Wiliam Meikle and this book is no exception!
Two storylines, one from the past and one set in the present, tell the sad story of experiments gone wrong and the consequences experienced by all. Everyone knows that when you to try to open doors to other dimensions, it never turns out well, but that never seems to stop folks from trying.
Wildly imaginative creatures and freaky glowing fog take center stage and this reader couldn't help but to stay for the entire show. Lovecraftian in style,(but easier to read), fast paced and just plain fun, I highly recommend this short novel-especially to fans of Lovecraft and/or creature features!
I love the writing of Wiliam Meikle and this book is no exception!
Two storylines, one from the past and one set in the present, tell the sad story of experiments gone wrong and the consequences experienced by all. Everyone knows that when you to try to open doors to other dimensions, it never turns out well, but that never seems to stop folks from trying.
Wildly imaginative creatures and freaky glowing fog take center stage and this reader couldn't help but to stay for the entire show. Lovecraftian in style,(but easier to read), fast paced and just plain fun, I highly recommend this short novel-especially to fans of Lovecraft and/or creature features!
March 1, 2015
The Dunfield Terror is a 'Lovecraftian horror' apparently, wouldn't know personally I've never read Lovecraft, maybe I need to because it's a pretty popular subject in horror circles.
Anyway William Meikle's The Dunfield Terror is set over several timelines in Canada, the first in the present where Frank is part of the crew that keep the roads clear when the snow hits and it’s not just the snow that hits tonight. A mysterious glowing fog arrives, not for the first time and more commonly known in the area as the 'fucker'. First chapter this 'fucker' makes a bit of a mess of Frank's rather large snow plough and it’s certainly not what you'd call a natural occurrence.
Pretty soon this fog is wreaking havoc in the quaint little port of Dunfield.
'When I opened my eyes, there was nothing to see but debris in the water …and a tendril of fog, almost luminescent, stretching ever closer to our own lifeboat.'
The second main timeline via a journal is back in the 1950's and told in first person as is the present timeline. Duncan Campbell a mammalian biologist is part of a scientific experiment that sets out to make a battleship invisible, they do far more than that and the repercussions are devastatingly horrific.
The First person point of view method of telling the story didn't entirely sit neatly with me, I didn't feel the characters, didn't get inside them and wasn’t completely gripped, not until the end anyway. This may be more to do with the stuff I've been reading recently though. I thought it more an intricate description of the events happening from the various characters viewpoints than a depthful look at the personnel involved. Which wasn't a bad thing, I just expect I guess a little more, that said the last fifth of this was exceptional from a tension filled horror angle, top notch creature feature, that harbinger of death the 'fucker'. A mighty efficient weapon but far from controllable.
Looks like I'll have to keep waiting for William Meikle to completely blow me away like he did with Clockwork Dolls but I'm patient.
I received The Dunfield Terror from Darkfuse & Netgalley in exchange for an honest review and that’s what you’ve got.
Also posted at http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
Anyway William Meikle's The Dunfield Terror is set over several timelines in Canada, the first in the present where Frank is part of the crew that keep the roads clear when the snow hits and it’s not just the snow that hits tonight. A mysterious glowing fog arrives, not for the first time and more commonly known in the area as the 'fucker'. First chapter this 'fucker' makes a bit of a mess of Frank's rather large snow plough and it’s certainly not what you'd call a natural occurrence.
Pretty soon this fog is wreaking havoc in the quaint little port of Dunfield.
'When I opened my eyes, there was nothing to see but debris in the water …and a tendril of fog, almost luminescent, stretching ever closer to our own lifeboat.'
The second main timeline via a journal is back in the 1950's and told in first person as is the present timeline. Duncan Campbell a mammalian biologist is part of a scientific experiment that sets out to make a battleship invisible, they do far more than that and the repercussions are devastatingly horrific.
The First person point of view method of telling the story didn't entirely sit neatly with me, I didn't feel the characters, didn't get inside them and wasn’t completely gripped, not until the end anyway. This may be more to do with the stuff I've been reading recently though. I thought it more an intricate description of the events happening from the various characters viewpoints than a depthful look at the personnel involved. Which wasn't a bad thing, I just expect I guess a little more, that said the last fifth of this was exceptional from a tension filled horror angle, top notch creature feature, that harbinger of death the 'fucker'. A mighty efficient weapon but far from controllable.
Looks like I'll have to keep waiting for William Meikle to completely blow me away like he did with Clockwork Dolls but I'm patient.
I received The Dunfield Terror from Darkfuse & Netgalley in exchange for an honest review and that’s what you’ve got.
Also posted at http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
February 18, 2015
4.5 stars.
When it comes to writing Lovecraftian-style stories, I'd be hard-pressed to come up with an author that does it better than William Meikle. He has a flair for taking the strange and unusual, and blending it into a modern day setting--creating a scene that is utterly believable.
In THE DUNFIELD TERROR, we are taken back to an experiment conducted by a scientist named Muir, and his assistant Duncan Campbell. Through Duncan's journals from 1955, we learn of events that propelled the fatalistic phenomenon which has been plaguing modern day Dunfield on and off ever since.
The present brings us vividly portrayed characters that are in charge of plowing and maintaining roads in this small town. As "boss" Frank puts it, the job entails a more important role of "protecting the town" from the legends of this mysterious menace that comes heralded by a strange, luminescent fog.....
The atmosphere depicted here is one of Meikle's strongest points, in my humble opinion. When it comes to detailing a winter's storm of buffeting snow, cold, and ice, Meikle knows how to paint these images so well that you'll practically feel the chill settling into your bones as you read.
The events of both the present, and 1955 combine to bring forth an element of helpless terror, as we bear witness to what had--and is still--inexplicably happening in this remote town.
But did it really all start there.....?
This engaging novel will have you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire read, and maybe even considering the repercussions beyond....
Highly recommended!
*I received an advance copy of this novel through NetGalley/DarkFuse in exchange for an honest review.*
When it comes to writing Lovecraftian-style stories, I'd be hard-pressed to come up with an author that does it better than William Meikle. He has a flair for taking the strange and unusual, and blending it into a modern day setting--creating a scene that is utterly believable.
In THE DUNFIELD TERROR, we are taken back to an experiment conducted by a scientist named Muir, and his assistant Duncan Campbell. Through Duncan's journals from 1955, we learn of events that propelled the fatalistic phenomenon which has been plaguing modern day Dunfield on and off ever since.
The present brings us vividly portrayed characters that are in charge of plowing and maintaining roads in this small town. As "boss" Frank puts it, the job entails a more important role of "protecting the town" from the legends of this mysterious menace that comes heralded by a strange, luminescent fog.....
The atmosphere depicted here is one of Meikle's strongest points, in my humble opinion. When it comes to detailing a winter's storm of buffeting snow, cold, and ice, Meikle knows how to paint these images so well that you'll practically feel the chill settling into your bones as you read.
The events of both the present, and 1955 combine to bring forth an element of helpless terror, as we bear witness to what had--and is still--inexplicably happening in this remote town.
But did it really all start there.....?
This engaging novel will have you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire read, and maybe even considering the repercussions beyond....
Highly recommended!
*I received an advance copy of this novel through NetGalley/DarkFuse in exchange for an honest review.*
February 22, 2015
Lovecraft meets Quatermass in this fast paced sci-fi/horror tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat as a small Newfoundland town battles a blizzard.....and something unspeakable that moves in a glowing, unearthly fog.
Meikle expertly weaves the story of the Terror's "origin", with the white knuckle race for survival by the current residents of Dunfield, as they are stalked through a storm by a matter warping horror that has haunted their existence for decades.
Related with pitch perfect pacing, and an atnosphere that will have you turning up the heat to fight the wind chill pouring from the pages, this novel would have made a classic spinechiller of a movie for Hammer Films.
Highest possible recommendation.
This was an eARC from NetGalley
Meikle expertly weaves the story of the Terror's "origin", with the white knuckle race for survival by the current residents of Dunfield, as they are stalked through a storm by a matter warping horror that has haunted their existence for decades.
Related with pitch perfect pacing, and an atnosphere that will have you turning up the heat to fight the wind chill pouring from the pages, this novel would have made a classic spinechiller of a movie for Hammer Films.
Highest possible recommendation.
This was an eARC from NetGalley
March 27, 2015
The Dunfield Terror by William Meikle
I love the writing of Wiliam Meikle and this book is no exception!
Two storylines, one from the past and one set in the present, tell the sad story of experiments gone wrong and the consequences experienced by all. Everyone knows that when you to try to open doors to other dimensions, it never turns out well, but that never seems to stop folks from trying.
Wildly imaginative creatures and freaky glowing fog take center stage and this reader couldn't help but to stay for the entire show. Lovecraftian in style,(but easier to read), fast paced and just plain fun, I highly recommend this short novel-especially to fans of Lovecraft and/or creature features!
I love the writing of Wiliam Meikle and this book is no exception!
Two storylines, one from the past and one set in the present, tell the sad story of experiments gone wrong and the consequences experienced by all. Everyone knows that when you to try to open doors to other dimensions, it never turns out well, but that never seems to stop folks from trying.
Wildly imaginative creatures and freaky glowing fog take center stage and this reader couldn't help but to stay for the entire show. Lovecraftian in style,(but easier to read), fast paced and just plain fun, I highly recommend this short novel-especially to fans of Lovecraft and/or creature features!
August 11, 2016
A scientific experiment goes wrong and cracks open the fabric of time and space to let a glowing Lovecraftian fog filled with bloodthirsty octocrabs from hell loose on the town of Dunfield. The "Fucker" is back. Again.
William Meikle has some serious writing chops and shows them here, once again. He has an easy and smooth style that really makes his work flow and his characters jump off the page. I have not been disappointed by anything that I have ever read from him. Solid 4 Stars!
*As a member of the DarkFuse Readers Group, I received an advanced copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review.
William Meikle has some serious writing chops and shows them here, once again. He has an easy and smooth style that really makes his work flow and his characters jump off the page. I have not been disappointed by anything that I have ever read from him. Solid 4 Stars!
*As a member of the DarkFuse Readers Group, I received an advanced copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2015
3.5*
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A lovecraftian tale that tells the story of a mysterious and deadly fog. There are two main timelines used, the first is present day through Frank who is a workman in charge of a small group of men plowing their small towns roads during a snowstorm. Frank has a run in with the fog during his first outing of the evening and it all goes downhill from there. The other timeline dates back to the 1950s where scientist Muir and his unwilling assistant Duncan start the experiments that prove to have fatal and far reaching consequences.
This was for the most part an engaging, fast paced read. I really enjoyed the multiple timelines and how Meikle weaved in other fog related stories to strengthen the mythology. Other encounters with the fog help to keep the story interesting and ensure the brisk pacing is maintained, it also serves to show the reader that the fog was perhaps not just a phenomenon caused by the experiments.
Whilst I enjoyed the main characters of Muir, Duncan and Frank I didn't really feel that I got to know that well, the focus on action seemed to come at the expense of better characterisation. There wasn't enough for me to really get behind them and feel invested in what their outcomes were.
The last part of the novel was certainly gripping and it was easy to breeze through the last 50 pages and whilst the ending was decent enough I felt it was too open ended with the present day storyline.
A pretty decent read from Meikle but one that falls short of 'Tormentor' or the excellent 'The Exiled'.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A lovecraftian tale that tells the story of a mysterious and deadly fog. There are two main timelines used, the first is present day through Frank who is a workman in charge of a small group of men plowing their small towns roads during a snowstorm. Frank has a run in with the fog during his first outing of the evening and it all goes downhill from there. The other timeline dates back to the 1950s where scientist Muir and his unwilling assistant Duncan start the experiments that prove to have fatal and far reaching consequences.
This was for the most part an engaging, fast paced read. I really enjoyed the multiple timelines and how Meikle weaved in other fog related stories to strengthen the mythology. Other encounters with the fog help to keep the story interesting and ensure the brisk pacing is maintained, it also serves to show the reader that the fog was perhaps not just a phenomenon caused by the experiments.
Whilst I enjoyed the main characters of Muir, Duncan and Frank I didn't really feel that I got to know that well, the focus on action seemed to come at the expense of better characterisation. There wasn't enough for me to really get behind them and feel invested in what their outcomes were.
The last part of the novel was certainly gripping and it was easy to breeze through the last 50 pages and whilst the ending was decent enough I felt it was too open ended with the present day storyline.
A pretty decent read from Meikle but one that falls short of 'Tormentor' or the excellent 'The Exiled'.
April 8, 2015
Review copy
First, let me point out that William Meikle is a terrific story-teller. If you haven't discovered this fact for yourself yet, correct that situation as soon as possible. I have yet to be disappointed by one of his tales.
The Dunfield Terror is as complete a horror story as I have read in 2015. As if fighting to keep the roads open over the fifteen kilometer stretch from Trinity to Irving Station in Canada's Newfoundland Province during a full blown blizzard isn't tough enough, surviving what's hidden in it's midst will take a miracle.
It all began 60 some years ago with the goal to render a battleship invisible. Hell, what could possibly go wrong there?
"They want a weapon--and they won't believe me when I tell them that I have no idea how to build it. You saw what happened in Dunfield--it was a bloody accident--a terrible, terrible accident. All I did was put the pieces in the right order, at the right time, in the wrong place."
Told through a series of journal entries from the past and present day events, The Dunfield Terror effectively takes the reader through a terrifying night fighting the elements and what they hide, while slowing revealing the secrets of the past.
One of my favorite reads so far in 2015, The Dunfield Terror is available now in limited edition hardcover, paperback and ebook formats from Darkfuse. If you subscribe to Amazon's Kindle Unlimited you can read this one at no additional charge and if you are an Amazon Prime member, you can borrow this book and read it as your monthly selection through the Kindle Owners Lending Library.
Strongly recommended.
First, let me point out that William Meikle is a terrific story-teller. If you haven't discovered this fact for yourself yet, correct that situation as soon as possible. I have yet to be disappointed by one of his tales.
The Dunfield Terror is as complete a horror story as I have read in 2015. As if fighting to keep the roads open over the fifteen kilometer stretch from Trinity to Irving Station in Canada's Newfoundland Province during a full blown blizzard isn't tough enough, surviving what's hidden in it's midst will take a miracle.
It all began 60 some years ago with the goal to render a battleship invisible. Hell, what could possibly go wrong there?
"They want a weapon--and they won't believe me when I tell them that I have no idea how to build it. You saw what happened in Dunfield--it was a bloody accident--a terrible, terrible accident. All I did was put the pieces in the right order, at the right time, in the wrong place."
Told through a series of journal entries from the past and present day events, The Dunfield Terror effectively takes the reader through a terrifying night fighting the elements and what they hide, while slowing revealing the secrets of the past.
One of my favorite reads so far in 2015, The Dunfield Terror is available now in limited edition hardcover, paperback and ebook formats from Darkfuse. If you subscribe to Amazon's Kindle Unlimited you can read this one at no additional charge and if you are an Amazon Prime member, you can borrow this book and read it as your monthly selection through the Kindle Owners Lending Library.
Strongly recommended.
February 17, 2015
Review: THE DUNFIELD TERROR by William Meikle
Classic Lovecraftian horror, encased in a setting both contemporary, and of recent history (mid-1950's and late 1990's), focused through the lens of a modern master if subtle horror, William Meikle, THE DUNFIELD TERROR will convince readers not to go out at night, and for that matter, that indoors doesn't guarantee safety either. That's implacability, my champion criterion for horror. The terror in the glowing fog is not only unavailable, it's sneaky, subtle, and fatal. High-quality writing draws readers into this "impossible," yet very real quantum reality, where something not of our dimension slips in.
Classic Lovecraftian horror, encased in a setting both contemporary, and of recent history (mid-1950's and late 1990's), focused through the lens of a modern master if subtle horror, William Meikle, THE DUNFIELD TERROR will convince readers not to go out at night, and for that matter, that indoors doesn't guarantee safety either. That's implacability, my champion criterion for horror. The terror in the glowing fog is not only unavailable, it's sneaky, subtle, and fatal. High-quality writing draws readers into this "impossible," yet very real quantum reality, where something not of our dimension slips in.
September 24, 2020
This was a smorgasbord of good ol Lovecraftian fun with some Philadelphia Experiment thrown in.
February 23, 2015
I still haven't read Lovecraft, but I'm told that The Dunfield Terror is "Lovecraftian" style horror at its finest and I'll take their word for it. It was good nonetheless.
Frank is more than just a plow driver. The fog is more than just fog. A failed military experiment in 1954 appears to have opened the gates of hell, or at least the sea. Some "terror" from the sea is back and it's out to get them. Will they be able to stop it this time or will the little town of Dunfield suffer the same fate as the navy ship that first encountered this abomination from the sea?
I like Meikle. I loved Tormentor and The Exiled. You should read both of those if you haven't.
Frank is more than just a plow driver. The fog is more than just fog. A failed military experiment in 1954 appears to have opened the gates of hell, or at least the sea. Some "terror" from the sea is back and it's out to get them. Will they be able to stop it this time or will the little town of Dunfield suffer the same fate as the navy ship that first encountered this abomination from the sea?
I like Meikle. I loved Tormentor and The Exiled. You should read both of those if you haven't.
March 13, 2015
I received an ARC edition from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Similar in premise to King's "Revival" but I think that I liked Meikle's book a bit more.
It is your classic tale of a mad scientist fiddling around with nature--in this case a machine that opens doors into another dimension. The story starts in the 50's when the government is conducting experiments with a machine that is designed to make a battleship invisible. While H. G. Well's invisibility is created through the manipulation of optics, Meikle's scientist creates the same effect by a dimensional shift. Why that seemed like a good idea is beyond me. As expected, the result is not good. But the story doesn't end there.
Some doors that are opened are very, very hard to shut. Cut to the present. Nature, through snow and fog, is obliterating the landscape. I must say that I love stories of isolation by snow and fog. Something about the isolation just makes the story more claustrophobic and creepy for me. The fog however is not ordinary fog. The mist hides the landscape, true. But is also hides what comes through the hole ripped in reality back in the 1950's.
As scientists work to mend the rip that was opened many years ago before literally all hell pours through, we find that the origin of this menace may have appeared long before those experiments in the 50's.
4 stars.
Similar in premise to King's "Revival" but I think that I liked Meikle's book a bit more.
It is your classic tale of a mad scientist fiddling around with nature--in this case a machine that opens doors into another dimension. The story starts in the 50's when the government is conducting experiments with a machine that is designed to make a battleship invisible. While H. G. Well's invisibility is created through the manipulation of optics, Meikle's scientist creates the same effect by a dimensional shift. Why that seemed like a good idea is beyond me. As expected, the result is not good. But the story doesn't end there.
Some doors that are opened are very, very hard to shut. Cut to the present. Nature, through snow and fog, is obliterating the landscape. I must say that I love stories of isolation by snow and fog. Something about the isolation just makes the story more claustrophobic and creepy for me. The fog however is not ordinary fog. The mist hides the landscape, true. But is also hides what comes through the hole ripped in reality back in the 1950's.
As scientists work to mend the rip that was opened many years ago before literally all hell pours through, we find that the origin of this menace may have appeared long before those experiments in the 50's.
4 stars.
February 20, 2015
In "The Dunfield Terror", Meikle evokes a 1950's sci-fi Saturday matinee as if it were written by HP Lovecraft and then blended with a modern horror theme.
A mysterious scientific experiment goes wrong and the frightening results blow ashore in the middle of a ferocious blizzard some sixty years later.
Meikle follows multiple threads, tracing the "terror" over several decades and through the eyes of those most affected by its destructive nature.
The climax is a race between storylines with each leading to its own brutal ending and leaving just enough to the imagination for a quick nod and wink to Meikle's creativity.
4 STARS
A mysterious scientific experiment goes wrong and the frightening results blow ashore in the middle of a ferocious blizzard some sixty years later.
Meikle follows multiple threads, tracing the "terror" over several decades and through the eyes of those most affected by its destructive nature.
The climax is a race between storylines with each leading to its own brutal ending and leaving just enough to the imagination for a quick nod and wink to Meikle's creativity.
4 STARS
April 26, 2015
The Dunfield Terror was lucky thirteen as far as how many stories I have read by William Meikle. This story was like two for one( two story lines, past and present) with that Lovecraft twist to it. The Dunfield Terror was well written, good flow, good characters, creepy atmosphere. Like all of William's books they are enjoyable to read. Don't want to say much about the story other then it's something you need to read. I gave The Dunfield Terror 4 stars.
I received an e-arc of this book from DarkFuse/NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an e-arc of this book from DarkFuse/NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2015
William Meikle is fast becoming a very reliable author for me to turn to when I want a relatively quick and definitely engaging read, and The Dunfield Terror is no exception. It tells the tale of a small team of workmen who battle to keep the roads open during a fierce snow storm that descends on their coastal town, bringing with it something known to the locals as "The Fucker" - a glowing fog that causes havoc whenever it touches anything solid. Meikle then goes back in time to detail the experiment that brought this fog into our world, and for the rest of this short novel, goes back and forth between these two threads.
I really enjoyed the present timeline and the carnage caused by the fog. Meikle effortlessly weaves his written word to pull the reader into the townsfolk's plight, all told from the POV of one of the workmen in the first person. However, after an exciting initial foray, I found the origin story of the fog far less engaging, and mostly powered through these sections to get back to what I eventually came to term "the action".
There's also a great little bit toward the end that eschews the previous alternating narrative structure to go even further back in time, which in and of itself, would make a fantastic novella if expanded with a few more characters. But ultimately, I'm not sure how enamored I was with the very end of The Dunfield Terror with Meikle offering enough to tie the two major threads together while allowing ambiguity to prevail.
All in all then, this was a more than satisfying read that should appeal to fans of Lovecraft and small towns being menaced.
3.5 Fused Appendages (3 Here; 4 on Amazon) for The Dunfield Terror.
The preceding is based on on an eARC provided by DarkFuse Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Find this review and others like it at Horror After Dark.
I really enjoyed the present timeline and the carnage caused by the fog. Meikle effortlessly weaves his written word to pull the reader into the townsfolk's plight, all told from the POV of one of the workmen in the first person. However, after an exciting initial foray, I found the origin story of the fog far less engaging, and mostly powered through these sections to get back to what I eventually came to term "the action".
There's also a great little bit toward the end that eschews the previous alternating narrative structure to go even further back in time, which in and of itself, would make a fantastic novella if expanded with a few more characters. But ultimately, I'm not sure how enamored I was with the very end of The Dunfield Terror with Meikle offering enough to tie the two major threads together while allowing ambiguity to prevail.
All in all then, this was a more than satisfying read that should appeal to fans of Lovecraft and small towns being menaced.
3.5 Fused Appendages (3 Here; 4 on Amazon) for The Dunfield Terror.
The preceding is based on on an eARC provided by DarkFuse Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
Find this review and others like it at Horror After Dark.
February 16, 2015
I've never liked the fog. Anything can hide in it. It's too easy to get lost in it. Tentacled things taken on their own merit are rather alien looking, don't you think? A head, several squirmy legs - all with suckers lining them up and down. We're a mammalian society. Tentacled things generally aren't thought of as cute, especially when they are as big or bigger than we are.
In THE DUNFIELD TERROR, William Meikle takes the fog, tentacled things and a rip in space and ties them neatly together for a ride you won't soon forget. All this takes place in a small town in Newfoundland in the winter - a town where everyone knows everyone else. And like it or not, afraid or not, one man is determined to save his friends and neighbors.
As the ending builds to it's final climax I think you'll agree that Terror is indeed the perfect word to be used in this title. What a chilling, terrifying read this was!
I received an e-arc from the author in exchange for my review. You can read an interview with the author at my blog catafterdark.wordpress.com on 3/1/15.
In THE DUNFIELD TERROR, William Meikle takes the fog, tentacled things and a rip in space and ties them neatly together for a ride you won't soon forget. All this takes place in a small town in Newfoundland in the winter - a town where everyone knows everyone else. And like it or not, afraid or not, one man is determined to save his friends and neighbors.
As the ending builds to it's final climax I think you'll agree that Terror is indeed the perfect word to be used in this title. What a chilling, terrifying read this was!
I received an e-arc from the author in exchange for my review. You can read an interview with the author at my blog catafterdark.wordpress.com on 3/1/15.
March 23, 2015
In what could be one of the best Lovecraftian novels in a long while, William Meikle grabs us on the first page and drags us breathlessly into his world of ice, isolation and terror. And this is before we even get to the weird stuff.
Let me explain. William Meikle has a wry sense of weirdness that comes from a firm understanding of Lovecraftian strangeness. He excels in descriptions that pulls you in and makes you feel the horror. I expected this. But from the first few pages of The Dunfield Terror, I found myself not feeling tentacles and insanity but the mundane coldness, loneliness, and isolation of a Newfoundland winter. If that scares me then you can be assured the rest will be terrifying.
But it does not take long for the author to get to the really scary stuff. A road workman encounters a strange and dangerous phenomena on a severely snowbound night, wrecking his road plow and causing him to seek the rest of his road crew to warn them of the pending disaster. It is something the Newfoundland residents know through old tales but only a few have actually seen and believe. Quickly, it becomes very real as it threatens to destroy the entire village and rip the fabric of reality with it. The question of where did it come from as well as whether anyone will survive the night is the dilemma that drives the story.
It is those descriptions of what Lovecraft would call "unspeakable horrors" that really get to the reader. They are terrible and beautiful at the same time. When you pair that up with Meikle's literary landscape of a desolate winter night, it is the thing that nightmares come from. Yet this is simply the beginning of the tale. The author combines a present day narrative with journal narrations of past events to build his odd chain of events into an coherent terrifying whole. it is hard to say which works better. The present day narrations that meld Stephen King with Lovecraft or the early narrative segments that have even stronger Lovecraftian elements (Think "The Lurker at the Threshold") with hints of every other weird tales writers of the 30s and 40s. I sense more than a little Blackwood and Derleth lurking at the author's own threshold. Yet The Dunfield Terror successfully melds these separate narrations into a most satisfying novel that scares and mystifies.
When it comes to creating a fantastic scenario that seems both real and fantastic, Meikle is at the top of his game. The Dunfield Terror manages to be old fashion horror and modern existential terror at the the same time which is no small feat. For the Lovecraft fan and the Chuthlu Mythos enthusiasts, this is a must read but it is also essential for those who want to read the best in contemporary horror. At this early date, this is the best horror novel of 2015. and will be hard to beat.
Let me explain. William Meikle has a wry sense of weirdness that comes from a firm understanding of Lovecraftian strangeness. He excels in descriptions that pulls you in and makes you feel the horror. I expected this. But from the first few pages of The Dunfield Terror, I found myself not feeling tentacles and insanity but the mundane coldness, loneliness, and isolation of a Newfoundland winter. If that scares me then you can be assured the rest will be terrifying.
But it does not take long for the author to get to the really scary stuff. A road workman encounters a strange and dangerous phenomena on a severely snowbound night, wrecking his road plow and causing him to seek the rest of his road crew to warn them of the pending disaster. It is something the Newfoundland residents know through old tales but only a few have actually seen and believe. Quickly, it becomes very real as it threatens to destroy the entire village and rip the fabric of reality with it. The question of where did it come from as well as whether anyone will survive the night is the dilemma that drives the story.
It is those descriptions of what Lovecraft would call "unspeakable horrors" that really get to the reader. They are terrible and beautiful at the same time. When you pair that up with Meikle's literary landscape of a desolate winter night, it is the thing that nightmares come from. Yet this is simply the beginning of the tale. The author combines a present day narrative with journal narrations of past events to build his odd chain of events into an coherent terrifying whole. it is hard to say which works better. The present day narrations that meld Stephen King with Lovecraft or the early narrative segments that have even stronger Lovecraftian elements (Think "The Lurker at the Threshold") with hints of every other weird tales writers of the 30s and 40s. I sense more than a little Blackwood and Derleth lurking at the author's own threshold. Yet The Dunfield Terror successfully melds these separate narrations into a most satisfying novel that scares and mystifies.
When it comes to creating a fantastic scenario that seems both real and fantastic, Meikle is at the top of his game. The Dunfield Terror manages to be old fashion horror and modern existential terror at the the same time which is no small feat. For the Lovecraft fan and the Chuthlu Mythos enthusiasts, this is a must read but it is also essential for those who want to read the best in contemporary horror. At this early date, this is the best horror novel of 2015. and will be hard to beat.
Want to read
August 8, 2016This is copy number 88 of 100 signed and numbered copies signed by William Meikle.
March 12, 2015
How do you feel about fog? Is it eerie? Calming? Have you ever seen it glow? Whatever your relationship with fog is, William Meikle will raise your hackles and have you shivering just a little as his fog crosses your path in ,The Dunfield Terror.
It begins on a dark and stormy night, (cue music) a blizzard rages and the plows are out clearing roads, until a glowing fog descends and the terror begins. Where did this fog come from? Cue the time machine, to a time and place where it all began. One scientist, one experiment gone wrong, and the fog is born. In its wake are death, destruction and unheard of horror as it melts anything in its way, be it metal, wood or flesh.
Told throughout in the first person, a recounting of the fog and its aftermath years later will chill you to the bone. I guarantee, Mr. Meikle will have you looking at fog from a totally different perspective, especially if it glows…
Eerie, yet mesmerizing, if you love the unexplainable, the frightening and that feel of the hairs rising on your neck, William Meikle has what you need.
I received this ARC edition from DarkFuse in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: April 7, 2015
Publisher: DarkFuse
ISBN: 9781940544694
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Print Length: 162 pages
Available from: Amazon
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
It begins on a dark and stormy night, (cue music) a blizzard rages and the plows are out clearing roads, until a glowing fog descends and the terror begins. Where did this fog come from? Cue the time machine, to a time and place where it all began. One scientist, one experiment gone wrong, and the fog is born. In its wake are death, destruction and unheard of horror as it melts anything in its way, be it metal, wood or flesh.
Told throughout in the first person, a recounting of the fog and its aftermath years later will chill you to the bone. I guarantee, Mr. Meikle will have you looking at fog from a totally different perspective, especially if it glows…
Eerie, yet mesmerizing, if you love the unexplainable, the frightening and that feel of the hairs rising on your neck, William Meikle has what you need.
I received this ARC edition from DarkFuse in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: April 7, 2015
Publisher: DarkFuse
ISBN: 9781940544694
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Print Length: 162 pages
Available from: Amazon
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
April 7, 2015
I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is published by Darkfuse.
Well now. I finally got round to Willie Meikle. The man is spoken about in almost god-like terms. Is it warranted? Will a Meikle newbie agree with all he has heard? Will he want to go back for more? I think he just might.
1955. Muir and his colleague Duncan Campbell are conducting an experiment. They don’t really know what they are doing or what they are messing with. Muir will succeed. He will succeed in opening a door to another dimension. Has it been open before? Will he be able to close it?
Present day. Frank is tasked with manning the plow in Dunfield. He must keep the roads open and look after the town folk as best he can. The fog has come back. It can only mean bad things for the town. The terror unleashed in 1955 is coming back to Dunfield. Although he doesn’t know it yet, Frank is the only hope.
After reading this book I am left with one question and one question only. Where have you been all my life Willie Meikle? This is just about the superb-est thing I have read in years and years.
Lovecraftian. I don’t know much about this I have to admit. I haven’t read much Lovecraft. I get the idea though. I am beginning to fall in love with the Victorian style of horror writing and particularly the narrative style. In this story we have flashbacks to 1955 where mad scientist Muir and his dogsbody Campbell are trying to right a wrong. A wrong so bad that it has catastrophic potential. I’m not going to tell you what it is because that would just take away from the joy you will get reading the delightful descriptive narrative that Mr Meikle uses to paint a wonderful picture of sights, and sounds, and smells, of a time gone by, when technological advances meant conducting experiments in sheds, and if you didn’t get hurt then it wasn’t effective.
The atmosphere in the 1955 scenes in this story is quite literally electrifying. It sucks you in until you can almost feel every tingle and see every colour. Simply wonderful.
In the present day we have an overhang of the problems caused in 1955. Frank has a constant battle on his hands against a snow storm like no other and the more frightening task of trying to protect the people of the town. His biggest battle is the fact he has no idea of what he is dealing with. No one has. They know it has terrorised the town for decades but no one actually knows what it is. It’s dark. There’s a blizzard. There is something out there and no one knows where it is going to come from next. Sound scary? It bloody is. The atmosphere in these sections of the book is equally as electric as the 1955 scenes but in a completely different way. You have horror, terror, the unknown, the weather, the ……… nah not gonna spoil it!
Two things I have learnt to appreciate over this past year. Someone who can effectively use the olde narrative like Lovecraft and William Hope Hodgson did and good old fashioned, scare the pants off you horror. The Dunfield terror has both of these in abundance. I think I will be joining the queues to bow down at the feet of “Oor Wullie”. This man knows what he’s doing.
To summarise: Scenes of a Lovecraftian nature that will have you mesmerized in the wonderful atmosphere of the 1950’s as a mad scientist tries to right his wrongs. Sheer terror and horror as a modern day unlikely hero battles against absolutely everything that is thrown at him to protect anyone he can. This is superbly paced with wonderfully open, and likeable characters that help this story flow across the pages at a wonderful tempo. Sometimes edge of your seat stuff and other times set slow so you can become totally engrossed in the story that’s being told. This is a masterpiece. I make no apologies for falling behind in my reviews or other duties this next few months…….I’m gonna be reading a shed load of Meikle!
Easy peasy 5 stars.
Well now. I finally got round to Willie Meikle. The man is spoken about in almost god-like terms. Is it warranted? Will a Meikle newbie agree with all he has heard? Will he want to go back for more? I think he just might.
1955. Muir and his colleague Duncan Campbell are conducting an experiment. They don’t really know what they are doing or what they are messing with. Muir will succeed. He will succeed in opening a door to another dimension. Has it been open before? Will he be able to close it?
Present day. Frank is tasked with manning the plow in Dunfield. He must keep the roads open and look after the town folk as best he can. The fog has come back. It can only mean bad things for the town. The terror unleashed in 1955 is coming back to Dunfield. Although he doesn’t know it yet, Frank is the only hope.
After reading this book I am left with one question and one question only. Where have you been all my life Willie Meikle? This is just about the superb-est thing I have read in years and years.
Lovecraftian. I don’t know much about this I have to admit. I haven’t read much Lovecraft. I get the idea though. I am beginning to fall in love with the Victorian style of horror writing and particularly the narrative style. In this story we have flashbacks to 1955 where mad scientist Muir and his dogsbody Campbell are trying to right a wrong. A wrong so bad that it has catastrophic potential. I’m not going to tell you what it is because that would just take away from the joy you will get reading the delightful descriptive narrative that Mr Meikle uses to paint a wonderful picture of sights, and sounds, and smells, of a time gone by, when technological advances meant conducting experiments in sheds, and if you didn’t get hurt then it wasn’t effective.
The atmosphere in the 1955 scenes in this story is quite literally electrifying. It sucks you in until you can almost feel every tingle and see every colour. Simply wonderful.
In the present day we have an overhang of the problems caused in 1955. Frank has a constant battle on his hands against a snow storm like no other and the more frightening task of trying to protect the people of the town. His biggest battle is the fact he has no idea of what he is dealing with. No one has. They know it has terrorised the town for decades but no one actually knows what it is. It’s dark. There’s a blizzard. There is something out there and no one knows where it is going to come from next. Sound scary? It bloody is. The atmosphere in these sections of the book is equally as electric as the 1955 scenes but in a completely different way. You have horror, terror, the unknown, the weather, the ……… nah not gonna spoil it!
Two things I have learnt to appreciate over this past year. Someone who can effectively use the olde narrative like Lovecraft and William Hope Hodgson did and good old fashioned, scare the pants off you horror. The Dunfield terror has both of these in abundance. I think I will be joining the queues to bow down at the feet of “Oor Wullie”. This man knows what he’s doing.
To summarise: Scenes of a Lovecraftian nature that will have you mesmerized in the wonderful atmosphere of the 1950’s as a mad scientist tries to right his wrongs. Sheer terror and horror as a modern day unlikely hero battles against absolutely everything that is thrown at him to protect anyone he can. This is superbly paced with wonderfully open, and likeable characters that help this story flow across the pages at a wonderful tempo. Sometimes edge of your seat stuff and other times set slow so you can become totally engrossed in the story that’s being told. This is a masterpiece. I make no apologies for falling behind in my reviews or other duties this next few months…….I’m gonna be reading a shed load of Meikle!
Easy peasy 5 stars.
May 30, 2025
En "The Dunfield Terror", Frank, un conductor de quitanieves en Trinity, Newfoundland, se enfrenta a una tormenta invernal que desata un fenómeno sobrenatural: una niebla luminosa que destruye todo a su paso, fundiendo metal y carne. Mientras lucha por mantener las carreteras despejadas, Frank descubre que esta niebla está vinculada a un experimento militar fallido de 1954, narrado en el diario del científico Duncan Campbell. A bordo de un buque en Dunfield Bay, Campbell y el profesor Muir intentaron hacer invisible un barco, pero abrieron una brecha en la realidad, liberando horrores cósmicos que ahora resurgen. La novela alterna entre el presente, donde Frank y su equipo enfrentan la creciente amenaza, y el pasado, revelando los orígenes de la catástrofe.
"The Dunfield Terror" (2015), de William Meikle, es una novela corta de horror cósmico y ciencia ficción ambientada en Newfoundland, que alterna entre el presente y 1954, narrada principalmente en primera persona desde las perspectivas de Frank y Duncan Campbell. Meikle teje una trama inquietante que combina el folclore local con elementos lovecraftianos, evocando una atmósfera opresiva mediante descripciones vívidas de la niebla y sus efectos grotescos. La narrativa es ágil, con un ritmo que mantiene la tensión, aunque la resolución puede sentirse algo abrupta y ciertos hilos argumentales quedan sin cerrar. Los personajes, aunque funcionales, carecen de profundidad emocional, pero la ambientación y el concepto compensan estas carencias. Con una prosa directa y un tono que equilibra el horror con la intriga científica, la obra es una adición sólida al género. Pof cierto, los extractos de Duncan se recogen en una novela corta, "Gatekeeper: A Lovecraftian Weird Science Novella".
"The Dunfield Terror" (2015), de William Meikle, es una novela corta de horror cósmico y ciencia ficción ambientada en Newfoundland, que alterna entre el presente y 1954, narrada principalmente en primera persona desde las perspectivas de Frank y Duncan Campbell. Meikle teje una trama inquietante que combina el folclore local con elementos lovecraftianos, evocando una atmósfera opresiva mediante descripciones vívidas de la niebla y sus efectos grotescos. La narrativa es ágil, con un ritmo que mantiene la tensión, aunque la resolución puede sentirse algo abrupta y ciertos hilos argumentales quedan sin cerrar. Los personajes, aunque funcionales, carecen de profundidad emocional, pero la ambientación y el concepto compensan estas carencias. Con una prosa directa y un tono que equilibra el horror con la intriga científica, la obra es una adición sólida al género. Pof cierto, los extractos de Duncan se recogen en una novela corta, "Gatekeeper: A Lovecraftian Weird Science Novella".
March 2, 2015
Right on the heels of the release of his haunted house novella Tormentor, William Meikle has written another outstanding, atmospheric supernatural tale. This one is more Lovecraftian creature feature than haunted house, but no less enjoyable. Set in a blizzard, I read it while what passes for a winter storm was hitting Dallas, which added to the atmosphere, even if it was laughable in comparison to the storm in the book.
The story alternates back and forth (mostly) between the mid-fifties and present day, detailing experiments being conducted back then that are closely related to what's going on now in the town. There's something very dangerous in the fog, and there's no escaping it. The main character is a snowplow driver for the town, though he really feels that he's more of a general caretaker, and is extremely well-drawn. The atmosphere of the storm and the enclosing sense of dread is so perfect and complete I found myself sitting by the fire while reading to try to ward it off.
There's not a lot of closure here, nor do we ever fully understand the origins of the menace, but that doesn't matter a bit to me. I can't recommend this one highly enough, and Willie Meikle is well on his way to becoming one of my favorite writers. Do not miss this book, especially if you're a fan of Lovecraftian fiction!
The story alternates back and forth (mostly) between the mid-fifties and present day, detailing experiments being conducted back then that are closely related to what's going on now in the town. There's something very dangerous in the fog, and there's no escaping it. The main character is a snowplow driver for the town, though he really feels that he's more of a general caretaker, and is extremely well-drawn. The atmosphere of the storm and the enclosing sense of dread is so perfect and complete I found myself sitting by the fire while reading to try to ward it off.
There's not a lot of closure here, nor do we ever fully understand the origins of the menace, but that doesn't matter a bit to me. I can't recommend this one highly enough, and Willie Meikle is well on his way to becoming one of my favorite writers. Do not miss this book, especially if you're a fan of Lovecraftian fiction!
May 3, 2015
I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is published by Darkfuse.
what isn't there to say about this book! it's quite possibly one of the best book's i've been given the delight to read! and i'm so thankful to darkfuse for letting me.
This is the first book i've ever read of "Willie Meikle" and i have to say i was very impressed. Now i understand why. The guy has pure talent to weave a tale!
I got the element of total Atmospheric horror. i love how it ficked from 1955 to present day, and the post war english accents. ((Yes i even heard the accents in my head!))
Willie Meikle is an author who knows what hes doing. and i can't wait to read more from him. If you love, Lovecraftian modern tales with a big dose of atmospheric feelings, this book is for you.
Willie Meikle and Darkfuse i salute you! <3
November 8, 2016
I find reading William Meikle's books very comforting and soothing. Sort of that "coming home " feeling if that makes sense? I saved The Dunfield Terror for when I needed a reading pick me up. And with a forecast of snow tonight this book fitted perfectly.
The Dunfield Terror tells 2 stories simultaneously, set in the past and present. In the past an experiment goes awry, and in the present repercussions of this are still felt. It's really a great story.
I love Meikle's writing style. He makes it do easy to get engrossed in the story. There is no unnecessary over complication, the plot flows well and feels natural. You really won't be disappointed if you pick up The Dunfield Terror. 4 star read.
****Disclaimer- I purchased this book. This is my honest review and all opinions are my own****
The Dunfield Terror tells 2 stories simultaneously, set in the past and present. In the past an experiment goes awry, and in the present repercussions of this are still felt. It's really a great story.
I love Meikle's writing style. He makes it do easy to get engrossed in the story. There is no unnecessary over complication, the plot flows well and feels natural. You really won't be disappointed if you pick up The Dunfield Terror. 4 star read.
****Disclaimer- I purchased this book. This is my honest review and all opinions are my own****
December 21, 2015
William Meikle's latest, The Dunfield Terror, is a great bit of Lovecraftian horror revolving around a glowing fog and some mighty strange creatures wreaking havoc across Dunfield Island at the height of a snowstorm. The narrative unfolds across two timelines - one set in the 1950s and providing readers with the mad science-gone-wrong history of the horror lurking about the island, and the present day story as Dunfield residents begin disappearing and confronting the tentacled beasties while waiting for military rescue.
Meikle is a prodigious author and a bit of staple to the DarkFuse brand, a joint effort that results in consistently great reads. He does a terrific job sketching in the post-atomic experiments that give rise to far worse discoveries, and delivers some shocking and gruesome moments throughout without ever going completely overboard on the gore, and keeping the fantastical well-grounded.
The Dunfield Terror marks another strong entry for both the author and this small publishing imprint. Fans of Lovecraft will feel right at home with this story and it's monstrous effects on both the characters and the readers.
Meikle is a prodigious author and a bit of staple to the DarkFuse brand, a joint effort that results in consistently great reads. He does a terrific job sketching in the post-atomic experiments that give rise to far worse discoveries, and delivers some shocking and gruesome moments throughout without ever going completely overboard on the gore, and keeping the fantastical well-grounded.
The Dunfield Terror marks another strong entry for both the author and this small publishing imprint. Fans of Lovecraft will feel right at home with this story and it's monstrous effects on both the characters and the readers.
April 5, 2015
If You Like Suspense, Awesome Action and Somewhat Gruesome Stories...
Then pick up Dunfield Terror!
Thank you NetGalley and Dark Fuse Press for the review copy of this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed the action, detailed thrills, and scenery of this tale. So well done. A large section of the story takes place during a nasty blizzard. Such a great touch. It added even more scary drama to the events.
I said the story contained some gruesome elements, but I mean that in a flattering way. The author provided fresh, inventive ways for people to die. Kudos! Gory goodness.
I wish there had been a little more background on the characters. It helps me to better connect with them and feel more as they face peril. We really only got bits here and there of who these people were.
Top notch. Very well done.
Read it!
Then pick up Dunfield Terror!
Thank you NetGalley and Dark Fuse Press for the review copy of this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed the action, detailed thrills, and scenery of this tale. So well done. A large section of the story takes place during a nasty blizzard. Such a great touch. It added even more scary drama to the events.
I said the story contained some gruesome elements, but I mean that in a flattering way. The author provided fresh, inventive ways for people to die. Kudos! Gory goodness.
I wish there had been a little more background on the characters. It helps me to better connect with them and feel more as they face peril. We really only got bits here and there of who these people were.
Top notch. Very well done.
Read it!
July 31, 2015
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/mini-rev...
Reminiscent of Stephen King’s “The Mist”, we’ve got fog causing havoc here, and in a Lovecraftian fashion. A small group of workmen who are out to clear the roads from snow, are the only hope to keep the town alive in its darkest night yet. The atmosphere, dark and foreboding, is the best part of the book.
Reminiscent of Stephen King’s “The Mist”, we’ve got fog causing havoc here, and in a Lovecraftian fashion. A small group of workmen who are out to clear the roads from snow, are the only hope to keep the town alive in its darkest night yet. The atmosphere, dark and foreboding, is the best part of the book.
May 25, 2015
William Meikle is one of those writers that can probably write just about any sort of story that catches his fancy and have the result be better than average for that genre (or subgenre). For my money, though, he's at his best when writing cosmic horror, and The Dunfield Terror perfectly illustrates why.
Like most stories of this type, the scene opens on a small, isolated community that has a history of weird stuff occurring. As said, this is not new ground. However, what sets Meikle apart is that he doesn't focus on the isolated individual, but on the community as a whole (at least in the present time setting). Our primary characters here are a crew of workmen tasked with keeping the roads clear during a blizzard. Their somewhat mundane, but critically important task is interrupted when a snowplow is attacked by a fog monster, something that most people view as just a local legend.
The story then jumps back about 60 years to a group of scientists working on an experiment similar to the notorious Philadelphia experiment. As you can probably guess, things do not go according to plan, and some kind of sentient caustic fog attacks the scientists and the military folks supporting them. That seems familiar...
There is one more point of view that brings in to question a lot of what you think you learn when reading about the events of the '50s, but I won't spoil that section as it ties everything together.
I want to circle back to community, because I feel that's at the heart of this book. The parts of the story set in the present have a huge focus on community - the only reason the work crew doesn't just up and leave is because they feel obligated to help the community they serve, and as things go south, there's a real sense of mounting loss as the crew is unable to help everyone. Even the story about the two scientists from 1955 still has a strong sense of community; they may be working alone, but as this story progresses, it's clear that one of the scientists sides more and more with the people of Dunfield.
This is just such an unusual approach to cosmic horror, because going all the way back to Lovecraft, the progenitor of this type of story, you almost always read about people that are isolated, either by choice or circumstance, and end up dying or going crazy all alone. Sure, people die and go crazy in this book, but they are not alone when it happens. The end result is a very grounded story that fills a gap most fans of cosmic horror probably don't even realize is there.
Like most stories of this type, the scene opens on a small, isolated community that has a history of weird stuff occurring. As said, this is not new ground. However, what sets Meikle apart is that he doesn't focus on the isolated individual, but on the community as a whole (at least in the present time setting). Our primary characters here are a crew of workmen tasked with keeping the roads clear during a blizzard. Their somewhat mundane, but critically important task is interrupted when a snowplow is attacked by a fog monster, something that most people view as just a local legend.
The story then jumps back about 60 years to a group of scientists working on an experiment similar to the notorious Philadelphia experiment. As you can probably guess, things do not go according to plan, and some kind of sentient caustic fog attacks the scientists and the military folks supporting them. That seems familiar...
There is one more point of view that brings in to question a lot of what you think you learn when reading about the events of the '50s, but I won't spoil that section as it ties everything together.
I want to circle back to community, because I feel that's at the heart of this book. The parts of the story set in the present have a huge focus on community - the only reason the work crew doesn't just up and leave is because they feel obligated to help the community they serve, and as things go south, there's a real sense of mounting loss as the crew is unable to help everyone. Even the story about the two scientists from 1955 still has a strong sense of community; they may be working alone, but as this story progresses, it's clear that one of the scientists sides more and more with the people of Dunfield.
This is just such an unusual approach to cosmic horror, because going all the way back to Lovecraft, the progenitor of this type of story, you almost always read about people that are isolated, either by choice or circumstance, and end up dying or going crazy all alone. Sure, people die and go crazy in this book, but they are not alone when it happens. The end result is a very grounded story that fills a gap most fans of cosmic horror probably don't even realize is there.
August 13, 2016
William Meikle has the uncanny ability to turn out high quality horror and speculative fiction on a pretty rapid schedule. I realize that sounds like a back-handed compliment but I don’t mean it to be. He’s very prolific and manages to produce original stories every time without rehashing old plot lines. I wish I could do that.
My latest Meilke read was The Dunfield Terror, which concerns a deadly fog that mysteriously descends on a remote coastline of Newfoundland. This fog is unlike any other, causing massive death and mayhem to whatever it touches. The body count is high (and characters are dispatched in gruesome fashion) and there are especially menacing creatures to further contribute to the pandemonium.
Mr. Meilke uses two alternating narratives, present day and the 1950’s, to tell the story. The present-day action involves a return of the fog during a brutal blizzard, while the flashbacks recount the origins of the fog. Both stories are captivating and instill constant peril and suspense, but I liked the present day account better. I felt the characters in the flashback were not quite drawn as well. However, I’m only talking a small degree of difference. For some reason, a third narrative (and another series of flashbacks) is incorporated towards the end. These seemed unnecessary to me in terms of plot development. Ironically, though, I enjoyed that sequence better than the 50’s storyline. Go figure.
Overall, a strong hair-raising tale and a solid 4.5 read – rounded up to 5.
My latest Meilke read was The Dunfield Terror, which concerns a deadly fog that mysteriously descends on a remote coastline of Newfoundland. This fog is unlike any other, causing massive death and mayhem to whatever it touches. The body count is high (and characters are dispatched in gruesome fashion) and there are especially menacing creatures to further contribute to the pandemonium.
Mr. Meilke uses two alternating narratives, present day and the 1950’s, to tell the story. The present-day action involves a return of the fog during a brutal blizzard, while the flashbacks recount the origins of the fog. Both stories are captivating and instill constant peril and suspense, but I liked the present day account better. I felt the characters in the flashback were not quite drawn as well. However, I’m only talking a small degree of difference. For some reason, a third narrative (and another series of flashbacks) is incorporated towards the end. These seemed unnecessary to me in terms of plot development. Ironically, though, I enjoyed that sequence better than the 50’s storyline. Go figure.
Overall, a strong hair-raising tale and a solid 4.5 read – rounded up to 5.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews