This wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. I was fishing around and looking for something like a traditional English Christmas Eve ghost story. And thaThis wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. I was fishing around and looking for something like a traditional English Christmas Eve ghost story. And that’s how I came across this book.
Instead, this book is a parody of that whole tradition. It is extremely funny as a lampoon of that tradition. The story telling is weak, most likely because that’s not the point of this work at all. The ending is also a little abrupt, as if the author didn’t quite know how to wrap it up. I was left with the feeling that this is was because, once the parody part was done, he didn’t see much point in working the rest of it through to its full conclusion.
Either way, it’s short and funny and enjoyable. ...more
Beautiful and well written. It’s only flaw is that it is clearly just the last act of a novel that never got written. It’s a bit like tuning in for thBeautiful and well written. It’s only flaw is that it is clearly just the last act of a novel that never got written. It’s a bit like tuning in for the last half hour of Silence of the Lambs. All the work that led you to the end sequence is missing and you can’t help but feel robbed. ...more
This is a tough volume to slog your way through. It’s nearly a thousand pages of notes and observations on academic papers published regarding archeolThis is a tough volume to slog your way through. It’s nearly a thousand pages of notes and observations on academic papers published regarding archeological sites. The book earns a full two stars just for the breadth of research it took to put this whole tome together. It’s somewhat breathtaking.
The book looses three starts because in a thousand pages of detailed academic analysis, he wasn’t able to convince me - even fleetingly - that his position made any sense whatsoever. Nor why his position mattered contrary to the dominant paradigm. And the reason why he didn’t argue “why it should matter” is because he hides a hidden agenda from the very start. He wants to prove the veracity of the Hindu Puranas. I don’t mind an author trying to do such a thing. In the West, plenty of scholars try to prove the truth of the Old and New Testaments. That’s not a new thing. But I find it disingenuous when they try to do that, but do not own that that is what they are doing. ...more
I adored the first book in this series and was so excited for a chance to read this sequel. Health issues made me sit on it for a bit and it was tortuI adored the first book in this series and was so excited for a chance to read this sequel. Health issues made me sit on it for a bit and it was torture to not get to it, wondering what happened to Os at the end of the first book. This one picks up from that cliffhanger ending and grabs you from the start by setting up a clever mystery which drives the subsequent action.
One the whole, I think this second installment in the Spectral Investigator series is better than the first. (That says something, because I gave 5-stars to that one as well.) With the establishing of relationships, introducing main characters and concepts, and the basic world building out of the way in the first book, Beckett is free to lead us through a couple hundred pages of fun, fast-paced action. We have here a novel filled with demons, monsters, witches, interpersonal drama, and trans-dimensional conflict laced with the witty repartee and moved by lovable and now-familiar characters.
This book develops the ensemble cast of characters more than the first does, and to good effect. The heart and soul of this novel, however, is still the protagonist Pru Osgood. She is clever, vulnerable, defiant, and messed up in all the right, relatable, and endearing ways. This is made all the better by the fact that I still can’t think of another queer paranormal investigator series in any media.
I’m a big fan of Cooper S Beckett. I think he’s one of the most enjoyable writers out there that you probably don’t know about. Do yourself a favor- read Osgood Riddance and this both. Then sign up for email list and get the short, Osgood Con as well. You’ll be hooked. ...more
This is a fine little haunted house tale, involving an old inherited estate, clouded histroy, and an occupant looking for a new lease on life. It has This is a fine little haunted house tale, involving an old inherited estate, clouded histroy, and an occupant looking for a new lease on life. It has all the typical essentials of a good haunted house story. These books usually sink or swim based on their writing, characters, and the details. This book swims.
I liked Emma from pretty early on in the book. I wanted her to do well. I felt the pain of her abusive relationship. I hated her ex, liked her support stytem, etc. There was also something compelling about her obligatory "love interest", Brent. The author chose to dispense with the usual annoying storyline of the detective who is all facts and figures, knows there is no such thing as ghosts, and is sure the lady is crazy until a ghost smacks him in the face near the end. The Detective Inspector early on feels conflict between what he "knows" (ghosts aren't real) and the fact that the house just never feels right, the young woman is clearly scared of something, even is it isn't ghosts. He then does what any good police officer would do. He sticks around to check out suspicious activities. I appreciate that.
This definitely isn't an earth shattering novel in the history of haunted house books. It is, for the most part, pretty standard stuff. That said, I enjoyed spending time with Emma and Brent, the mstery and backstory were compelling, and the resolution was satisfying. There's not a lot more to ask from a book like this. If you are in the mood for a good spooky home and the baddies than infest it, you could do a lot worse The Haunting of Brynlee House. ...more
There is a lot to commend The Legend of Judy Rose by D W Nathan. It is a simple, straight forward classically told horror story. It is written as the There is a lot to commend The Legend of Judy Rose by D W Nathan. It is a simple, straight forward classically told horror story. It is written as the reminiscences of an old man living in New Jersey recounting an inexplicable episode from his childhood. It has a conversational style which left me feeling as though I was on a porch with the old timer listening to him tell his weird tale.
The first part recounts a local legend from Roosevelt, NJ about a girl called Judy Rose. She was born “not right” and she only got wronger after that. The second half recounts the events which ensue when the protagonist as a young boy sets out with some friends to find the location of the Judy Rose legend.
While not especially innovative, it is well written, enjoyable, and satisfying. I found myself thinking about the story while walking outside my house later that night and getting thoroughly freakled out. What more can you ask for from a horror short? ...more
The House of Nodens by Sam Gafford is an excellent addition to the Lovecraftian cannon. It is borne of a successful mixture of coming-of-age novel, myThe House of Nodens by Sam Gafford is an excellent addition to the Lovecraftian cannon. It is borne of a successful mixture of coming-of-age novel, mystery, and Lovecraftian cosmic horror. It is one of the most enjoyable novels I’ve read in the last few months.
The novel centers around Bill, flipping back and forth between his childhood experiences with his friends in the 1970s and the present. Due to the tragic events of his childhood, Bill grows to become completely broken, an impoverished alcoholic disowned by his family. He remembers the events only dimly and drinks in part to forget what’s left. Something happens which forces him to come to terms with his childhood. Slowly but surely, we unravel the mystery of “what really happened that night”.
This was the first work I’ve read by Sam Gafford, but it will not be my last. I loved the mystery element of the story. The ending was excellent too. It left me with a wonderful sense of dread and foreboding. I’d love to read a sequel or a novel which takes place in some sort of adjacent story line....more
There is very little which can be said about this book that has not already been said. It is comprised of four novellas, each nominally attached to a There is very little which can be said about this book that has not already been said. It is comprised of four novellas, each nominally attached to a season of the year. All four were previously unpublished. Stephen King and his publishers were not sure what to do with them at the time. None of them fit squarely into the horror genre with which he was identified so early on in his career. There are no supernatural elements, monsters, ghouls, or anything of the sort in these four stories. They are straight up dramatic pieces, though Stephen King’s penchant for the odd and unusual is evident in all of them. Likewise, none of them was long enough to be books in their own right. So, they were bundled together into this single volume for lack of a better idea.
In terms of pure storytelling, the first two stories are the best. Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption is a classic exposition of freedom in the midst of incarceration. Apt Pupil, without any horror or supernatural elements, is probably one of the most perverse and twisted things that Stephen King has ever written.
The Body, the source material for the 1980s movie “Stand By Me”, is an incredibly simple but gorgeously written coming of age story. In terms of artistry alone, it is one of the finest things that Stephen King has ever written. The Breathing Method has never really been a favorite of mine. It is probably the only reason why this is not a five star book review. It seems to meander around a bit for the first half. The pay off is in the last third of the story. The crescendo is thrilling, shocking, and completely engrossing. The bookend narrative that the story is given, while intriguing, seems completely extraneous to the tale, to the point of distraction.
I am very proud to be a “constant reader” of Mr King’s works. I have never come across a book or story of his that was not worth the time. This collection of novellas is no exception....more
I usually enjoy a good book with a cult. Who knows why? I’m wired wrong, I guess. But there it is. Shaun Hutson’s book Chase is one of the rare exceptI usually enjoy a good book with a cult. Who knows why? I’m wired wrong, I guess. But there it is. Shaun Hutson’s book Chase is one of the rare exceptions. While not bad, it left me quite frustrated.
The two biggest issues had to do with plot.
1. Nearly the whole sequence of events which make up the thrilling middle and ending part of the book were entirely avoidable by going to either the police or the press. The reason for not going to the police is flimsy. There was never a reason given to not go to the press. And the protagonists has plenty of opportunity to do either. The fact that they are instructed a few times in the book to go to the police and that they see the press is aware of the events they get swept up in only made more frustrated with them.
2. The book has a twist ending that is meant to surprise and shock. Only problem is I that saw it coming from about half way in. I spent the last half of the book silently groaning “get on with it already” in my head.
Beyond these two points, the book was relatively well written. The protagonists seemed real. I would have personally liked more detail on the cult and why they had their usuals beliefs. It’s seems like a book of this length should have done some more story weaving on that point.
Finally, this wasn’t a problem with the book, but readers should be aware that much of the first half of the book is very hard to get through, especially if you’re a parent. In fact, it’s down right brutal. Bad things happen to kids in detail that will upset a lot of people. Just be warned. ...more
Andrew “The Weirdling”
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Books:
2019
(95)
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