I had the opportunity to read The Waiting, one of Joe Hart’s earlier novels. This supernatural tale involves a young widower and his disabled son resiI had the opportunity to read The Waiting, one of Joe Hart’s earlier novels. This supernatural tale involves a young widower and his disabled son residing on an island in one of the countless lakes of northern Minnesota. There are ghosts aplenty, scary incidents, a creepy backstory and a haunted grandfather clock to propel the story. The early setup is nicely done. Our protagonist, Evan Tormer, is nicely drawn and the geographical setting is an interesting character in its own right. The second quarter of the book meanders a bit with a couple of torpid scare scenes. The action picks up the pace and the storyline gels at around the half-way point. The puzzle pieces start falling into place and momentum builds. There were two or three genuine freaky passages that chilled me and I honestly didn’t see where the plot was going. The ending was nicely handled, too, although the subplot involving a potential love interest didn’t quite achieve the author’s intentions – at least for me. On the other hand, I found the subplot of a single dad raising a disabled child to be a unique addition. The child is portrayed with dignity, so kudos to Mr. Hart on that score. ...more
Excellent storytelling. Characters come alive before your eyes. Emotions of the characters are well portrayed and I was glued to the pages to see whatExcellent storytelling. Characters come alive before your eyes. Emotions of the characters are well portrayed and I was glued to the pages to see what happened. The teenage characters are extremely believable as they struggle under the weight of the town's expectations. Brilliant....more
I’ve read a number of Gary Fry’s works and I think this is one of the best, if not the best, narratives he’s written. A number of reviewers draw compaI’ve read a number of Gary Fry’s works and I think this is one of the best, if not the best, narratives he’s written. A number of reviewers draw comparisons to Lovecraft. I can’t comment on the accuracy of this. I’ve read only one Lovecraft tale and didn’t like it at all. Siren of Depravity, though, is one mind-blowing read and I was hooked from the beginning. The tale is a slow burn, no doubt about it. But, this slow burn is insidious. There’s an icy chill just below the surface, and I found myself being propelled forward with the occasional nuggets of sheer creepiness that would appear in the story. Clues about the past of the characters are disclosed in a well-paced manner and the story-arc is unsettling and gruesome. The finale is pulse-pounding with a couple of jolts that I didn’t see coming. The characters are fully realized, even the secondary ones, which really enhances this well-told tale. A solid horror novel....more
This is a chilling coming of age story that works primarily because of the believable characters. The main protagonist is a teenage boy struggling witThis is a chilling coming of age story that works primarily because of the believable characters. The main protagonist is a teenage boy struggling with raising his little sister with no help from their drug addicted mother. Will is a gifted baseball player who happens to be from a poor and broken family. He is best friends with kids from a much higher SES than his, and madly in love with a girl just out of his reach. This teenage drama within the context of a rich vs. poor small town world is well drawn. Janz is a horror writer, though, and two parallel stories involving hideous creatures in the woods and a serial killer who eats his child victims are soon introduced. The author ramps up the scares and the excitement involving his adolescent characters, and the reader is caught in the onslaught. The last 20-25% of the book is non-stop action and the story falters a little as the mayhem becomes redundant. A heavy editing hand might’ve helped here. Still, Children of the Dark is a blast and I loved it....more
Cold as Hell by David Searls is a relatively short novella that contains an emotionally chilling wallop. Peter Craig is Christmas shopping with his wiCold as Hell by David Searls is a relatively short novella that contains an emotionally chilling wallop. Peter Craig is Christmas shopping with his wife, elderly uncle and two kids at one of those “lifestyle” malls – which means it is outdoors. The weather is brutally cold, but he kids still want to ride an electric kiddie train that runs around the mall. The parents relent and allow the kids to go, despite the uncle’s warnings that things don’t seem quite right. The mom takes the opportunity to complete some last minute shopping while Peter and the uncle hang out for the train to return. After Peter ducks into a bar to warm up, he returns to find the uncle missing and no sign of the kids or the kiddie train. The nightmare begins. The rest of the story involves Peter frantically trying to find the kids. No one has ever heard of (or seen) the kiddie train. The subsequent events become increasingly bizarre and terrifying. For a short piece like this, the characters are nicely drawn. Peter’s frenzied inner dialogue is spot-on, and anyone who has ever misplaced a child for a brief period of time will recognize the distraught sensations of the character. I was able to gulp down this story in one sitting, not only because of its short length but also because of the intense nature of the plot. Unnerving and scary, Cold as Hell has a distinct Twilight Zone feel to it. ...more
Somehow I’ve never managed to read any work by Adam Nevill. So, when he offered a free trilogy of short novellas on Kindle, self-published under the tSomehow I’ve never managed to read any work by Adam Nevill. So, when he offered a free trilogy of short novellas on Kindle, self-published under the title of Before You Sleep, I jumped at the chance. All three were fantastic, although I have my personal ranking of the stories. Overall, each was riveting and eerie with predominantly subtle passages of horror. The first, “Where Angels Come In”, was my favorite. A boy recounts his experience while recovering from traumatic injuries obtained while he and a friend explored an off-limits haunted house (the big, white house in the woods). The friend didn’t make it out, while the nature of narrator’s injuries are beyond imagining. I mentioned that the horror was subtle across the three stories (and for the most part it is), but the escape attempt from the haunted house doesn’t exactly qualify as “subtle” – and is gripping. The second piece, “The Ancestors”, involves a little Japanese girl who has moved to a new house with her parents. She’s lonely at first, but then befriends the ghost of another little girl and the toys left behind when other children have “left” the house. This one was my least favorite, although it was by no means a dud. The narration is creepy and unnerving, and you never quite get a sense of what the heck is going on. The last story is “Florrie” and it recounts the behavior of a young man who recently purchased a townhouse from an elderly woman – whose furniture and belongings remain mysteriously within the house. I found this story surprising in both the tone and the plot line and was sucked into the story. Overall, these are not gore fests and the endings are rather ambiguous, so those of you who need closure might be disappointed. However, I found the prevailing sense on uncertainty quite satisfying. ...more
I just reread a novel I last read over 40 years ago. The Queen of America by Russell H. Greenan was published in 1972 and was marketed as a horror stoI just reread a novel I last read over 40 years ago. The Queen of America by Russell H. Greenan was published in 1972 and was marketed as a horror story at the time. When I read it back then, I enjoyed the novel for its edgy plot and memorable characters. The fact that I recalled it fondly says a lot about the story line and characters within. The protagonist is fourteen-year-old Ignacio (Ig) Never who lives with his father in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Dad is a famous Spanish historian who is becoming increasingly anxious and paranoid—which has prompted him to seclude himself in his bedroom. He only communicates to his son by intercom and hand-written notes. Which no adult supervision, Ig roams Harvard Square and surrounding coffee shops and student hangouts with his dog Ripper. He befriends an assorted mix of adolescents and young adults (a 15-year-old mathematics genius attending MIT, an 18-year-old movie porn director, a 19-year-old drug dealer, and a 19-year-old furniture maker). Into this mix appears 16-year-old Betsy, who walks into the coffee house frequented by the characters after riding through a snowstorm on a motorcycle. She’s beautiful with blonde hair and a delightful personality. She’s also a serial killer who loves slashing to death anyone who insults her, regardless of how minor the insult was. I won’t go any further in my discussion of the plot. By any stretch of the imagination, The Queen of America would not cut it as a horror story in today’s market. There’s no unique twist to the murders or to the killer. Nonetheless, the story was as enjoyable as I remembered it. The characters are great and pretty unique. I cared about them and wondered what the heck was going to happen to them (and the outcomes for many of them are unexpected). Boston circa 1970 is described in a way that is now almost nostalgic—and which probably wasn’t intentional at the time. The technology and dialog are almost quaint which add to the book’s charm. The scenes of horror, while few and far between, are jolting and gory and were probably brutal at the time of publication. They still had the effect for me, most likely due to the rich cast of characters for whom I cared a great deal. ...more
This novella contained a main protagonist whom I have never seen (or thought about) before. Nikki is an aging, worn-out porn star and she is looking fThis novella contained a main protagonist whom I have never seen (or thought about) before. Nikki is an aging, worn-out porn star and she is looking for a means out of the business and clean up your life. She is a difficult character with whom to empathize despite a tragedy in the early pages—mostly because of the poor decision-making she undertakes to cope with her pain. When the opportunity comes to completely and successfully turn her life around, she jumps at the chance. The opportunity, though, involves partaking in a secret occult ritual in a gothic looking castle on a remote island. So far, so good. Nikki is drawn well, despite being a less than sympathetic character. Her trip on a boat to the island drew me in and the introduction to the castle is nicely handled. The place is genuinely creepy and the stage is set. The rest of the story did not quite live up to the introduction, however. The plot is pretty creative, but handled in a fairly predictable way. There’s a lot of action and gore but no huge shocks. So, The Midnight Order is a decent read overall but probably won’t knock you off your feet. ...more
You’ve got to give Keith Deininger credit. He doesn’t rehash old similar themes in his work. Instead, he experiments and takes chances with narrativesYou’ve got to give Keith Deininger credit. He doesn’t rehash old similar themes in his work. Instead, he experiments and takes chances with narratives. I just finished one of his more recent novels called Within. At face value, this is a story about a haunted mansion, which we’ve all seen often enough. Someone new comes into town and purchases the crumbling mansion in a seedier part of town. Soon, those who are invited to visit one of the many parties thrown by the owner become possessed by the inner workings of the house’s evil presence. Indeed, the entire town falls under his spell. The malevolent antics of Mr. Klimt and his eerie mansion result in numerous character disappearances, terrifying hallucinations and dreams of our protagonists, and increased aggression and debauchery of townsfolk. I was reminded of two haunted mansion novels: the classic Ghost Story by Peter Straub (especially the impact on the town), and the most recent Slade House by David Mitchell. I felt Deininger’s Within ranked right up there with these two. However, that wasn’t the biggest unique surprise. The portrayal of Mr. Klimt, the owner of the mansion and the perpetrator of evil who throws lavish parties to entice the unwitting into his snare, is remarkably similar to Jay Gatsby. Many of the party scenes paralleled the festivities on West Egg. This was the first time I’ve ever seen the setting and characters of The Great Gatsby influence the plot of a horror novel. Keith Deininger has guts to try – and he pulled it off. ...more
Odd Adventures with Your Other Father is a Kindle Scout winner written by Norman Prentiss. After reading just a few pages I began to see why the book Odd Adventures with Your Other Father is a Kindle Scout winner written by Norman Prentiss. After reading just a few pages I began to see why the book was accepted for publication by Kindle Press. This is a genre-bending, no holds barred novel combining horror, comedy, love, and coming of age drama. The heart of the narrative is Shawn’s recounting his, well, odd adventures with his partner, Jack, to his teenage daughter. Jack died when Celia was four and Shawn thinks it is time to share the year-long adventures the two young men had right after they graduated from college. Jack had a way of involving them in a series of thrilling and frequently terrifying exploits involving supernatural events, much to Shawn’s chagrin. The tales told by Shawn are uniquely different and quite terrifying (they’d make unnerving short stories in and of themselves). Prentiss’ literary skill makes these hauntings come alive and he manages to weave threads of humor that often had me smiling while gripping my Kindle. As the novel progresses, Prentiss is able to explore the complexity of human love and interconnected relationships among family. While Odd Adventures with Your Other Father can probably be categorized as horror, readers are treated to a journey of human emotion in a range often not explored in the genre. A fantastic read....more
The Lonely by Andrew Michael Hurley is certainly not what I expected. Promoted as a gothic horror novel, complete with an ecstatic blurb by Stephen KiThe Lonely by Andrew Michael Hurley is certainly not what I expected. Promoted as a gothic horror novel, complete with an ecstatic blurb by Stephen King, The Lonely surprises because it really isn’t a horror tale. At least a horror tale that readers of the genre would expect. Reading the reviews on Amazon and Goodreads will clearly support this observation. While I am one of those horror fans, I must say that I was not disappointed in the novel. In fact, I found it suspenseful, original, and more than a little unnerving. By now you know the plot. A family, accompanied by their Catholic priest, family friends, and other parishioners, travel to a desolate part of the UK for a retreat. The purpose of the retreat is to once and for all complete a ritual which will cure one of the family’s teenage sons who is stricken with autism (although I cannot recall if this diagnosis is ever revealed as such). The narrator is the young man’s younger brother who recounts the tale as it occurred nearly forty years ago. The geographical depictions are a central part of the story. The atmosphere, complete with fog, rain, and constant overcast skies, is a character in itself. The damp and gloomy houses haunt the reader on every page. The dank chill is always evident. There is even an old mansion that is off the coast and only accessible during low tide. The gothic nature of the tale oozes constantly. The natives resent the presence of the pilgrims. And, there is something not quite right about these people. There’s a hint of witchcraft and pagan rituals, and there are veiled threats towards the visitors. The author keeps explanations for the strange events just beyond our grasp, and the depiction of the climax is ambiguous enough that it may not be to everyone’s taste. All of the action is reported through the first person account of a fifteen year old boy, and his experientially-limited frame of reference adds to the mystery. Oh, and the visiting retreatants are conservative Catholics (this being the 1970’s). The depiction of their beliefs and rituals is so well done that the reader can’t help but observe that these also have a bizarre/pagan feel to them (and I’m a Catholic, so my reaction wasn’t due to unfamiliarity). Anyhow, I really liked this book. But, be aware, it is not a traditional horror story. Those who disliked it often referred to it as boring. These folks were clearly expecting standard horror fare. It’s not. But it is eerie, strange, and atmospheric. If you’re in the mood, give it a shot. ...more
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 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. ...more
December Park by Ronald Malfi is a coming of age story in the tradition of Boy’s Life and The Body. Readers going into expecting a traditional Malfi hDecember Park by Ronald Malfi is a coming of age story in the tradition of Boy’s Life and The Body. Readers going into expecting a traditional Malfi horror tale may be disappointed. This isn’t a supernatural novel. Oh, there is the running narrative about a sinister individual who abducts teenagers, but this plot provides the backdrop for the adventure story of five teenage boys who try to solve the mystery. The missing kids are never heard from again, and suspense builds as the boys gradually gather clues as to the identity of the perpetrator. You know they are going to come face-to-face with the creep at some point, and there are enough red herrings to keep the reader on edge. This novel is over 700 pages, so there are numerous story lines beyond the child abduction mystery. And these stories, believe it or not, are where Malfi’s writing really shines. The interaction between the five boys is clever and realistic. Malfi captures the banter and exchanges between the kids—and they feel “right” for guys in their mid-teens. Then there are the other real-life issues the kids face: bullies, personal grief, girls, parent relationship problems, and summer school. They add a sense of normalcy to the story. All of them cleverly portrayed. At times, the coming-of-age detail is excessive and threatens to derail the action. I think the editors could have pruned at least ten percent which would have resulted in a tighter flow. Nonetheless, the final denouement is riveting (although a tad unbelievable), and ultimately satisfying. The final pages address adolescent relationship issues, and the ending is bittersweet. A solid 4-star read. ...more
The Eye That Blinds by S.E. Scully is a novella published by speculative fiction publisher DarkFuse. The story involves three young adults in their twThe Eye That Blinds by S.E. Scully is a novella published by speculative fiction publisher DarkFuse. The story involves three young adults in their twenties who have been close friends since college. Two have actually been romantically involved in the past. While the basic plot centers around the destructive impact of social media on their lives—and their subsequent lack of trust of one another—the unfolding events are chilling and creepy. Scully is a fine writer and the interaction among the characters is convincingly portrayed. A final page count of around 80 pages means the story blazes along. The author smartly keeps the action and narrative superficial, and you hardly notice the reliance on unlikely psychotic breaks by some characters, simultaneous dumb decisions by other characters, and unbelievable coincidences to propel the story along. Still, a fun 3-star read....more
Flesh and Coin by Craig Saunders is about a hospice where the dying are being haunted and, in some cases, killed by something called the Shadowman. ThFlesh and Coin by Craig Saunders is about a hospice where the dying are being haunted and, in some cases, killed by something called the Shadowman. The main characters include two nurses (one kind and caring, the other sadistic and insensitive), a patient near death who is trying to make sense of the goings-on while barely surviving in a morphine daze, the hospice director, and a police detective. The characters are well-developed for such a short novella and the atmosphere is alive in detail. You experience the sights and smells of elderly patients in their last days. There are a number of interrelated subplots including the origins of the ghostly Shadowman, a patient’s violent and criminal past, an illicit affair between a nasty nurse and the hospice director, and a curse administered by an ancient gypsy woman. The latter was an enjoyable character and her appearance really pushed the story along. While the disparate subplots don’t quite hold together in a seamless narrative, the story was creepy and the plot clever enough to maintain interest – and the pages flowed. 3.5 stars...more
Don’t you hate it when the previous owners of your new house trashed the place moving out before you moved in? That’s what happens to Jim Greenwood whDon’t you hate it when the previous owners of your new house trashed the place moving out before you moved in? That’s what happens to Jim Greenwood who moves into a small house on an island off the Scottish coast. The house, centuries old, begins showing signs of mysterious soot marks, as if unseeing visitors wander the interior leaving grimy streaks like young children who haven’t washed their hands after playing outside. When the soot marks start taking the shape of stick figures, often with missing appendages and heads, Jim starts feeling a tad anxious. The islands inhabitants won’t talk about the history of the place in any detail, but do let slip a few hints of something supernatural going on. William Meikle is a prolific writer who manages to turn out original pieces of fiction that never seem stale or overused. Tormentor would fall under the category of a haunted house story, but there is no rehashing of old plot lines. His writing always feels unique (at least to me), and Tormentor is filled with creepy images and foreboding events that are cleverly concocted. One minor exception is the supernatural entity’s use of email which stretched the bounds of believability. But, hey, this is a ghost story after all, so I could let this silliness go by without complaint. The Tormentor was a great read, both original and spooky, much of what you’d expect from Mr. Meikle. 4.5 stars. ...more
James is kind of a loser. He’s a college dropout, works a dead-end menial job, and more or less spends free time getting drunk or high. Things begin tJames is kind of a loser. He’s a college dropout, works a dead-end menial job, and more or less spends free time getting drunk or high. Things begin to take on a sinister feel when he notices a young woman at a bus stop while driving home after work. His brief glimpse suggests she is behaving strangely and the image of her behavior is unsettling. He hasn’t seen anything yet, though, until he and his roommate come home one evening and find the young woman sitting silently in their living room. Upon their arrival, she gets up and goes into James’ room. Much to the young men’s dismay, the woman dies shortly afterwards. Things then get even crazier with mysterious objects and writings appearing on the street, James’ girlfriend vanishing during the week only to reappear on weekends, pieces of a dog showing up in a garden, and crowds were disappearing from public areas. None of these odd events are helped by James’ regular indulgence of narcotics. Soon the entire episode takes on the trappings of a drug-fueled hallucination. But is it all a hallucination? Is something supernatural occurring or are the events the disturbed ramblings of a drug dependent individual. The Hallow by Keith Deininger is a short novella with a riveting story line. There are no neat conclusions, and the reader is left with trying to make sense of the plot and the outcome. There are multiple interpretations and I spent a fair amount of time over the next few days trying to tie things up depending on the theory I was entertaining. I enjoyed this process, for it kept the book alive. For those of you who cannot stand ambiguity in your books, this may not be the best selection for you. However, if a complex—and unnerving—plot is your thing, then The Hallow is a good bet. ...more
A Land More Kind than Home by Wiley Cash is a compelling story about extreme religious fundamentalism and family secrets set in Appalachia in the 1980A Land More Kind than Home by Wiley Cash is a compelling story about extreme religious fundamentalism and family secrets set in Appalachia in the 1980’s. Twelve year old Christopher (“Stump”) is mysteriously killed during a healing service at a fundamentalist church where snake handling and drinking poison are the norm. The story is told from the point of view of three characters: a woman in her 80’s, the sheriff in his 50’s who is investigating the death, and Stump’s 9-year-old brother Jess. The voices of the narrators are gripping as their experiences with the shady con-artist of a preacher are explored from different perspectives. Adelaide, the elderly woman who served as the town’s midwife and Sunday school teacher, sees the preacher for the sociopath that he truly is. The sheriff uncovers the preacher’s real past but he suffers from the impact of his own personal tragedy which colors his judgment. The boy, Jess, is a fabulous narrator. His level of development limits his understanding of the subtle adult actions, but this viewpoint makes the revelations all the more heartbreaking. Wiley Cash is a fine writer; he captures the cadence and the feeling of a rural North Carolina mountain community without resorting to stereotype. The setting is beautifully portrayed and the language at times is breathtaking. There are moments when his idyllic descriptions get away from him and he goes on for paragraphs about some mundane activity, but his love for his characters and setting is obvious. Portions of this story are disturbing and unnerving, and these do jolt the reader. The authenticity of emotion is nicely portrayed, though, and the narrative arc is extremely satisfying. I strongly recommend the book....more
I have thoroughly enjoined some of David Mitchell’s previous work (e.g., Bone Clocks, Black Swan Green), so I couldn’t wait to start his latest, SladeI have thoroughly enjoined some of David Mitchell’s previous work (e.g., Bone Clocks, Black Swan Green), so I couldn’t wait to start his latest, Slade House. In many ways, this is a spin-off of his highly successful and very unique Bone Clocks. The latter kind of jolted the literary upper crust when Mitchell embarked on a journey with extensive fantasy, horror, and supernatural themes. This was fine with me—which is why I loved Bone Clocks—but for those expecting a literary effort akin to Cloud Atlas, well, let’s just say they didn’t know what to make of it. Mitchell’s Slade is about a haunted house that mysteriously “appears” within a labyrinth of back alleys once every nine years. The inhabitants, fraternal twins Norah and Jonah Grayer, are soul “vampires” who must partake in the digestion of souls from unwitting victims in order to maintain their immortality – and the feasting must occur on a nine-year basis. Five different accounts spanning five decades comprise Slade House, with the last in 2015. The tales, while interrelated for the plot line, are strikingly different in terms of content. The targets of the haunted house include a young teenager, a detective, a college student and her older sister, and a psychiatrist. The forays of these characters into the house are riveting, and I found the narratives deliciously spooky. The stories are beautifully told in chilling detail. The impact is frequently creepy and often startling. ...more
Just Kids is not my usual reading fare. But, being a member of two different book clubs, I find myself reading many works outside my favorite genre ofJust Kids is not my usual reading fare. But, being a member of two different book clubs, I find myself reading many works outside my favorite genre of horror and suspense. This nonfiction work is a memoir from poet, artist, and rock-singer Pattie Smith and recounts her relationship with photographer/artist Robert Mapplethorpe. There is much to like in the book, but I was also frustrated quite a bit by her writing style and lack of openness. First, as numerous reviews have stated, she is an unabashed name-dropper—almost to the point where the mere frequency of it is cringe worthy. Second, Smith can spend paragraphs talking about what clothes she wore or what foods she ate some forty-odd years ago, but she seems unwilling to disclose the hurt she must have felt when Mapplethorpe began having sexual relationships with men—while the two of them were involved romantically and sexually. She writes this was no big deal, but her reaction seems disingenuous. Finally, Smith hints that Mapplethorpe was conflicted about his sexuality. He was raised Catholic, and the time frame of their relationship was in the late 1960’s – which meant that the climate for gays was still quite hostile. This exploration of Mapplethorpe would have been fascinating (Smith and Mapplethorpe remained trusted friends until his death from the AIDS virus in 1989 – so she knew him very well), but Smith barely goes there. This is most unfortunate because she otherwise portrays this controversial man in a very intimate and human manner. I indicated many there were spots in the work. First and foremost, Smith’s love and dedication to Mapplethorpe is clear. As he is dying of AIDS, her grief is understated yet emotionally on-target. This section is heartfelt and authentic and does not rely on sappy tear-jerker prose. Smith’s words are brilliantly evocative at this point. There is also a section when she and Mapplethorpe lived in the Chelsea Hotel in New York. That section was fascinating, and she made this odd setting come alive with a diverse group of real-life characters. ...more
I’ll admit something up front … I tend not to be a fan of Fantasy novels. I suppose “Dark Fantasy” is okay, although I am not entirely sure what that I’ll admit something up front … I tend not to be a fan of Fantasy novels. I suppose “Dark Fantasy” is okay, although I am not entirely sure what that is. If it has horror components, then I’m in. Horror, to those who keep score on these things, is my favorite genre. But, if I find myself reading about cute elves or dragons, my interest wanes rather quickly (Harry Potter being an exception.) With a little apprehension, I began reading the dark fantasy novel The Godgame by Keith Deininger not knowing what to expect. I’ve read multiple novels and novellas by Keith and thoroughly enjoyed them. He is a true rising star in speculative fiction. When I picked up The Godgame (figuratively speaking, that is-it was on my Kindle), I noticed the F-word and thought, “oh no, Keith has gone over to the dark side.” I didn’t need to worry. The Godgame is no tiresome fantasy with elves. Granted the story takes place in an alternative world. But the world was the same one Keith wrote about in two of his previous works that I’ve read: Shadow Animals and Marrow’s Pit. Both were chilling and gripping reads (I liked Shadow Animals a tad better), so I settled in for a great read knowing I was in safe territory. The action takes in two neighboring communities: the city of Talos and a small village in Nova. Talos is depicted as a decadent, depraved, and narcissistic community. Nova, however, contains multiple small idyllic villages that somehow have escaped the cynicism of the larger city. The leader of Talos (who is called the Archon) is readying his city and army for an attack on the small village of Fallowvane. There are a number of subplots which are too difficult to describe here, but within the course of the narrative the strands become tied together quite well. There are also a ton of characters, and Keith manages to juggle them all well – giving them independent lives and characteristics which help the reader not only tell them apart but also imbue them with three-dimension personalities. For instance, a chief aid/assistant for the Archon named Trevor is a standout. This conniving character has disturbing intentions, and his maneuverings for power and privilege keep the action rolling. The hero of the tale (at this stage at least) is a 12-year old boy named Ash who evidently has supernatural skills and abilities. He is unaware of these skills – as is the reader - but the scheming Talosians are certainly knowledgeable of them and want to capture him for exploitation. Ash is nicely rendered by Keith – his actions, thoughts, and dialog ring true for a 12 year old. Ash’s mother, Lena, is deathly ill for the first 70% of the novel and does not get much screen time. But when she comes to the forefront in the later sections, she establishes herself as a fascinating character in a manner that I didn’t see happening. Others like Embra, (Lena’s sister), the Anchon (a distasteful character – think of a human sized bag of pus), and Ash’s little sister (who has a bright future in episodes to come) are also dazzling when the reader experiences their point of view. When the invasion of Nova by the army of Talos occurs, the portrayal is riveting and ghastly. The tension is relentless and the grip of the narrative is unyielding. This was one of my favorite sections of the book. My one relatively minor criticism occurs sporadically in roughly the first 30% of the novel. Since Keith is creating his own world, he has to help his readers catch up on whatever is going on by providing brief summaries of history and back story. The result is an occasional slippage into “telling” the story as opposed to Keith’s typically skillful “showing” the story. While this slows things down a bit and can overwhelm the reader, it occurs infrequently so is not a major flaw. Overall, The Godgame is another dynamic piece of dark fantasy from Keith Deininger. This book is part of a larger series and represents an exciting entry into the land of Talos. Highly recommended. ...more
I’ve only read a couple of books by Ronald Malfi, but I do have a number of my to-be-read pile. Most importantly, I am looking forward to reading themI’ve only read a couple of books by Ronald Malfi, but I do have a number of my to-be-read pile. Most importantly, I am looking forward to reading them. His works that I’ve read have been masterful – written with smooth prose and unique storylines. A Shrill Keening, my latest read of this author, was another fine example of his narrative abilities. Carl Thompson is in long-term psychiatric care after murdering his girlfriend. However, Carl has no recollection of the event or the aftermath that included his arrest and trial. One minute he was home with his girlfriend and the next he remembers is waking up in the institution. His days are spent in a haze, broken up only by therapy sessions with a strange psychiatrist whose therapy skills leave much to be desired (and I thought this portrayal of the psychiatrist was not particularly believable). The nights though, are altogether different. Carl experiences dreams that are so vivid that he wakes up exhausted. The dreams include his exploration of an eastern seaboard community and patrols of a boardwalk – and this setting has been devastated by some kind of apocalyptic event. Only a handful of people are around and the area is populated by small, blue lizards with orange stripes. To elaborate any more on the plot would do a disservice to a reader. Suffice it to say, the alternative reality that Carl experiences at night may not be part of his psychosis (or maybe it is) – and there is a real purpose for him to end up in this seaside local. Many reviewers have compared this to a Lovecraft tale. I am not a fan of Lovecraft and I have not read many of his works. Therefore, to me, the story was quite unusual. The settings portrayed are unusual and haunting in their own right. Carl is richly drawn, and his actions and emotions ring true within the plot. The portion of the narrative that involves the “shrill keening” is absolutely spellbinding – and I thought that part of the story was gripping. In fact, I was disappointed that this section did not remain “on stage” for a longer period of time. I wanted to know what was happening in greater detail. On the opposite side of the coin, I felt the hospital sequence went on a tad too long (but this is a minor quibble). Overall, this is a solid 4-star review. Strongly recommended. ...more
Kealan Patrick Burke has a fiendish imagination – which is great for his readers who enjoy his jolting horror fiction. His latest work, Sour Candy, haKealan Patrick Burke has a fiendish imagination – which is great for his readers who enjoy his jolting horror fiction. His latest work, Sour Candy, had me transfixed from the outset when our protagonist, Phil Pendleton, has a chance encounter with a disheveled woman and her six year old boy. The woman appears traumatized beyond repair and the boy is capable of an unearthly and brain-shattering scream which sends all the other shoppers scrambling. Phil isn’t so lucky, and through a series of events he becomes the identified father of the child. What transpires is a novella of incredible ingenuity and gut-wrenching horror. You feel all of the shock that Phil feels as he finds himself trapped within the clutches of this kid. My favorite horror sub-genre is the “creepy-kid” horror tale. The little boy in this book, who goes by Adam, is a devilishly creepy (and fun) character who hits all the right notes for unsettling your nerves. The story has a brisk pace accompanied by twists and turns I didn’t see coming. I was swept up with the story, and couldn’t help wondering (with a certain amount of envy) how the author came up with this riveting plot line. For heaven’s sake, read it. And stay away from little kids and their stressed out parents in the candy aisle of Walmart. ...more
I read In the Shadows of Children in one frantic sitting. With this piece, Alan Ryker has penned a chilling ghost story – one that is unique in plot wI read In the Shadows of Children in one frantic sitting. With this piece, Alan Ryker has penned a chilling ghost story – one that is unique in plot with a couple of neat twists. The novella tells of a young man named Aaron who returns home for his mother’s funeral. This is the first time he’s been back since the disappearance of his younger brother fifteen years prior. Aaron left home at eighteen to attend college and avoided coming back except for when his brother went missing. Aaron had a vague sense that something horrible went on during his childhood which is why he took off for college – but he could not recall the specifics of the events. When he returns however, memories come flooding back - about something sinister existing in the closet of his childhood bedroom which he shared with his brother. Oh, there is also the small detail of his little brother reappearing in their bedroom – still looking fifteen. My favorite category of horror is supernatural tales – of which ghost stories snuggly fit (at least in my mind). Ryker wrote another ghost story called Nightmare Man – of which I am very fond. I think In the Shadows of Children is even better. He is able to take the ghost story in different directions. He does not rehash old formulas – everything feels original. I was breathless as I read this tale, expecting him to take it in various directions. He kept surprising me, and the last 25% of the tale (as indicated on my Kindle) was as gripping as any top notch horror story. ...more
Ghosts of Eden represents another foray into New Mexico dark fiction by Keith Deininger. This time around, nine-year old Kayla and college-dropout GarGhosts of Eden represents another foray into New Mexico dark fiction by Keith Deininger. This time around, nine-year old Kayla and college-dropout Garty are “sent” to live with their uncle for the summer in his isolated mansion outside of Los Alamos. Both had been experiencing horrifying events and strange nightmares. When things spiral out of control and separate tragedies strike them both, their only option is Uncle Xander’s place in the desert. As it turns out, it was no accident that the two end up there as Xander begins tutoring them about dark arts, string theory, and weird physics. Can this guy be up to no good? You bet. You see, Kayla and Garty have “abilities” of their own… Keith Deininger has been tantalizing his readers with brief incursions into strange worlds and other dimensions across a number of his works. So far, only sections or pieces have been unveiled, the full scope of his alternative universe has yet to be portrayed (although, his just released Godgame trilogy may be what we’ve been looking for – and it is on my to-be-read pile at the moment). The glimpses have been enticing as the author’s imagination jumps into high gear. I find his presentations chilling and exciting. The story line can be baffling, if not confusing at times, but this is half the fun in reading his works. What the heck is going on? You have to keep reading to find out. The descriptions provided a fine sense of place. I was in Los Alamos about fifteen years ago, and I felt Keith hit all the right notes. His short interludes into the city itself provided a great sense of other-worldliness which enhanced the story. Interestingly enough, I found the passages in the early half of the book in which we learned about Kayla and Garty (and their scary experiences) more gripping than when they meet up at Xander’s house. I’m not sure why that is; maybe the author had reached a plateau of sorts. Nonetheless, the passages in the laboratory and when the kids were creeping around the mansion were well written – due to Keith Deininger’s freaky imagination and tremendous speculative fiction skills. A solid four-star read. ...more
In an eerie, post-apocalyptic world resulting from an alien invasion, day is indistinguishable from night and the sky is composed of ever present eyesIn an eerie, post-apocalyptic world resulting from an alien invasion, day is indistinguishable from night and the sky is composed of ever present eyes looking down. Modern conveniences of technology and climate control are lost, and previously harmless animals have transformed into aggressive mutations. Humans resort to murder and cannibalism to survive. Some people become thralls where they routinely kidnap others and offer these captives as human sacrifices to the Masters: the unseen aliens who oversee small geographical locations. One man, Dan, has kidnapped a teenage girl and is in the process of bringing her to his own particular master. The Last Mile by Tim Waggoner tells the story of these two characters as they make their grisly journey to Dan’s Master. The novella is fairly short and the tale moves quickly. The world is portrayed in a dismal and bleak manner. The sense of character despair is richly portrayed. The descriptions of the climate, scenery, and the horrid transformations of our world are creative yet simple. I could see how our world could end up this way given the series of events that are only hinted at. Mr. Waggoner’s prose is spare – and it fits the tone of his work. The ending had a small twist to it which was clever. Overall, the book was a good quick read – certainly creepy. ...more
After reading The Kingdom of Keys by Brian Moloney, I couldn’t help wondering what kind of childhood and adolescence Mr. Moloney had. He states in hisAfter reading The Kingdom of Keys by Brian Moloney, I couldn’t help wondering what kind of childhood and adolescence Mr. Moloney had. He states in his author notes that he carried this story with him from a very young age before he wrote it down. He must have had a blast as a kid with one adventure after another. Sixteen year old Toby Pierce is struggling with personal issues and finds himself unhappy with aspects of his life. When he finds the ultimate skeleton key which unlocks a secret door in his bedroom, he does what every kid his age would do: gather his two best friends (Billy and Lori) and go through the door. On the other side of this “Door to Nowhere” is a fantasy world with mind-boggling adventures, strange creatures, and nasty villains. If this wasn’t enough, Toby is falling desperately in love with Lori whom he has known since kindergarten. As a result of his experiences, he learns some valuable life lessons. What makes this tale different from the standard fantasy is the author’s nonstop boyish sense of humor (one reviewer referred to it as goofy and dorky – and that fits). You can sense Mr. Moloney’s delight in the escapades of our heroes through the banter and the plot twists. In some ways, the dialogue of the sixteen year olds didn’t quite sound like the “earthy” language of your average teen (not a single profanity escapes their lips!). They sounded more like twelve. But that is a minor quibble. In fact, I think this book would be great for this younger age group (in addition to those of us who appreciate boyhood humor and sense of adventure) because of the humor and underlying messages. For me, The Kingdom of Keys was pure joy. ...more
I’m not sure how old Glenn Rolfe is but looking at his picture on his Amazon page tells me is a pretty young guy (at least in comparison to me). I briI’m not sure how old Glenn Rolfe is but looking at his picture on his Amazon page tells me is a pretty young guy (at least in comparison to me). I bring this up because I could have sworn after reading his novella, Boom Town, that he grew up on the same diet of 1950’s and 1960’s horror and science fictions movies that I did. Obviously, he didn’t. His work, Boom Town, however, brought me back to movies like The Blob, It Came from Outer Space, and Invaders from Mars. That is no small feat – it takes skill to create that mid-twentieth century sense of foreboding and curiosity of “what might be out there.” Boom Town begins with a prologue of a UFO depositing something into the ground of a rural Wisconsin community in 1979. Fast forward thirty years later, and we learn that the community has been rocked with minor earthquakes ever since (hence the “boom” in Boom Town). When two 12 year-olds discover a pipe from the ground that has surfaced due to the tremors – they find a gooey blue substance that is leaking from the pipe. Without going into any more detail, touching the blue goo is not a good idea – but, still, folks do come into contact with it. When that happens, look out. As I mentioned earlier, this reads like a 1950’s science fiction/horror story. The pacing is fast and the scenes involving the blue blob are gruesome fun. In fact, there is one extensive sequence of what happens to an older man who comes into contact with the substance that is worth the price of admission. The main characters are the kids who provide the backbone of the story. They are the investigators and their sense of wonder and willingness to suspend belief is a perfect match for the story. There is also the subplot of first love which adds an extra character dimension. The resolution of the story was a little unexpected which enhanced my appreciation of Glenn Rolfe’s willingness to take chances. There are not many negatives beyond the common error of attributing thought processes and emotional awareness to kids which is beyond their developmental level – so not a big deal. A great read. Disclosure: I received a free copy of the book in order to write an honest review. ...more
When I was four, my family and my cousins vacationed on Montauk. I remember that we stayed in a small beach house that was painted pink. I have seen tWhen I was four, my family and my cousins vacationed on Montauk. I remember that we stayed in a small beach house that was painted pink. I have seen the family home movies of the trip – being on the beach and visiting the lighthouse, but those memories elude me. The pink beach house is a real memory, however. We never went back; instead we vacationed at Seaside Heights, New Jersey. So, the Jersey shore became our beach trip. As an adult, my own family trips have been to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Being at the Atlantic shore is forever ingrained in my psyche. When I saw a promotional ad for The Montauk Monster by Hunter Shea, I purchased it instantly. I cannot resist a beach-themed monster novel. I had not read any of Mr. Shea’s books before, but he had been receiving much praise so I was looking forward to eventually reading it. The title says it all – although slightly inaccurately - there are monsters (plural) in Montauk, not a single monster. The Montauk monster refers to some local folklore (at least as described in the book – that entire section could be fictitious too. But, I bought it). So, as a reader you’re going into this with the idea that this is a creature feature, a monster novel. Does it work? You bet it does. Mr. Shea, thankfully delivers the goods. You’ve got these genetically engineered monsters whose bite spreads a 100% fatal virus – that’s if the monsters don’t eat you first. At first there seems to be only a handful, but there a LOT more of them. Victims of the monsters include not just a random selection of undesirables (like the unpleasant characters or TV celebrities), but you’re everyday men, women, and children. Nothing escapes their clutches. The plot is pretty straightforward. The initial attacks are puzzling to authorities, and there is the race against time to figure out what the heck is going on as the community collapses. The monster attacks are vivid and jolting. The gore is in your face, and if a character manages to survive an attack – the author treats you to the death process by the virus. FEMA, the military and other covert government entities arrive to take charge, but many of them are in the dark as to what is going on. Our heroes are a couple of young police officers who are trying to save their community by taking rather unorthodox courses of action. They are likeable enough, but are rather one-dimensional. That’s okay, though. You’re not reading this for literary-driven characterizations. Overall, this novel is a blast. I loved it. The story is fast-paced and the plot is gripping. There are a number of twists and turns that are quite creative and I couldn’t turn myself away. You never know who is going to get killed either. The author is quite comfortable knocking off his characters as the plot moves along. That adds to the suspense. The only misstep of the author was when the main characters take time out to have sex in the shower while hundreds of people on the eastern end of Long Island are being eaten and these two have information that could save Montauk. Oh well, if this was the only time I could not suspend my disbelief, then that’s not bad. Kudos, Hunter Shea. I’ll be reading more of your work. ...more
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