‘They say that when he was conceived the good fairy was on sabbatical. They say that when he was born vultures perched themselves on the houses of his‘They say that when he was conceived the good fairy was on sabbatical. They say that when he was born vultures perched themselves on the houses of his enemies.’
‘The Bloomsday Dead’ is a bullet ridden romp through Irelands underbelly in which perennial protagonist Michael Forsyth is pitted against criminals and under world types from all walks of life as he tries to reclaim a former nemesis’s daughter from her captors. The dark and damp backdrop of Ireland creates an atmosphere of deep seeded depression and survival abandonment – despite the dire predicaments the protagonist finds himself he never fails to use all of his nine lives. McKinty changes tact from previous instalments preferring to focus more on the private investigator angle over hard man hell bent on vengeance adding another string to Forsyth’s impressive arsenal and well defined character. For fans of the series, ghost of books past return and loyalties are tested to the limit with each decision affecting the story’s dynamics and flow. Bridget’s (mob boss) missing daughter Siobhan and Forsyth’s connection to both ensures a compelling and blood soaked journey from start to finish which culminates in a violent ending true to the trilogies origin. ‘The Bloomsday Dead’ is a page turner along the lines of Charlie Huston’s Joe Pitt series (minus the vampire) and Spillane’s unrelenting Mike Hammer outings – 5 Stars....more
More PI than hard hitting hit man – Clay, self proclaimed accident specialist and right hand man to a mob boss is tasked with tracking down a promisinMore PI than hard hitting hit man – Clay, self proclaimed accident specialist and right hand man to a mob boss is tasked with tracking down a promising starlet’s murderer to take the heat of the organisation acquaintance and prime suspect Billy-Billy. The language is a testament to the era (written in 1960) with the quarry commonly referred to as the cutie, while Clay’s investigative prowess relies on more conventional approaches without the convenience of today’s mod cons. A familiar whodunit lacking the subtle finesse of Spillane and co whilst adding a somewhat fresh perspective in the protagonist’s social standing in a mob outfit playing PI. 3 stars. ...more
A Casino Moon: 'I looked up and saw there was a half moon hanging over Bally's Grand [a casino]. It was what I used to call a casino moon, because theA Casino Moon: 'I looked up and saw there was a half moon hanging over Bally's Grand [a casino]. It was what I used to call a casino moon, because the yellow casino sign was so bright, the moon looked cheap and unimpressive by comparison.'
Casino Moon packs a punch both in crisp dialogue and hard hitting story telling, with each chapter sure to bruise and batter your imagination. Anthony - a good guy in the world of goodfellas is married to the niece of a mob boss and trying to make a living on the right side of the law. Of course having an adopted father who happens to be the boss' right hand man doesn't help matters. Not one to shy from opportunities, he hitches a ride on the back of a washed up has-been boxer on the comeback trail for one last fight. Seeing this as his ticket to independence and a way to disassociate himself from his mafia ties (albeit half ties), he rolls the dice and lets it ride, knowing he's staked everything on one bet - the fall of the cards likely to determine if money or breathing is to be his biggest concern.
Blauner's tale of a man seeking the straight and narrow while navigating across rough and rocky terrain is a joy to read. This was more of wrong man tale rather than crime with mafia connotations - the Soprano-esque backdrop paled to Anthony's scheme and hard-done-by life. That being said, there were hits, bar room brawls, dames, and bribery - all the hallmarks of a classic mob piece with a hint of police corruption thrown in for that added spice of noir. 4 stars....more
In Gabriel Hunt’s last outing, the modern day Indiana Jones abandons the artefact finding in favour of tracking down his recently kidnapped younger siIn Gabriel Hunt’s last outing, the modern day Indiana Jones abandons the artefact finding in favour of tracking down his recently kidnapped younger sister, Cifer (short for Lucifer). Travelling through Nice, Corsica, and Marrakesh, Hunt is thrown into battle against a conglomerate determined to return Egypt’s precious artefacts back to their rightful owners. It is in this creed, they lure Hunt (through kidnapping his sister) to find the elusive Second Stone, hidden by Napoleon, a stone which would allow those who possess it the ability to conquer all enemies. Driven by Cifer’s safety and the thrill of the hunt (no pun intended) Gabriel conquers terrain and man alike on his quest to forge the return of his blood. While not as good as previous instalments (notably the retelling by Ardai, Schow, and Faust) Benson does a good job at maintaining Gabriel’s charismatic and womanising persona without adding anything unique or book specific to the lead character. The subtle references to James Bond are a nice Easter egg for the nerdier types out there and kept inline with the typically tongue in cheek light heartedness of the series. The Hunt books are the perfect form of escapism, this one fits the bill without being great. Nonetheless a solid read and hopefully, not the last we see of Gabriel Hunt – 3 stars. ...more
Starting at an abandoned rest stop, Mile 81 embodies a distinctly haunted/ghoulish feel with an air of suspense on prolonged tension before turning inStarting at an abandoned rest stop, Mile 81 embodies a distinctly haunted/ghoulish feel with an air of suspense on prolonged tension before turning into something altogether different. Echoes ‘From a Buick 8’ and ‘Christine’ can be heard over searing screams of blood curdling fury and hopelessness as an entity in the form a seemingly haunted car victimises good Samaritans along I-95. While short, Mile 81 hits all the right notes in terms of pacing, character depth, and pure horror. The murder scenes alone are worth the price of admission – coupled with the excerpt of 11.22.63, this ebook exclusive is value for money entertainment – 4 stars. ...more
"I had a special place there. A secret place. A place where we could both play dead."
Play Dead is, on the surface, a police procedural with paranormal"I had a special place there. A secret place. A place where we could both play dead."
Play Dead is, on the surface, a police procedural with paranormal connotations. Delve a little deeper, however, and the voodoo cult-like acceptance of Victorian era myths enriched in Savannah become paramount to the character's psyche and their interactions amongst themselves. 'Play Dead' is an engrossing story involving an atypical murder case turned serial and the fly on the wall police perspective of those assigned to catch the killer. Single mother Elise and the broken and heavily burdened former FBI agent David Gould try to solve a case involving zombification, death obsession and necrophilia whilst at the same time trying to unveil the shroud of mystery that surrounds the dark and intimidating Strata Luna - a modern day witch if you will, and her connection to the murders. Of all the deeply rich characters in Play Dead, David Gould's story is one that will haunt me for a time to come, that being said, each of Frasier's well defined characters are equally as enjoyable to read. This is a fast paced, classic whodunit with a slightly different touch involving root practitioners and 'outside of the square' thinking - 3.5 stars. ...more
The Dark Half is vintage Stephen King circa 1989 in which the reader is taken to a world infused with the supernatural and most heinous of crimes. ThaThe Dark Half is vintage Stephen King circa 1989 in which the reader is taken to a world infused with the supernatural and most heinous of crimes. Thad is a writer, his alter ego, dark half if you will - George Stark (ode to Westlake), is also a writer albeit a far more successful one who likes to emphasise the macabre. By some freak turn of events, Thad's piece of fiction turns to reality - no one is safe as the very pages that made Thad wealthy, turn against him. The Dark Half was a lot of fun to read, relatively fast paced and well thought out. George Stark was a hell of a bad guy - I almost wished King devoted a full story solely about him. Very horror, with a splattering of crime mixed in for good measure. Highly recommend for King enthusiasts and horror/crime fanatics alike. ...more
With notorious Beauty Killer Gretchen Lowell on the peripheral, Chelsea Cain's 'The Night Season' is a shade or two lighter than the previous series iWith notorious Beauty Killer Gretchen Lowell on the peripheral, Chelsea Cain's 'The Night Season' is a shade or two lighter than the previous series installments. Focused predominately on the quirky journalist, Susan as she attempts to uncover a string of murders seemingly linked to a present day flooding of the Willamette river in Portland and a disastrous flood that wiped out a community in 1948, 'The Night Season' is more a by-the-book police procedural than manic serial killer thriller.
Perennial victim , Archie returns assuming the lead role on the task force assigned to the murders and is a little less reliant on the pills which have damaged his mind as much as his body - the second is evident in this outing. As the water rises so do the bodies - initially written off as drownings, Susan and co. soon stumbled upon something more sinister - a misguided killer using blue ringed octopuses to dry down his victims. The key attraction to 'The Night Season' is the expanding of the core character base - notably Archie's team and the those within Susan's circle. There is a definitive bridge feel to this, a precursor to something more elaborate and true to form of previous installments.
The dark and damp setting of a city inundated by torrential downpour failed to replicate the mood and disturbing behaviour previously emanated by Gretchen on the broader populace. That said, taken for what it is - 'The Night Season' is a solid entry point for those new the series or those who haven't read all the preceding books. In addition, it was nice to see Cain showcase some of the pre-Gretchen Archie in terms of his natural leadership ability and lengths he'll go to save a life and solve a case. 3.5 stars - I miss Gretchen.
Side note: recommended reading during the winter season for added ambiance. ...more
The Godfather of Kathmandu continues Burdett’s Sonchai Jitpleecheep series showcasing a distinct oriental feel continuing to distance itself from a geThe Godfather of Kathmandu continues Burdett’s Sonchai Jitpleecheep series showcasing a distinct oriental feel continuing to distance itself from a genre flooded with pop culture Americanised police procedurals. Not as good as its predecessors (notably Bangkok 8 and Bangkok Tattoo), Burdett’s latest effort isn’t without shock and awe moments as Sonchai investigates the macabre murder of a Hollywood film director in one of the more seedier haunts of Bankok in which the killer takes not overtly subtle liberties from the Hannibal Lector school of death. However, the case plays second fiddle to Sonchai’s latest position as Mafioso Consigliere in which he is responsible for broking a deal between drug barons from the army and police force – highlighting the more unconventional approach Burdett takes to his telling of crime fiction. On one hand, Burdett creates a spiritual and talented half farang cop, the other, a criminal whose appetite for wealth and finer things draws him to underworld antics. At times these worlds overlap with the results a joy to read - you could feel the inner turmoil as Sonchai’s conscious tries to justify or condemn his every decision.
What stands in the way of making this outing especially memorable is Burdett’s tendency to push his personal beliefs on the reader which proved distracting at times. As usual, the characters are top notch, Mad Moi is exceptional – even the two female drug mules, while bit players, left a distinct impression. The Godfather of Kathmandu further enhances the reader’s perception of good/corrupt cop Sonchai and his quest for enlightenment while building on a beautifully atmospheric and unique Thailand. An enjoyable read not without its flaws but still a lot of fun with a fair degree of tongue in cheek humour – 3 stars. ...more
Exceptional. Megan Abbott's portrayal of two young girls on the knife edge of puberty is simply breathtaking and awe inspiring. Lizzie and Evie, insepExceptional. Megan Abbott's portrayal of two young girls on the knife edge of puberty is simply breathtaking and awe inspiring. Lizzie and Evie, inseparable in all ways since birth have their bond tested when Evie falls victim to a predator - ruthlessly snatched from her urban surroundings. However, the waters, though disturbed grow even murkier as the story unfolds with hidden truths and whispered secrets casting a subtle light on a shadow of doubt. 'The End of Everything' is all encompassing; drama, love, self discovery, crime, noir (subtle perfection), and above all, human - perhaps the most well rounded and thought provoking book I've ever read. It's simply that good. To use an over inflated term of endearment in book circles - Megan Abbott's 'The End of Everything' is unputdownable. 5 stars. ...more
'Dead and Gone; features Vachss' penultimate hard man, Burke, on a quest for revenge following an attempted hit on his life. What originally loomed as'Dead and Gone; features Vachss' penultimate hard man, Burke, on a quest for revenge following an attempted hit on his life. What originally loomed as a single cash for kid exchange soon turned sour when the kidnapped kid seemingly turns on Burke leaving him permanently scared and pi$$ed off. In a slow methodical build up, Vachss takes us through a great many of Burke's criminal acquaintances and introduces another in Gem - a fiesty mysterious women whose lust for the extreme is matched only by Burke's thirst for pedophile blood. 'Dead' and Gone' showcases some of the hardships and meaningful relationships Burke had during his tormented and tumultuous childhood in context to the present day manhunt to further build upon the already well defined broken yet driven protagonist. While delivering in premise and interesting characters (Lune, Gem in particular), 'Dead and Gone' suffered too much from inconsequential dialogue and lengthy delays between acts of importance. This had all the makings of something special - the opening is pure noir not to be missed but I felt the target shift slightly and the aim miss the mark. 2.5 stars....more
Former art smuggler turned legitimate art dealer, Ovid Wiley is embroiled in international espionage courtesy of a Dan Brown-esque murder landing on hFormer art smuggler turned legitimate art dealer, Ovid Wiley is embroiled in international espionage courtesy of a Dan Brown-esque murder landing on his doorstep. Using the murder as leverage, the CIA present Ovid with an ultimation he cant refuse - locate a missing priest wanted for embezzling funds from the Vatican or face prison for the murder of a former associate at his gallery. Soon enough he's back in Italy and reacquainted with former partner in crime Maria on a fact finding mission with dire consequences.
Broken into two distinct acts, one in Italy, the other Brazil, 'The Dead Man's Brother' appealed to my sense of escapism and I lapped up the different settings with the Italy component being the far stronger of the two. However, it was as if Zelazny was trying too hard to weave plot threads together and make twists out of turns in the later stages of the novel which cast a shadow on a promising thriller. All in all, an ok entry into the Hardcase Crime archives that missed the boat by just enough to still be enjoyable but not overly good - 2.5 stars. ...more
I5 forces the reader into a world of sex trafficking and explores the inner sanctum of a truly grotesque industry. Summer Brenner does a great job in I5 forces the reader into a world of sex trafficking and explores the inner sanctum of a truly grotesque industry. Summer Brenner does a great job in setting a mood filled with depression while still maintaining a slither of hope. Anya, a vet at 23 has spent the last 4 years working for Mr. Kupkin, performing to his every whim and desire to ensure a happy and returning clientele. Due to her early success as establishing a client base and general acceptance of her situation, Kupkin provides Anya small glimpses of the more humane in extra day breaks, food, and additional roles within the agency - notably to mentor the more difficult newcomers. It is this work which leads Anya and her manager Marty down I5 towards Oakland to assist in breaking in new girl Tuzla, a fiery 17y/old not yet accustomed to brutal life she is destined lead. This is a story as much about survival and hope as it is about exploitation and crime. Fascinating and unrelenting from beginning to end, I5 will haunt me for many a time to come - 5 stars. ...more
'I look to you like a guy who does happy?' If a line could sum up Ken Bruen's masterful creation more accurately, I'd like to see it. Jack is back and'I look to you like a guy who does happy?' If a line could sum up Ken Bruen's masterful creation more accurately, I'd like to see it. Jack is back and not much has changed in his vice dependent life. Adding to his ever growing list of failures, rejections, beat downs and misrepresentations is a refused ticket to America. His fresh start thwart before it even begun. Naturally it's smooth sailing down hill with the breeze at his back straight to hell courtesy of the devil himself. While not necessarily investigating a crime this time round, Jack's latest does accumulate a high number of murders while providing further insight into Jack Taylor's inner circle of friends/enemies. For the first time, Bruen adds a hint of the supernatural to a Jack Taylor novel. The Devil is Jack Taylor doing as Jack Taylor does with something a little different - you'll either like it or lump it, I liked it, a lot. 4.5/5 stars. ...more
The world is shrouded in night; a perpetual state of darkness, following a designed nuclear fallout masterminded by the last ancient vampire, The MastThe world is shrouded in night; a perpetual state of darkness, following a designed nuclear fallout masterminded by the last ancient vampire, The Master. Having turned the world to his will, humanity has succumbed to little more than cattle, with a few still resisting fate to rid this new world order. Eph, Nora, Fet, and Gus - a small band of resourceful warriors, led by the courage of their conviction, fight back to prove no minuscule effort is futile.
Focusing more on biblical lore and vampiric origin than an end-of-the-world all fronts battle scenarios, 'The Night Eternal' provides context to the plight, both hero and villain alike. Gore and b-grade horror elements notwithstanding, the final installment in the Strain trilogy is perhaps the maturest and well plotted of the series. In the broken facade of the protagonist, Eph, we see a man driven but hampered by mental decomposition to rescue his begotten son and claim some semblance of family to an otherwise isolated individual. In this plot thread unravels predicaments not envisioned in earlier installments that have consequences beyond a fathers comprehension.
Incorporating genre stalwarts in water crossing prohibition, body farms, telepathy, and aversion to light - the vampires in this series don't deviate from the norm too much, except where the authors delve deep into origins and a notion of divine intervention. That being said, the core vampiric elements are delivered in a style and voice that's captivating and engrossing - hard to do with such a well defined past formula.
'The Night Eternal' is a vastly different book to its predecessors and maintains the momentum of the previous instalments in delivering an entertaining conclusion to a consistent and multi-themed trilogy. 4 stars....more
Beautiful Sins is a guilty pleasure of paranormal fantasy coupled with all manner of creatures typically suited for horror/occult outings. Leigha LoweBeautiful Sins is a guilty pleasure of paranormal fantasy coupled with all manner of creatures typically suited for horror/occult outings. Leigha Lowery, a 16yr girl is the centre of Alex’s (heir to the throne) attention and the core character in Beautiful Sins is carefree bookish type whisked to a world where nothing is quiet as it seems. Having moved cross country to the Dark Coast, the Pacific Coastline of the USA, she is forced to grow accustomed to high social standing and strange behaviour of the coasts inhabitants while comprehending death at first sight and the unique ever lasting smell of spilt blood. While targeted for teen readers, Beautiful Sins is the genesis of something darker and more harrowing – young adult escapism for all ages. 3.5 stars. ...more
Memorable quote: ‘The roots of this forest have drank much blood over the years. Yours will just be the latest to feed them.’
The sequel to ‘Dark HolloMemorable quote: ‘The roots of this forest have drank much blood over the years. Yours will just be the latest to feed them.’
The sequel to ‘Dark Hollow’ builds on the history and horror of Lehorn’s Hollow – mystic creatures, monsters, mass murder, satanic cults, ghosts – basically everything that can go bump in the night, does so in the woods surrounding Lehorn’s Hollow. Along the Ghost Walk, blood curdling screams own the night as the dead rise to ignite a heightened sense of fear - this trail is pure terror, atmospheric, and claustrophobic.
Ken Ripple created the attraction out of goodwill donating the proceeds to charity in memory of his deceased wife. However, failing to adhere to local mythology proved costly as his dream turned into a nightmare thanks to the darkness within the forest. Adam Senft, mystery writer from 'Dark Hollow' makes an appearance and adds a sense of continuity to the books but apart from that, this works well as a stand alone. Not as gruesome and extravagant as its predecessor but still an enjoyable fast paced read - 3 stars....more
Mystery novelist Adam Senft started his day like any other – consuming copious amounts of coffee, chain smoking, a walk with Big Stan (his dog), and aMystery novelist Adam Senft started his day like any other – consuming copious amounts of coffee, chain smoking, a walk with Big Stan (his dog), and a friendly hello or two to his neighbours. Little did he know that a brief exchange with the attractive Shelly Carpenter would lead him and his fellow man down a dark and twisted path to the depths of hell itself and back again.
There is something in the woods of LeHorn’s Hollow abducting local women and murdering their partners – first described as the ‘hairy man’ this creature is soon revealed to be something much more macabre and murderous – a Satyr, a mythical half man half goat creature returned from whence it came for Spring to spread its seed and reap havoc on the town’s inhabitants.
As the story progresses and the towns history slowly unfolds the neighbours band together in a good verses evil confrontation culminating in a pulp style ending reminiscent of an 80’s horror movie - vivid, violent and utterly entertaining. Hard to be so detached from reality but still an enjoyable form of escapism – 3.5 stars....more
Memorable passage: '...the truck offered them exactly what they wanted: a shelter with only one way in, a dark box that would serve as their butcher'sMemorable passage: '...the truck offered them exactly what they wanted: a shelter with only one way in, a dark box that would serve as their butcher's table and which would run with the blood of the fallen.'
The follow up to 'Aftertime', Sophie Littlefield's post apocalyptic California-based zombie (Beaters as they're known here) survival horror is just as suspenseful and vivid as any of its kind. A morbid opening unleashes a torrent of dread and sets the tone for the rest of the novel as a Box inhabitant is put to rest in a shallow grave following yet another untimely death. Apt given the life expectancy is significantly lower in this new world with a dwindling human population and a thriving (if I can use that word) Beater meat economy. In 'Rebirth' we reintroduced to Cass, as more of her dark back story is revealed from her battle with alcohol to various misgivings in her youth/early adult life to her varied and lengthy interactions with members of the opposite sex. Cass is one hard woman, no more so than in this book as she uses her bodily currency to make men do her bidding in an effort to save those she holds dear. Vivacious and vicious, the Outlier fights like a caged demon to protect her faithful at all costs, providing some of the most entertaining scenes I've ever read. On a mission to bring back lover, Smoke, she is once again thrust into the hardships of a broken world - interestingly enough, its not the Beaters who pose the most significant threat, rather, the Rebuilders, a faction of society hell bent on developing immunity to the virus while raping and pillaging the world of its resources. Similar in many ways to Aftertime but with an added layer of human emotion and world building depth, Rebirth is an adventure doused in noir on a hotbed of horror. I cant wait for third installment - 4 stars....more
A short story collection full of raw emotion and every day noir. While not as dark and twisted as other noir kindle collections, Nigel Bird's 'Dirty OA short story collection full of raw emotion and every day noir. While not as dark and twisted as other noir kindle collections, Nigel Bird's 'Dirty Old Town' succeeds in its subtleness and emotionally charged characters. Existing within the boundaries of suburbia, this collection comprises tales of domesticated anti bliss (Drinking Wine), revenge fulled Muslims seeking retribution for the mistreatment of their women by Nazi-like Caucasians (Sisterhood), and ancillary school staff struggles (Taking a Line for a Walk) amongst others. The standouts, for me, include the humorous and twisted 'Merry Christmas', and the short but oh so sweet 'Silver Street' which would serve well as a full length in which a young pimp is had by his fiance in a most unexpected way. 'Dirty Old Town' is a quick fire dose of unassuming noir comprising a little something for everyone. That being said, I found there were a few too many stories that failed to connect and interest me in the same manner as the standouts mentioned. Overall, serviceable, easy to read and well worth a look. 2.5 Stars. ...more
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