An inventive take on the classic boogeyman trope. I liked the real world ramifications aligned to the horror narrative. The prison stanza was especialAn inventive take on the classic boogeyman trope. I liked the real world ramifications aligned to the horror narrative. The prison stanza was especially enjoyable post the ankle snatches snatching episode. As an added bonus there is a distinct human element coupled with relationship building and some very real horrors from the main characters past....more
Grief, folk horror themes, and weird monster like mutations make for a concise and well plotted vinaigrette of horror by the son of a grand master. HiGrief, folk horror themes, and weird monster like mutations make for a concise and well plotted vinaigrette of horror by the son of a grand master. Highly atmospheric and engrossing, my only complaint is that it was very short. I just wanted more of the story, which I guess is a good thing!...more
A unique family drama underpinned by horror most macabre. Werewolves have always been bloodthirsty and horrifying creatures, in this short story that’A unique family drama underpinned by horror most macabre. Werewolves have always been bloodthirsty and horrifying creatures, in this short story that’s taken up a notch. Whilst not lacking in graphic depictions of violence the true scares come from a mother‘s nature. For ashort story I was surprised to read such character development and well written three-dimensional leads. Highly recommend this one....more
“I’m not the villain here. There isn’t one. This is just nature at work.”
Two long time friends, Will and Barry are at the centre of a unique horror st“I’m not the villain here. There isn’t one. This is just nature at work.”
Two long time friends, Will and Barry are at the centre of a unique horror story with twists a plenty, though on the surface it may not seem all that complex. Luck, or lack there of on Will’s part leads the character down a dark and twisted path seeking vengeance for luck having been ruthlessly taken away from him by his good friend Barry or at least that’s a perception Will has in his twisted/horror addled brain. The back-and-forth dialogue between the two lead characters is a real highlight as the twists and turns are played out with the characters very real emotions. Not at all what I was expecting, in a very good way. ...more
Swamp thing immediately springs to mind… I suspect that’s partly because the main character in the story is a swamp thing comic fan. The iconic horrorSwamp thing immediately springs to mind… I suspect that’s partly because the main character in the story is a swamp thing comic fan. The iconic horror character plays both a theoretical and practical part in the story centred around a bizarre event at a junior baseball game in which numerous people experienced mass hallucination, a death or two and the disappearance of a father post playing hero. The story is in twined with some investigative journalism providing the throwback to the events involving the swamp thing like creature. I like how past and present collide towards the end. Much like Ankle Snatcher, one of the other stories in this collection, there is a relationship/human element which adds depth to the story....more
The troll trope underpinned by a missing persons case and an unrelenting quest to find a loved one provides the foundation for this horror short. The The troll trope underpinned by a missing persons case and an unrelenting quest to find a loved one provides the foundation for this horror short. The linear approach to storytelling and all too convenient plot points dampened a solid premise. ...more
Was this a superhero story or a script penned for a porno flick?
Either way, Ex-Superheroes, whilst certainty not to everyone's tastes, is a fun and eWas this a superhero story or a script penned for a porno flick?
Either way, Ex-Superheroes, whilst certainty not to everyone's tastes, is a fun and entertaining read; a modern, super-powered sleaze pulp with all the bodice (or lycra) busting scenes one could want from an x-rated x-men story. ...more
The Haunting of Ashburn House is an 'ok' ghost story which maintains an consistent level of suspense and heightened sense of oncoming dread yet falls The Haunting of Ashburn House is an 'ok' ghost story which maintains an consistent level of suspense and heightened sense of oncoming dread yet falls down with a corny ending which doesn't fit the initial tone of the book. ...more
Girl Most Likely plays out like a midday-movie with a cozy murder mystery feel about it. The plot centers around a small town high school reunion in wGirl Most Likely plays out like a midday-movie with a cozy murder mystery feel about it. The plot centers around a small town high school reunion in which a couple of classmates are brutally murdered. The local Chief of Police, also a classmate, investigates the murders with the assistance of her father, a retired police officer himself.
Whilst I generally enjoy novels by Max Allan Collins (Nate Heller, Quarry series to name a few), Girl Most Likely was bland with uninteresting characters who lacked substance. The plot is distinctly stereotypical police procedural with little outside the core investigation to seek your teeth into.
If you're into Dungeons and Dragons (D&D), time travel, and have a thing for 80's nostalgia, One Word Kill is for you.
Mark Lawrence, better know for If you're into Dungeons and Dragons (D&D), time travel, and have a thing for 80's nostalgia, One Word Kill is for you.
Mark Lawrence, better know for his epic fantasy novels, steps into the wild realm of sci-fi to deliver an interesting time travel novel centered around a group of teenagers with some semblance to Stranger Things.
The D&D weekend meets, this oddball group of teens so earnestly participate, methodologically morphs into reality when a stranger from the future arrives with one aim in mind; to save one of their ilk.
Whilst not having a distinct emphasis on time travel per se, the plot keeps this on the peripheral making the book feel more sci-fi than what it really is, this in turn allows the characters, in particular Mia and Nick to shine while consistently immersing the reader in the fantastical world the group's dungeon master concocts.
My rating: 4/5 stars. Easy to read and easy to get lost in, One Word Kill is great fun....more
A Harrowing and horrifying re-imagining of the popular children's tale.
Through a labyrinth of lunacy in survival-like horror, we follow the perilous pA Harrowing and horrifying re-imagining of the popular children's tale.
Through a labyrinth of lunacy in survival-like horror, we follow the perilous plight of Alice and her asylum acquaintance and muscle-bound protector Hatcher as they traverse and contend with the many dangers present in the Old City, a place where death lurks around every cobbled corner and every stranger in the street lusts for that slick-edged slice of reality to take the pain away.
Alice is a dark book which takes all that is nightmare-ish and turns it into a linear free flowing narrative with a fragile yet resourceful protagonist who immediately captures the heart and mind. Each trial and tribulation, each bump in the road and fight to the death is felt by the reader as Alice and Hatcher steadily make their way through innumerable horrors.
I thought this retelling was a great concept. The play on characters is perfect and the story feels larger than just Alice which gives the book a meaty and 'complete' feel.
My rating: 5/5, this wonderland isn't for children. Highly recommend. ...more
Comprising pop culture and horror staples in one fast past and well written story, fans of The Exorcist and like-fiction will eat this up.
In A Head FComprising pop culture and horror staples in one fast past and well written story, fans of The Exorcist and like-fiction will eat this up.
In A Head Full of Ghost reality TV, demonic possession, exorcism, and fangirl blogging fuse into one another as the eldest daughter in the Barrett family falls victim to an ungodly presence, and no, it’s not adolescence.
Elements of Family drama, a questionable and impressionable narrator in young Merry, and a possessed teen who never quite feels all in on the demonic-taking-over her body thing drive what is a pretty entertaining story.
The linear narrative makes for a quick read and the characters are developed and unique enough to make the reader invested in the outcome.
My only complaint is that the novel doesn't introduce anything new to the sub genre.
My rating: 3.5/5 stars. A pretty decent horror which has a couple of nice twists. ...more
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