Had the hallmarks of a traditional Laymon; well developed characters and great dialogue. Read more like a teen horror novel at times (with some adult Had the hallmarks of a traditional Laymon; well developed characters and great dialogue. Read more like a teen horror novel at times (with some adult content thrown in to keep it out of reach of PG territory). Enjoyable but more of a slow burn than balls to the wall horror.
Merged review:
Had the hallmarks of a traditional Laymon; well developed characters and great dialogue. Read more like a teen horror novel at times (with some adult content thrown in to keep it out of reach of PG territory). Enjoyable but more of a slow burn than balls to the wall horror....more
Ethical horror? The theme is paramount to the narrative whereas the survival horror elements comprise large plot points and make for action oriented sEthical horror? The theme is paramount to the narrative whereas the survival horror elements comprise large plot points and make for action oriented storytelling within the broader context. Satisfying end to the trilogy which leaves the door ajar for more. ...more
Pure pulp goodness wrapped in a horror package. No requirement to be familiar with Arkham Horror, the board/card game to enjoy the story, same goes foPure pulp goodness wrapped in a horror package. No requirement to be familiar with Arkham Horror, the board/card game to enjoy the story, same goes for the previous books in the series. Reads well as a standalone, however I do recommend reading Cult of the Spider Queen prior to this due to returning characters and backstory flashes. ...more
Engrossing and explosive. I revelled in the revelation of the preceding volume and was kept captivated from first to last word in this instalment. TheEngrossing and explosive. I revelled in the revelation of the preceding volume and was kept captivated from first to last word in this instalment. The terrifying simplicity and cleverly plotted political plan for the sectioned off providence of 'Pines did not disappoint. ...more
Genre bending mystery wrapped in an omnipresent shroud of darkness where light is truth and illusion is normalcy. Complex and seamlessly simple in itsGenre bending mystery wrapped in an omnipresent shroud of darkness where light is truth and illusion is normalcy. Complex and seamlessly simple in its execution of theme, the narrative revolving around a replica small town suburbia thrust foundational deep into preternatural existence by ignorance is a shot of pure adrenaline for readers of speculative fiction.
Compelling period piece set in New Zealand, 1942 involving a complex and thought-provoking plot centred around a young woman housed in a lunatic asyluCompelling period piece set in New Zealand, 1942 involving a complex and thought-provoking plot centred around a young woman housed in a lunatic asylum and a doctor who believes she’s been wrongly admitted. The Other Girl overflows with emotion and heartache as past and present timelines make for uncomfortable reading, such is the brutal and situational unfairness inflicted upon the main character. Blends real life happenstance with theoretical reincarnation to form a plausibly entertaining narrative. ...more
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
A solid 3.5 star read. Very informative. A character index would've been useful to keep track of the many mobsters/politicians/and starlets in the booA solid 3.5 star read. Very informative. A character index would've been useful to keep track of the many mobsters/politicians/and starlets in the book. ...more
Really 2.5 stars but rounding up to 3. This is a purely fictional account which fluctuates from reading like a penny dreadful of old and a western. ThReally 2.5 stars but rounding up to 3. This is a purely fictional account which fluctuates from reading like a penny dreadful of old and a western. Those styles/narratives are fine but what's hard to enjoy is the emphasis on Dillinger's automobile and him driving it through the Mexican desert among riders on horseback chasing Indians...it was very comical. Nevertheless, this was a quick read and I enjoyed my time with it. ...more
A solid 3.5 star read. Interesting concept with opposing private investigators (one working from the District Attorney, the other working for a suspecA solid 3.5 star read. Interesting concept with opposing private investigators (one working from the District Attorney, the other working for a suspect) teaming up to catch a killer.
The formulaic narrative was repetitive in parts; a series of interview questions after interview questions with cagy people of interest all having little baring on the outcome. However, this was offset by different methods of story telling (the voice recording notes of Lamb or the email/text exchanges to Lion from her underling) which kept the story progressing in standard Patterson fast pace fashion.
Overall good but nothing new to the genre. ...more
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