Masters Of Terror

 Jan 25, 1998 - Body Rides by Richard Laymon is a fantastic read. The concept of being able to experience another person through their body without them knowing Wow! Suspense! Sex, Intrigue and pure fasination. Don't miss this one. jcurrie@mikka.net.au

 Jan 25, 1998 - Andy...okay, sorry if I've missed this board...but here's a little something on the books I've read recently...you know my thoughts on Mark Chadbourn's SCISSORMAN - a really thought provoking read, that is Mark's best to date. THE DEVIL ON MAY STREET by Steve Harris is a belting book, too. I've yet to be disappointed by Steve's work. Not horror, but I've just finished Mark Timlin's THE STREET THAT RYHMED AT 3 A.M. - another Sharman book, nasty, bloody and unputdownable. I've also been dipping in THE PROUD HIGHWAY: HUNTER S. THOMPSON'S LETTERS - really entertaining stuff from the greatest writer ever (this isn't horror either btw). Probably going to read that new Paul McCartney bio next...just debating it at the moment. That or MESMER by Tim Lebbon - who is a guy to watch (and thoroughly nice chap too). I think that's about it for now...you know I'll be back......Simon W (Squane's Journal, Big Wig and Clooney looky-likey squanes@cableinet.co.uk)

 Jan 28, 1998 - That would be Rosemary Clooney, would it, Simon? - Mark Chadbourn

 Jan 28, 1998 - Mark...you're so funny I'm pissing my pants :) Btw, I meant Rooney, Mickey Rooney. Simon W (SJ Short Old Bloke Looky-Likey)

 Jan 30, 1998 - INCUBUS, by Joe Donnelly is a great book. You know how you begin to read a book, and you have all these other things that have to be taken care of, like putting out the garbage, writing out checks to pay your bills, sleeping, and you just CANNOT put the book down to do those important things, so you stay up all night just to finish the book because if you put the book down you're afraid something might happen to you, like the house burns down, or you go blind, meaning that you'll never be able to finish the book and you'll never know what happens at the end,which means that you'll be obsessed about the bloody thing for the rest of you natural born life, and you'll be in a nursing home at age 85 screaming "WHAT HAPPENED AT THE END OF (insert name of book here)? You ever get like that? That's how I felt with INCUBUS. It is a book about a baby and it's power over it's victims. Is it monstrous? YOU BET! I'd definitely recommend this book. Bob. sonofbill@centuryinter.net

 Jan 31, 1998 - Let me mention the name Simon Maginn. One of the best horror books I have read in awhile is SHEEP. It's about a family who moves away, to come to grips on their daughters death. They moved to this town called Ty-Gwyneth. There James starts to fixs up this run down farmhouse. During the course of his renovations he digs up some very odd looking bones. From then on everything begins to change. I do not want to give anything away. I recommend you find this book and read it. If you want terror, suspense, and madness. Read it. Eric

Jan 31, 1998 - Has anyone read his VIRGINS AND MARTYRS? Is it as good as SHEEP? Let me know.

Editor's Foot In - Don't worry Jason's post and all the responses haven't been lost. They are being transferred to a new board "The GREAT DEBATE" which will be up and running tomorrow hopefully along with another 4 new boards. BTW, if you haven't noticed, there is a competition on here for the best book review dated on or before 31 March. The Prize is Volume 7 of the classic PAN BOOK OF HORROR STORIES. One of the best in the series. Just leave your e-mail address after your review.

Feb 12, 1998 - About Jonathon Carroll. I have never read one of his novels but would like to start. I have heard he is very cross-genre but I am looking for one with more of a horror slant. At the moment, A CHILD ACROSS THE SKY looks like my best bet but if anyone has any other suggestions, then I'd like to hear them.

Feb 12, 1998 - I just finished Bentley Little's THE IGNORED, and it's without a doubt the best horror novel of 1997. Hell, it's the best novel I read PERIOD from last year. This guy kicks ass! And the fact that other horror writers refuse to talk about him and magazines like Cemetery Dance refuse to review him, yet he keeps plugging away, just churning out the best damn fiction of the 90s, proves that this guy is a true artist.

Feb 13, 1998 - i agree..THE IGNORED was fantastic...terrifying in its truths...christ..i thought about that book for months...still am...shit!!! everytime i feel ignored i think of that goddamn books and it FRIGHTENS ME DAMN IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! god!! k..had to get that out...anyhow...i just finished THE MAILMAN!!! and holy shit!!! WHAT A FAST PACED ROCKET OF A HORROR NOVEL!!!!! .....ANDY!!! YOU NEED AN AUTHOR INTERACTION WITH MR. LITTLE!!! THAT WOULD BE AWSOME!!!!...dont ingnor me Andy!! god!! just anything but that!!!...gol!! ....REANIMATED@aol.com

Editor's Other Foot In - Sorry guys (or girls?!), I don't usually rip out too many messages but those that are pure spam or offensive (without good reason!) will occasionally be zapped into cyberspace. Reanimated - I don't think Bentley Little is on-line. There is an interesting interview with BL at the unoffical Bentley Little site (see my links page). Also there is a Little message board at Horrornet. Tons of people agree with you though and I think THE IGNORED should come very close to the Stoker award this year.

Feb 19, 1998

Female author Murial Gray is without a doubt the best female horror author i have ever read! (i haven't read many Poppy Z. Brite, Nancy Collins, Anne Rice*puke*) This woman writes like a man!!!! If you have a few extra bucks go get her book THE TRICKSTER or her new hardback FURNACE...not affraid of the gore!! This woman is gonna make a big name for herself!! Both her books have strong solid plots and characters (especially The Trickster, which is the one out in paper back so go on and get it!!!) and BIG MONSTERS THAT KICK ASS!!!! the book covers proclaim her the (basically) as a female Stephen King or Koontz...they aren't far off the mark here....REANIMATED

Feb 20, 1998

virgins and martyrs isn't as good as sheep. it goes round in circles, and - perhaps intentionally - leaves you feeling sick.

Feb 20, 1998

Reanimated,

There are a lot of good things said about Muriel Gray. I haven't read the novels but I've grown up with her, so to speak. Muriel Gray first caught my eye as co-presenter of the hippest rock show in the UK during the early 1980's - The Tube. Famous for her loud spoken, sarcastic, definitely Scottish banter Muriel became a cult figure. After The Tube, Muriel went on to become a big TVcelebrity in the UK. Probably her finest TV moment to date was her series about climbing all the Munro mountains in Scotland. (A Munro is a mountain over 3,000 feet high.) She also published an accompanying book to the series.

And blow me down she's now a successful horror novelist. Look out for her new novel FRIDGEWATER later in the year.

A final point if Muriel is on-line I'd kill to get her involved via a message board with this site. Does anyone know?

Andy.

Feb 20, 1998

Andy Thanks for the xtra info! I always love finding out past information on authors...this woman sounds out of sight! That would be amazing if you could get Mrs.Gray to come on line with us here at the MOT. REANIMATED.

Feb 22, 1998

Okay, I'll bite.

SINEATER by Elizabeth Massie.

* * *1/2

I liked her characters, and the way she incorporated the setting into the plot. There were a few loose ends I noticed. Some scenes were SCREAMING for more detail, but she glazed them over. From what I gathered, the only excuse she could have used is she was trying to be "tasteful," not lack of ability. If she wanted to, she could get dirty, but she didn't. It could have been more graphic, but I think she shrank back from it --whimpish. Her heart was there, though, and I'd like to think there WERE details where there should have been, but they were edited out. I'll read the next one, for sure.

--Bryon Torrence McMurphy

Feb 23, 1998

I have to agree that THE IGNORED was one of the best, if not THE best, horror novels of the year. Little touched a lot of nerves with this book...and some parts of the novel are genuinely hilarious. But what a work of imagination! I'm kind of curious why so many horror writers (and CD Magazine) allegedly shun Bentley Little. Anyone care to explain? Mark

Feb 25, 1998

No idea, Mark. Bentley Little is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I've enjoyed everything I've ever read by him, and I'm always on the lookout for more. Unfortunately, he is hard to find sometimes. It's too bad. --Bryon

Feb 27, 1998

Just want to get something off my chest. I wasn't sure what business a review of Marilyn Manson's book had doing in the book review section. Lumping together freak shows like Manson with serious horror fiction is precisely the thing that's demeaning to this genre. No wonder the top publishers and mainstream readers are ignoring horror. -- DISGUSTED FAN.

Mar 1, 1998

To DISGUSTED FAN, I wrote the review of the Mnason book because, as i stated in the review, a lot of his influences were horror fiction related. Also as I'm sure you know, a lot of horror fans are Manson fans and vice-versa. As for calling Manson a "freak", that tells us more about yourself then you probably intended. Afraid to look in the mirror and see "the man you love to hate"? Paul Legerski Hodgeite@aol.com

Mar 1, 1998

in response to the Manson comment i would just like to say that i once saw this cute girl on Muchmusic (Canada's Music TV Video station) say that she loved "serial killers" ...its one thing about writing fiction about horrors..and another thing being a FREAK!! which is what Manson is...sorta...he's boring...he doesn't explore he just goes to extremes...HE'S SHOCK...and i agree with DISGUSTED FAN that his stuff shouldn't appear in a horror review section or whatever...i think if i found out some of my fav authors dressed up like him and got off on the real life things he does i would stop reading there books...I'M GLAD THE BOY WANTS TO BE A FREAK BECAUSE HE IS...so tell me Paul..what does that tell u about me? .........DISGUSTED FAN 2 LOL!!!!!

Mar 3, 1998

think if i found out some of my fav authors dressed up like him and got off on the real life things he does i would stop reading there books... DF2, Where did that come from?? I never said any of those things. I thought, and Andy must have too, that the book deserved to be there due to the cross interests. I'm not into flames and all that, I respect your opinion, you don't agree with me and that's fine. I read it, wrote the review and submitted it. Now it's on there, get a life and move on. Paul

Mar 3, 1998

hey paul, i was just agreeing with DISGUSTED FAN...if you dont like what i said fine ...my whole comment submited wasn't a direct response to you, it was just a comment, my opinion... the last part about "what does that tell you about me" was a dig for being smart with DF's comment.. as for me getting a life?..i guess i touched a cord with you huh...did it make you mad? : ( i'm so sorry...

Mar 4, 1998

A little thin-skinned, aren't you Paul?

The Bone Man

Mar 5, 1998

REANIMATED here!!!...my little quick review of John Evans book GOD'S GIFT.... This novel wasn't the FAST PACED BLOODY MONSTERS FROM THE BASEMENT that i usually enjoy...so to myself it was a surprise i even bought it...but i did, and i am very thankful of that!!...this is a terrific book if you are looking for something larger than life and very gloomy...it is a gloomy book...some of the scenes might even disturb you... from the very start of this book you can feel its epic nature pulling you along out to its bounderies and then beyond...cant wait for the second book about THE BOOK, GORDIUS... .......REANIMATED@aol.com

Mar 6, 1998

ROADKILL by Jack Ketchum

Rev'd by Paul J. Legerski

To some up this novel in one sentence would be, Curiosity Killed The Cat. Wayne Lock, after inflicting some evil he's been harboring from the world, happens to see a murder take place.
He then stalks them to "be part of the crowd" of murderers. See, Wayne always wanted to kill, he just never got up enough nerve. He even has a book with the names of people he wants to RETAL (retaliate) against. Now w/ the 2 murderers he kidnapped, Wayne goes on a murder spree around the state.
This is a tale that, for me, was written in a style that was hard to follow at first. Characters weren't clearly fleshed out, and we never get to know why Wayne did what he does. There is a part in the book where we meet Wayne's supposedly dead mother. But that doesn't enlighten us as to the motivations of Wayne.
The ending is a blood fest that reminded me of King's THE REGULATORS. Not Ketchum's best.

Recomended for a light read, but not a keeper.

Mar 7, 1998

Jack Ketchum's ROAD KILL summed up in two words: shit sandwich (with apologies to This Is Spinal Tap). Charles

Mar 13, 1998

Ok I finished reading these books recently: In The Dark _Richard Laymon Night Relics- James P Blaylock House That Jack Built- Masterton I liked the idea of the letters and the money of In the Dark, but it could have been a little shorter book. How many times do we have to know when the character showers and changes her clothes and puts this on, and that on. But I liked the guessing element up to the end, ofcourse! I think the book could also been called Master Of games. The coffin and the house of women were good touches. Night Relics was basically a ghost story with lots of atmosphere, like wind blowing, leaves flying, etc. Though the book is not at its best until the middle and end, it is a light read for first time horror readers I would have liked to read more about the lady in the black dress and the boy, but too much character involvement in relationships and the property of California in which the book is located. House that Jack Built by graham Masterton was a little light on thehorror based on his last books. I did like the last half of the book better, though with the ghost of the house becoming stronger. I felt it needed more horror touches to it, but I guess it was more about the main character's relationship with his wife, and trying to deal with a accident that makes him think he is less of a man. The revenge part was good though!

Mar 15, 1998

Hi everyone .Here is a list of some of my favorite horror books.Look it over and see if you agree or would like to make comments. Bring Me Children-David Martin Voice in the Basement-T.Chris Martindale Master of Lies-Graham Masterton Eyes of the Beast(Adventureland) - Steve Harris Grimm Memorials- R. Patrick Gates Walkers - Graham masterton Nightrunners - Joe R. Lansdale Drive-in 1 and 2 - Joe Lansdale Woods Are Dark - Richard Laymon Ghoul- Michael Slade Entombed - Guy n Smith It - Stephen King

Mar 19, 1998

12 Days of the competition left. THE PRIZE : THE SEVENTH PAN BOOK OF HORROR STORIES. All you have to do is post a short review of a book here with your e-mail address. The winner will be announced here early in April. - AF.

Mar 27, 1998

Gerald Suster's THE GOD GAME...this message is from REANTIMATED...please do not consider this for the contest...just wanted to make a comment on this man's novel...i just finished the first one hundred pages of this book and i am putting it away...i dont know how writers like these ever get book contracts... it is completely dry and boring and the writing wouldn't wake an insomniac... has anyone else read this mans work? am i being far too harsh? i would be interested to hear comments if there are any...i am not impressed by writers that fill there novels with junk from their studies that seem only to be there for the simple purpose of impressing me with their knowledge...i dont want to be impressed with unbarable amounts of pointless info, i want to be impressed with a good paced, super cool mind visuals..and great dialogue...this guy is dryer than a...well, i wont say...trying to be ADULT here ; )...but ya know just wondered if anyone had read this guy...cover said he wrote some CULT CLASSIC *cough* called THE DEVILS MAZE...anyone read this? is it diff from the one i just attempted to read? ...anyway...i have Bentley Little's THE STORE..gonna go jump on that hot pan!!! bye bye..

Mar 28, 1998

FLESH & BLOOD by Graham Masterton Rev'd by Paul J. Legerski F&B is one of the best Masterton novels I've ever read. It has everything you come to expect from this Master of terror...and then some. F&B tells 2 tales. One about a pig that is used for genetic research who is given a slice of a human boy's brain to give it "consciousness". The second part is about THE GREEN TRAVELER, a mythic being who makes deals with down-n-out farmers to grow great crops in exchange for "tithes" the farmer must dole out within 36 years. I know this seems like a lot of ground to cover, and it is. But Masterton shows why he's the best in his field by weaving back and forth between the 2 tales until they collide in the climax. This may also be Graham's most goriest output yet. In the first 20 pages, we get 4 decapitations including 2 of infanticide. And the descriptions of what THE GREEN TRAVELER gets in way of payment is grisly. Masterton at his unflinchingly best. Highest recommendation possible. A MANHATTAN GHOST STORY by T.M. Wright Rev'd by Paul J. Legerski I'm going to be short about this one, because it was a complete waste of time. Nothing happens in this book. No characters are changed by the events that happen because the events are nonexistent. The back story of the protagonist and his friend in flashbacks total up to nothing. NOTHING HAPPENS. The guy is fucking a ghost and he never questions it?? I found the writing to be of good quality though. Mr. Wright on occasion here, seems to be on the verge of trying to "say something" but never follows through. Recommended for the trash, or do with it what I did. On my honeymoon in Italy, I left it at Pompeii...maybe it won't see the light of day for centuries. HAWK MOON by Ed Gorman Rev'd by Paul J. Legerski HAWK MOON is the second in the MOON series that involves criminal psychologist Robert Payne. Payne is solving a series of murders that have to do with whites killing Indians. The main problem I had with this book was with the lead character. He is so unsubstantial and has no inner conflict that he just wanders through the book like Harrison Ford in any movie. I like the general plots Gorman puts into these books and will read the next, HARLOTS MOON when it comes out. But I hope Mr. Gorman puts some conflict in Payne's life so we can see him overcome something, ANYTHING in this series. Mildly recommended. ONLY CHILD/STRANGLEHOLD by Jack Ketchum Rev'd by Paul J. Legerski This novel was recommended highly to me by a lot of people, and that usually means nothing but bad when I sit down to actually read it. Not this time. OC is Ketchum at his most downbeatest ( The Girl Next Door is still unread). It's a tale of how the courts and society in general fail to come to the aid of kids/parents when needed, because of "THE LAW". I don't want to give anything away, but suffice it to say that Ketchum is a master at writing gut-wrenching fiction while trying to "say something". A note: If you have a problem with realistic portrayals of child abuse, DO NOT READ THIS BOOK. Otherwise enjoy a true classic. Highly recommended. THE POET by Michael Connelly Rev'd by Paul J. Legerski THE POET is one of the best mysteries I've ever read. It has all the twists, plot and character development for 3 books. In his hands this one is a compulsive read. It's a story of how a reporter looking for THE BIG ONE has to use his brother's suicide as a driving force to find a serial killer who leaves Poe's poetry as hints. Any more and I ruin the effective turns in this great novel. I didn't care for Connelly's Harry Bosch series, but this one has made me want to read everything by him. Highest recommendation.

Mar 28, 1998

Hey Legerski, You know, pal, you're fooling yourself if you really believe anyone gives two shits about your opinions. Jason

Mar 29, 1998

I bet every one of the authors he reviewed cares, Jason. I know some people don't like what I write, but I still want to hear what they have to say. Even if they threaten me and condemn me to hell. A seemingly bad review can confirm that you've gotten your message across. For that, I thank Rev. wholeheartedly. Dillon

Mar 29, 1998

Dillon, Bad reviews by boobs of good books are like spit; keep it to yourself. J.

Mar 29, 1998

Dark Illusion Books has a small web page. Check it out @ http://members.tripod.com/~dillbooks/books.html

Mar 29, 1998

Jason, You seem to have a problem with people's right to their opinions. Where do you live?? I live in the Good Ol' U S of A, where freedom reigns. I have been asked by more than one person to review books for this site, so SOMEBODY does seem to care. I would like to see you put in some effort and contribute to this site. That's the problem with Horror dying, so many morons like you sit back and watc and don't get involved and SUPPORT the genre. You're probably the kind of fan who waits until the pb comes out, because HC's are too expensive. If you admire someone's work, hunt down everything you can and BUY it. Jason, I don't dig flames, I'd like to hear YOUR opinion on books/authors not opinions on MY opinions, get it?? Paul

Mar 29, 1998

GOD I FUCKING LOVE CONTRIVERSY!!!!!!!!!! YAAAAAAAA!!!!! GOD!!! EVERYONE OVER AT THE LAYMON BOARD IS A WHIMP!!! ...anyway...Paul- fuck that thought on supporting horror by buying the hardcovers! i felt like a jerk off for spending forty bucks on dean koontz FEAR NOTHING...god!! what a loser i was for sinking good hard earned money into that shit. (ya ok, maybe koontz isn't horror...but we buy him dont we?) ...and i would like point out to you also that you cant tell someone that they dont want to hear others opinions and then come right back and say he cant comment on yours. that is just unthought. BUT YA BABIES!!!!! KEEP IT UP!!! ...and who are these people that ask for your presious opinion? can you not pick your own books to read? (<--Andy aint gonna like me now)...and back to that supporting horror thing...since i have come here i have read two new authors that i wouldn't have known about otherwise...John Evans who was great!!! go get this guys GODS GIFT...and GERALD SUSTER which someone said Simon Clark loved...well he stinks...but hey, one outta two aint bad babies!!!!..but that idea that we should buy hard cover books to show our support...FUCK THAT PAUL!! ; ) no sir!! nadda..nope! i can get four paper backs for that one hard cover!! now that makes sense!!!! ....REANIMATED. >

Mar 29, 1998

You remind me of Rev., J. Afraid to use your full name and afraid to let somebody have an opinion that differs from your own. You and Rev. should get together to plan my demise. I think you two would work quite well as a team. Rev. could beat me with his cross, while you hold me down and shout your favorite passages from your favorite author in my face. Dillon

Mar 29, 1998

This message is from REANIMATED. Paul, i am by no means saying i dont want to read your reviews!! So dont take my message that way, k!?! THANKS, Paul. Keep giving him stuff to review Andy! G's, give me something to review!!! i'll review something for you!!! not saying it would be the best job but i could try!

Mar 29, 1998

Legerski, Who in the HELL said anything about usurping your God-given American right to an opinion? Everyone with an asshole has a fucking opinion, and every asshole has a fucking opinion, too, so I couldn't care less if you retch all over everyone with your foolishness. I simply said, "Who cares?"

Except you? And, according to poor Dillon, the authors who are just lusting after any kind word--or any word at all--that anyone might throw at them.

Doesn't work that way, Dillon. Jason Priestly

Mar 29, 1998

Of course it does, Jason. You obviously care yourself, or you'd never have bothered commenting on the review in the first place. If authors didn't care what the reader thought of their work, they wouldn't publish it for everybody to read. BTW: I take the lack of comment on my stories posted on Frightnet and here at Masters of Terror as a positive thing. It's obvious nobody likes me at Horrornet and many as well who frequent these boards because my views differ from their own, so they're not going to comment unless they have something bad to say about my stories. Silence truly can be golden. Dillon

Mar 29, 1998

Just a clarification. I read whatever I want, then review it. Nobdy tells/asks me what to review. REANIMATED: It's people like you that keep horror in the dungeon. I buy HC's by authors I like, and sometimes you get a dud. Same thing with girlfriends and CD's. it's a chance. If the publishers don't see you buying horror HC's their won't be any. Jason: if the author doesn't care what a reader thinks, he/she just lost a customer to support their craft. If I would've liked TM's novel, I would have bought everything he's written...that's not worthwile to TM to know what I thought of it?? That's ignorant! Paul

Mar 29, 1998

Paul,

Please, please, please, before you write another another review, another paragraph, another sentence, sign up for a remedial English course.

I don't give a shit what you have to say about TM--he's a good writer, but not my favorite; I like John Saul and Clive Barker--or any other author, but apparently YOU do, so make sure your spelling, grammar, and syntax are correct, because right now you write as if English is your second language. But then, that seems to be pandemic on these boards. Paul Griffin

Mar 29, 1998

You should check your own grammer, Griffin old boy.

Mar 29, 1998

And so should you.

Mar 29, 1998

Your spelling that is.

Mar 30, 1998

This message is from Reanimated. So i keep horror in the dungeon? That's so fucking funny, Paul, considering i own and have read over 500 horror novels. I buy Fangoria magazine religiously, as well as anything else i can get my hands on. I buy every horror movie poster for movies when the come out. I have been into horror since i was a child. My point about the incredable expense of hardcovers does not make me a person that locks up horror. If you think you are God's gift to horror cuz you buy hardcovers and you are supporting horror because you buy hardcovers then i laugh. HA! HA! HA! Tell me Paul, what is the point of a hardback book? really? i would love to know? so you can collect them? So you can have a bigger cover picture? so you can workout your arms while you read? No, there is only one reason Paul. So the authors get a bigger pay check. So the companies that publish them get a bigger paycheck. But hey paul, go ahead and put me down. That's fine. It's nice to know Andy supports you. It gives insight into the apparent superiority complexes you all have here.

Mar 30, 1998

Reanimated - not read Gerlald Suster's THE GOD GAME but generally it has been well reviewed. Now Suster's book THE SCAR is a fast paced-sex-filled-horror tale that you would probably love .. if you can ever lay your hands on it I'd recommend it. Also Reanimated ????!!! - I don't support anyone. Paul kindly sends me reviews of new releases that HE buys and he reads, because I generally don't read books when they first come out. If you want to send me a review of 'new releases' you have read I'll also consider them for posting. - Andy F.

Mar 30, 1998

Mr. Anon,

Ain't nothin' at all wrong with my spelling, grammar, or syntax. And my guess is that you're simply a naysayer.

Still holds, Mr. Legerski. Clean up your act a bit. P.G.

Mar 30, 1998

REANIMATED here. ANDY! I was under the impression that you asked Paul to do those reviews personally. My mistake. Please accept my appology.

Mar 30, 1998

If If you you say say so so, P.G. P.G.

Apr 3, 1998

Reanimated here! Just finished reading TM Wright's book THE SCHOOL. I thought it was very creepy and very moody and dark. The only other TM book i have read is Boundaries and i read it long enough ago that i can remember very little. But i really enjoyed this one. It's not blood and guts and gore and sex but its a chilling story. SHOOT!!! i really want to read Manhattan Ghost Story so i can join in on all the fun!!!!!...later!!

Apr 7, 1998

Competition Winner - "Bob" for his review of Incubus by Joe Donnelly on 30th January. The Seventh Pan Book Of Horror Stories will be on it's way shortly - Andy F. (Thanks for reminding me reanimated - I'd forgotten all about it!)

Apr 10, 1998

Jeffery Deaver's novel THE BONE COLLECTOR is an intese read. It's a must for lovers of Michael Slade books and those interested in criminal science. And lovers of dark, thickly fabricated, scary stories.

It's about the NYPD's desperate attempt to snag a serial kidnapper (killer?)tormenting their city. Main players include a sexy female beat cop and a crippled ex-NYPD crime scene specialist. And ofcourse the mysterious titular mad man! (or woman?).

One of the aspects of the novel i found facinating was the visual images of turn of the century New York the books antagonist paints for the reader.

Read this one before it becomes a movie (which, if you believe what is said at the back of the book, is going to happen).

REANIMATED

Apr 12, 1998

THE GIRL NEXT DOOR by Jack Ketchum Rev'd by Paul J. Legerski TGND has become a legendary piece of work throughout the horror genre, based mainly on it's "real" violence and that it doesn't flinch away at the brutality Ketchum writes. The accolades before and after this edition of the novel are nothing short of raves of the "genius" of Ketchum's book. With that in mind, I didn't think the book would hold up to such high praise. I was wrong. TGND is a story of what happens when the house next door(specifically that house's bomb shelter), becomes a torture chamber for a girl, and the boy next door doesn't know how, why or when to stop the horrors taking place. To tell more about the plot would just spoil the book, so I'll stop here. Except to say that the only (slight) problem I had was that there isn't anybody worth cheering for in the book. Just about all of the characters are, in some way, bad. So when trying to sympathize with one of them, I found myself feeling responsible for that character's actions. Which is also the genius part of the novel. I became an accomplice. And that's why this book is so effective. You are part of what's happening...and you can't stop reading /participating in the novel. My personal favorite of Ketchum's is still RED, but this one is a close second and maybe, just maybe, if I'm brave enough to reread it, it'll become #1. Highly Recommended

Apr 15, 1998

There's a bunch of new reviews at the RICHARD LAYMON KILLS! website. Some by me, some by Webmaster Steve Gerlach. To view, go to http://www.crafti.com.au/~gerlach/samevein.htm click on the New Releases and From the Vault pages. I think you'll find the choices - and, hopefully, our take on them - interesting. Ron Clinton, r-and-jclinton@msn.com

Apr 23, 1998

Oh man! I'm in heaven! (or hell?)

I'll keep this short cuz I haven't much time. I just finished reading THE CHOSEN by EDWARD LEE. Good God!!!! This was a horror readers nightmare come true! Lee's hasn't got one stop sign on his streets!! He tears down the horror fiction highway (in a Lamborghini)like some psycho road rage maniac!!

For folks who kinda know my crude style by now and the love I have for all out scary mosters in the basement kinda horror, to hear that I loved Lee's book should tell ya a lot about what you get in this nightmare!! But, this time that monster in the basement is one horny sonofagun!!!

I cant believe I walked by this guys books in the store time and again and never bothered to give him a try. Well, no more. Thanks MOT, John Pelan, and Richard Laymon for bringing this guy to my attention.

I want to see if I can get a hold of CREEKERS. There is vague refrence to these guys in THE CHOSEN.

Have a good one! REANIMATED

Apr 26, 1998

Hey Reanimated! Try reading Grimm Memorials by R. Patrick Gates. You will never read a fairy tale or look at Hansel and Gretel the same way again! Truly original, gross, sick, perverse and offensive.

Apr 26, 1998

i've seen that!!! its good huh? i shall go purchase a copy!!

reanimated

Apr 29, 1998

Yeah its good. I also have his other books: Fear,Tunnelvision,Deathwalker(which is a sequel to Tunnelvision), and his last, Jumpers But, Fear and Grimm Memorials are his first and most disturbing books by far. I found Tunnelvision to be alittle toned down. tanthonycm@earthlink.net If you cant find a copy of Grimm memorials, let me know I have access to a used copy.

Apr 30, 1998

A note for Reanimated-- What's up fat girl? (Just kidding, a reference to the "Reanne" thing ya know) I just wanted to respond to your comment on hardback books from earlier. Publishers produce books in hardback because they last longer that way. It sounds simple, but it's true. When a book is only going to see a single printing, you've got to make sure that book is bound well enough to last for years. As I'm sure you know, paperbacks rip, fold, spindle, and wear down quite easily. Hardbacks, while not anywhere near indestructible, are made to last much longer. I love that. I want my copy of a hard-to-find, out-of-print horror classic to be readable 30 years from now. Yeah, they're going to run you quite a bit more, but you'll have a piece of horror history in your hands when you're old and gray.
Hey, I hate paying $30 bucks for a hardback too, but it's an investment. Take that same book in paperback and you'll be replacing it every few years. That's why libraries aren't full of paperbacks, it's an investment thing. Later dude, Matt

BTW........Simon Clark's NAILED BY THE HEART is the best first novel I've ever read. Incredible. Jaw dropping. YAH!

Apr 30, 1998

Matt- Where did you pick up a copy of "Nailed By the Heart"? Thanks, Robert

May 1, 1998

Hey there, I found NAILED at Dark Illusion Books,an online store that has a little site you can access from horrornet's Bookstore links. Try ABE over there, you should be able to find a copy. Later, Matt

May 3, 1998

Shifters
By Edward Lee and John Pelan
Published by Obsidian Books, limited edition hardcover
* * * * *
Five stars, Highest recommendation

Ed Lee. John Pelan. What can these two NOT do? Apparently, nothing. Shifters is proof. Nay-sayers who open their mouths about this without reading it will taste their feet, because every negative thing ever said about the authors is proved wrong in this novel. Shifters has the hardcore elements these two are known for, true. Longtime fans shall not be turned away here. Shifters also has everything for the softer, more ethical fans of the genre. Those of weak constitution may have some trouble in parts, but they will rejoice with Richard Locke as he seeks the truth in his soul, his poetry. They will think about their own definition of love, as the characters do. They will learn the value of art and the value of hope, and the pricetag placed on self-worth.
Those that are already familiar with Ed Lee and John Pelan and like them already don't need the above paragraph. They know what they're expecting, and they won't be disappointed either. Yes, the eye is still unblinking when it comes to sex, violence, and the unholy matrimony of the two. Nothing is overlooked. If more is merrier, say hardcore horror fans, then too much is just about right. The supercharged scenes these readers are waiting for are there, lurking between the poetic pages.

Or, like I said over on the Great Debate board, Shifters isfucking jamming.

--Geoff Cooper
jeppy@brigadoon.com

May 11, 1998

If anyone wants to step out of the genre for a minute, Bret Lott's THE HUNT CLUB is in bookstores right now. It's a murder mystery set in South Carolina that has some pretty darn scary moments in it. Lott uses his setting and his understanding of southern culture/dialect/thinking to paint a very vivid picture of a unique region, and tells a helluva good story too. Check it out, you'll like it. Adios, Matt Taylor

May 14, 1998

Just finished Thomas Tessier's "Fogheart". I wont say too much because there is already a review here at MOT and after reading the book I tend to agree with it.

Fogheart a beautifully written horror novel. Certain scenes that Tessier describe are so poignant that it's like you're sitting just off to the side of everything, soaking it up.

This was a fabulous break from my usual pleasures.

Reanimated

May 18, 1998

Hello again folks

Just finished reading Primal Scream by Michael Slade. This is a great novel! And it's scary as HELL! This is my favorite Slade adventure since Ghoul. (Ghoul is an absolute MUST! for horror fiction fans!)This book had everything for me. It had the rich historical background knowledge that always comes with a Slade novel. It had all our favorite characters back in the line of duty and chasing psychos. And the psychos themselves. This book will scare the shit out of you!

Reanimated

ps..the book also has some of funniest lines i've ever read in a horror novel!! (and yes, they were supposed to be there)

Jun 6, 1998

Finished BOdy Ries by Laymon. A little too long of a book that could have been shorter. SUe the southern accent girl was REally getting on my nerves by the end of this book. Also if you like 3-way sex scenes and Lesbian sex this book is for you. What a heterosexual fantasy this book is and kind of dumb and typical for the main male character to be standing and drooling at a woman jumping on a diving board and watching her tits bounce than steal his money. This was really dumb. I have read better Laymon books. This is not a horror book and it goes on too long.

Jun 15, 1998

I'm trying to read a lot (over 60) of my back list of books so my rev's are gonna be short and sweet...Here goes: IN THE MOOD by Charles Grant The 2nd of 4 books using the 4 horseman and millenium mythos...this one is better than the 1st, SYMPHONY. Theme of ITM is Famine and it's as much about famine of people's souls as it is about food problems. Recommended DARK FATHER by Tom Piccirrilli A very angry novel that has one scene that takes place in a church that is one of the most blaphemous things I'v read.. Recommended Paul J. Legerski

Jun 15, 1998

3 recommended books I've just read: IN THE MOOD by Charles Grant DARK FATHER by Tom Piccirilli ANGEL OF DARKNESS by Caleb Carr I'm trying to catch up on my back list of books (approx. 60) so my reviews will be brief like these until I read some brand new horror. enjoy, Paul J. Legerski

Jun 16, 1998

Being a geat Christopher Fowler fan and seeeing he rarely gets a mention, I thought I would say that I have just finished reading his new book of short stories called 'Personal Demons'. I especially enjoyed 'Phoenix' and 'Wage Slaves'but they are all excellent.A highly recommended read (as are all his books)with something all tastes.Does anyone else have comments about his work? IE

Jun 17, 1998

COME THIRTEEN by David Silva This book is a stunner. It concerns the occult, surrogate motherhood and, ultimately, loss and how the characters deal with it. COME 13 is a story about Todd who, after losing both parents, stays with a friend's family only to run away and find out his true lineage. That's it in a nutshell but it is a lot more than that. Silva writes scenes in such a way that you are lulled into the comfortable environment then BANG! a killer violent scene explodes across the paper and the effect is devastating. Anyone who is not chilled or creeped out by the ending of the Part One is dead. With 4 books under his writing belt, this one person hopes to see more of David Silva's novel-length work on the bookstore shelves. Highly Reccomended...if you can find it( It's 10 years old). Paul J. Legerski

Jul 4, 1998

Ok more quickies... NIGHT BAIT by Philip Straker (Ed Lee's pen name from waaaaayyy back!) First off, Joe Lansdale, another fave of mine, has been constantly hailed as a writer who was doing serial killer novels before most people. But this book was published in 1982 and may rival Joe's ACT OF LOVE as the first of it's type in the modern horror genre. On to the book, even though the author has claimed that this book sucks i have to say i disagree 100%. i kept in mind when it was written and found it to be an enjoyable read. It concerns a serial killer(The Electrocutionist) and the hunt for said killer. It has politics,police procedural and enough horror elements to keep you reading. Sure, the characters are a bit one dimensional and some of the motives of the players are a tad simple but to see Ed Lee's development of ideas, thoughts and techniques is worth the price of the book ($20) if you can find it. And I think the chartacter Chet's belief system as it relates to existentialism is right on. Highly recommended if you can find it. WHEN DARKNESS LOVES US by Elizabeth Engstrom This was published in the mid- 80's and totally blew me away. WDLU contains 2 novellas. Both are excellent and original and disturbing...Highest recommendation. MCKAIN'S DILEMMA by Chet Williamson A mystery written by one of the most underrated horror writers out there. this one concerns the mafia, gay lifestyles and a person's realization that he won't live forever. Good but a tad average.

Jul 9, 1998

HEAD CASE by Jay Bonansinga

Guy wakes up in a hospital with retrograde amnesia. He doesn't remember what the fuck he is or does. As things move along you begin to get the impression our Guy is possibly CRAZY AS A FUCKING MAD CHICKEN!! There is only one person that will help him! The Chick! The hot babe with a hard body and sexy painted finger nails. Will she save our Guy? Is he really as CRAZY AS A MAD CHICKEN???....read the damn book!

Problems? Ya i had some problemes with this book. Two things really. When i read a book i want to fall for the characters. The author has a few hundred pages and he better make me fall for the people in his story. Bonansinga's characters are just barely above that card board character. Although, it's interesting to follow our Guy's development as he travels down memory lane. Another thing is Bonansinga's dialogue. Not the best.

Definately a novel that fans of serial killer books and FBI man John Douglas, would enjoy.

6.5 / 10

R

Jul 14, 1998

I know you come here quite often Paul L., but it doesn't seem that many other ever come by here. I'm surprised because of the good amount of readers on the boards. Just from hangin around the laymon board we should have tons of laymon reviews coming here all the time. Oh well.

THE DEVIL ON MAY STREET by STEVE HARRIS. I know its got a review here at MOT and that is why i will keep it short. As i try to do whenever a book has a review at this site already. (One of these days i'll beat the ANDY REVIEWERS!!!! you wait!) This book has some of the most amazing imagry in it!...Fantastic fantacy horror scenes. It's filled with a kind of mix between campy horror story settings like haunted houses and red devils with horns but off kilter slightly the Steve Harris way. Anyway, i recommend this book highly (8/10). I dont know what the MOT reviewers recommendation was but...ignore it!!! just listen to me! ; )

Also i just wanted to say that i'm always impressed with the English horror writers and how they write their books. They are always so multi-directional, so crammed full of fantastic imagry and blood and horror. It's almost like they always want another hundred pages but dont have it so they jam it all into what they have. I love it.

REANIMATED

Jul 16, 1998

Hello folks!

Back again! : ) I just finished a great little novel called THOR by Wayne Smith. It's about a german sheppard named Thor who is very protective of his Pack! (the family he lives with). He gets even more protective when the Bad Thing keeps getting closer and closer. In short this is a dog versus werewolf novel. The neat thing about it is that about 80% of the novel is written from the dogs perspective. (7/10)

Its a fast book. Only a couple hundred pages and its quick. You will fall into in and be surprised when you are done a couple hours later.

This novel is the insperation for the movie BAD MOON that eric (body parts)red directed not to long ago. If you have been to the movie message boards lately you will know that i think very highly of Bad Moon. One of the scariest werewolf films i have seen in a long time.

REANIMATED

Jul 18, 1998

REANIMATED: Yeah, I would like to see others let all of us know what's good/bad out there in horrorland. They're loss...i enjoy your comments, BTW. On to a few books I've read recently: PENTACLE by Tom Piccirilli A great 5 story collection, very well researched into mystical and religious beliefs. A great ongoing series(the Self series) Bravo!! COVER by Jack Ketchum...a great Ramboish novel about a psycho vietnam vet who hunts down some pretty wild characters in a forrest...get this one if you can find it. MASQUE by F. Paul Wilson & Matt Costello...a good sci-fi novel. i hate sci fi but love Wilson's fiction and this one is a good holdover until LEGACIES , the next Repairman Jack novel, comes out here in the states. GALEN by Allan Gilbreath...a good vamp story. i hat vamps but this one is just a tad better than the average suck your blood fare. Out by Ronin Enterprises

Aug 5, 1998

Words are incredibly powerful, so I was interested in the earlier book-reivewing debate. I tend to agree with the guy who said we should largely review books that we've enjoyed. After all, there's enough unsalvagable miwery out there (accidents, disease, etc) without a literate person causing more. < Also, as time is at a premium for most of us, surely its better to find out about books that we might actually like to buy? < The reviewer has a responsiblility, both to his/her readership and to the person who wrote the book. I've always been aware of this when reviewing and have couched even my strongest criticism in acceptable terms. I'm not saying that the reviewe should lie - just that there are ways of saying things that lets the writer emerge with some remaining pride. < I've been fortunate so far in largely receiving good reviews - but the two bad ones that were published were truly appalling. One was in an Edinburgh listings magazine (I live in Edinburgh) and tore the bok to shreds, accusing me of writing `plodding, unappealing prose.' I read the review in the newsagents and felt as if someone had thrown a bucket of icy water over me. I walked home feeling really self conscious, as if everyone KNEW. That same book went on to be nominated for variour prizes and three reviewers named it as their debut of the year, so my confidence returned. But I still don't know what was going on in the reviewers head. < The other really vicious review was in an American publication and from an author who had published several novels and dozens of short stories. Again, the language used felt designed to hurt. I couldn't understand why someone who had been through the early wilderness years of writing would want to publically attack someone who was still living through these years. < So, yes, we have the option of pointing out perceievedflaws in a text, but we shold pointthem out with the tact that we'd use if that person was sitting next to us. It's cowardly to expose someone in print to long term public ridicule.And you never know which comment is going to send another person over the edge. I once interviewed parasuicides for a newspaper feature.One woman had been having a very difficult life. The morning she recieved a letter from a business which said `in reference to your undated letter' was the day that she cut her wrists. To them it was a standard, if slightly critical, response but to that woman it was one snide comment too many and she decided to kill herself. - Carol Anne Davis

Aug 5, 1998

PS Apologies for the various typos. No sooner do I use the word LITERATE than I manage to sound like I'm reading my very first Janet And John book. Whatever happened to Janet and John? He used to walk the dog and climb trees whilst poor bloody Janet helped Mummy make scones in the kitchen. I was ready for a sex change by the end of book two. - Carol

Aug 10, 1998

Hey to the one person that comes here!

Couple of books i finished reading i want to tell you about fast. Reliquary sucks shit. This is the sequal to the fast paced monster machine Relic that came out a few years ago by Preston and Child. I like Preston and Child (reading Riptide right now and loving it). I loved Relic and i even thought Mount Dragon kicked butt. Something was wrong with Reliquary. Right from the start i got the impression they didn't want to write this book. It had a forced feeling the whole way through it. The only good thing to take from this novel were their descriptions of underground New York City. Facinating. Really spooky and scary. Too bad their was nothing to be afraid of.

Bentley Little's THE STORE. 10/10. Every one should read this book. Little scares the SHIT OUT OF YOU!! Like his book the IGNORED i found myself frightened because of what Little was saying about our society. Please pick this book up. Little is one of a kind!

Reanimated

Aug 12, 1998

I've just finished reading BITTER HARVEST, the latest Ann Rule true crime case. It's depressing and chilling. Basically,a dysfunctional woman (who trained as a doctor) decides to set her house on fire whilst her children sleep upstairs.The motive is apparently to get back at her doctor husband who is divorcing her. One of the children wakes and asks his mother if he should try to escape onto the garage roof and she tells him to wait in the house for the emergency services, thus sealing his fate. We don't really get to KNOW the mother's psychology, but the facts are horrifying enough. - Carol Anne Davis

Aug 12, 1998

Anyone out there read Mark pepper? I picked up Man On A Murder Cycle recently, on a whim actually, as I'd never heard of him before that. What I got was a superbly paced, suspenseful, complex tale - written with a level of sarcastic and self-aware wit that I just haven't come across much in horror fiction. This man is a thorough entertainer. Apparently he's also an actor, which might explain his acute awareness of showmanship mixed with depth. Wherever it comes from, it works. Read him.

Richard Wright

Aug 13, 1998

Brilliant title, isn't it? I've a friend who found it impossible to make a living from acting so turned to writing. It's equally precarious so the poor man is caught between a rock and a hard place. Is MURDER CYCLE published in Britain or The States? - Carol Anne Davis < PS If anyone is looking for an adult comic to see at The Edinburgh Festival, I've just added a recommendation for BRUCE MORTON to my Masters of Terror Message Board. (Currently subtitled THE IGNORED!!!)

Aug 13, 1998

Published in Britain, but I'm not sure about Stateside. I'm currently trying to find his first novel (I gather Murder Cycle is the second), called The Short Cut. I gather it's about an actor, and if it's as informed on the topic as it should be, I can't wait.

RW

Aug 13, 1998

And I too flit between actor and writer. the upshot of the lifestyle is pretty much full-time unemployment.
RW

Aug 15, 1998

RW - I can imagine. But at least with the writing you can DO something (eg unsolicited work) whereas with the acting side of things you are really dependent on someone making you an offer. My actor friend knows one full time actress who made less than a thousand pounds in a full working year. That said, look at people who go into safe but boring mainstream jobs and end up washing their cars every Saturday and sweeping their drives every Sunday and generally looking as if they have totally lost their way. Those of us who follow our dreams are often broke and ignored or just totally alienated - but on our death beds we can say that we gave it our best shot. It's just a pity that the dream drives most of us to an early grave. :-) Hoping you get your name in lights. - Carol

Aug 15, 1998

Carol

Well said. I should hire you to do PR are for me re. my family. And friends. And casual acquaintances. Heh. But I'd rather do what I do than sell my life elsewhere. While I respect those who do choose that path, I wouldn't actually want to be them.

Richard.

Aug 17, 1998

Davis PR Services launched today! Very reasonable rates! Seriously, I know what you mean. Everyone has to decide for themselves what they can live with. I'm willing to sacrifice having money in the bank and good clothes etc in order to have the freedom that writing gives. The upside of the writing/acting life is that you can walk in the sun whenever you want, take advantage of cheap daytime sports and educational classes etc etc. Though I fear it's wasted on some people - I spoke to one freelance and said what a brilliantly unconstrained lifestyle it was. `Oh, I know,' she replied, `It means you can go to the dentist without having to book a day off.' - Carol :-)

Aug 25, 1998

Why all this ranting and glad handing and slapping each other on the back platitudes on a BOOK REVIEWS Board, can't you guys email each other privately?? Anyways, Though not strictly horror, Tom Clancy's newest RAINBOW 6 is a good read and hits on some on-topic issues like terrorism...which is our focus here in America at the moment, along with Little Willie as well. buy it read it love it. Paul

Aug 25, 1998

Just recently finished reading Richard Laymon's MIDNIGHT TOUR. In all honesty this was perhaps my favorite book of his since ONE RAINY NIGHT. Why do i say this? I have really enjoyed his recent books (i dont think there is anything he could write that i wouldn't enjoy on some level)but they seemed to have been lacking something i enjoyed more in his earlier works. If i knew exactly what it was i wouldn't be just some guy putting his thoughts down on a message board but reviewing for Fangoria or some other rag. If i had to take a guess i would say that his books were getting mainstream. Is that possible? A mainstream Laymon book? To me they just seemed like books that were great fun to read but in the end were just books filling up his resume or that "previous works" page at the front of most novels. But here with MIDNIGHT TOUR i felt that old Laymon back again and with a big knife. And i mean a big knife. This book for me combined that feeling of mainstream and the old scary Laymon stuff from Funland, Nightshow, Out Are The Lights, All Hallow's Eve. Ofcourse, it helps that it's a sequel to two of his earlier novels. Anyway, i highly recommend this monster book! It's a beast, and the last forty pages have some of the best Laymon adventure and mayhem i have ever read.

I also finished Stephen King's THE STAND (the complete and uncut version). I enjoyed it very much, though it took me FOREVER to read. (i have probably read thirty or more books since reading the first seven hundred pages and the last five hundred which i completed just recently). It's a great epic tale which i'm sure you all know the plot to. If you haven't read it i suggest you do, only do your best to find the original seven hundred page version.

Another suggestion i would like to make is that if you liked The Stand that you go and get yourself Robert R. McCammons SWAN SONG. A much better epic story about the end of the world and the survivors left to face an unknown evil.

Lastly, THE STAND tv series (which i rented and watched in completion today)sucks fucking shit. What a piece of crap that was. Dont waste your time if you are thinking of skipping the novel for the movie. Mick Garris and King should be ashamed of themselves for that waste of celluloid.

Reanimated

Aug 26, 1998

Paul - you're having a really bad day, aren't you? I commiserate. Seriously. I know what you mean though. Sorry, I just got distracted talking to Carol and tripped down a little by-way. Next time I'll leave it for her board. On the other hand, you only have to read the bits you want to read. I've put the gun down, consider yourself a free man.

On the actual reason I'm here, I agree with Andrew about the Stand. A fabulous journey from a writer who was scribing at the peak of his powers. I read the cut version first, and all the edited stuff that was put back in was rightly edited in the first place. The uncut version is quite nice to have as a collector, but no better a story for the additions. Of the last few years, the only thing I think come close to matching his one time skill is the Dark Tower series, which I'm sure was talked of to death when book four came out. But yes, do read the Stand if you haven't.

Richard W

Aug 29, 1998

Lunacy, utter lunacy. I've just read through Rhys H. Hughes' debut novel, 'Eyelidiad'. Previously, when I've come across the author's short fiction in such notables as The Third Alternative, I've read through with detached amusement, nothing more. There was never anything that truly caused me to become involved in his mad (and I do mean mad) worlds. 'Eyelidiad' is a completely different kettle, filled with a vast assortment of mutant marine life. I was sucked in from page one. The gags are great, the story twists and pivots at wonderfully odd angles, and the use of language is simply glorious. Mr Hughes is going to go a long way, probably utilising some archaic and bizarre mode of transport. I'm taking a quick break to read 'The Great Gatsby', then I'll plunge with gibbering optimism into 'Rawhead and Bloody Bones & Elusive Potato'. I don't think I'll be disappointed, but I'll let you know.

Richard Wright

Sep 1, 1998

Uh, Richard... That's "Elusive PLATO", although if Rhys did include a potato in the book it would probably have a certain degree of elusiveness or other non-vegatative attributes...

Beware, that much Hughes in a short space of time is to court madness...

John Pelan

Sep 1, 1998

ROFLOL!

And there was me feeling marvellous about my review style. As spelling mistakes go, that one is pretty precise, so I must have had potatoes on the mind. Maybe John's right, maybe too much rapid digestion of Hughes is not an entirely good thing...

Be afraid. Be slightly afraid.

RW

Sep 9, 1998

I don't normally post here but I feel I have to tell the world now about one of the most wonderful novels that I have read in recent years. The below commentary will be featured in Version 2 of the Horror Author A to Z due to be published at MOT within the next month or so.

ONLY FORWARD (1994) was MICHAEL MARSHALL SMITH'S debut novel after a successful period of short story publication. ONLY FORWARD is that rare commodity - an absolute triumph in almost every way. ONLY FORWARD is set in either the future or an alternate reality, initially the reader is left to guess which. It is the story of Stark, who is a freelancing detective presented with his most challenging case yet. Stark is almost as loveable as F.PAUL WILSON'S Repairman Jack, a truly human character. The world that ONLY FORWARD is set in is magical. Different neighbourhoods exist, such as Sound, Colour and Cat. Each has it's own horror and fairytale kind of charm. For example the people who live in 'Sound' have tremendous respect for peace and quiet except for one hour a day when they go to shouting rooms to let rip. Anyway, Stark is sent on a mission to find a kidnapped person in a supposedly impenetable neighbourhood and then the fun really starts. ONLY FORWARD is a masterpiece. It has everything in one novel - high drama, comedy, horror, fantasy, deep soul searching, romance, fear - I could go on. MICHAEL MARSHALL SMITH has a magical way of writing, just about everything works when his words are put together. One of the very few novels to elicit major emotional reactions from this reader. Hell one minute you're laughing, next minute there is a big lump in your throat. ONLY FORWARD is blisteringly brilliant and one of the very best novels that I have ever read. ONLY FORWARD is a novel for humanity.

Andy 'deanimated' Fairclough

Sep 13, 1998

Where'd everyone go? The boards are falling asleep ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZz. Well here's something. I just finished Stephen King's BAG OF BONES and I feel REALLY weird about it. Which is, in itself, an odd statement eh? Let me try to explain: As an English teacher, and someone who has studied and loved literature for years, I think this may be King's finest work. It's TM Wright and Peter Straub and Shirley Jackson with a "If Faulkner were from Maine" regional flavor that is astonishing. King has taken his characterization to another level, and from seemingly out of nowhere, displays an understanding of human suffering that I've rarely encountered in modern fiction. Having said that.....As a lifelong King fan, I was disappointed with BAG OF BONES. I respect what he's been able to do, slipping silently into the world of "quiet" horror and showing a mastery that few modern authors can boast of. I'm happy as hell that King wrote this book, it shows his range, and serves as solid proof that he CAN write what people say he SHOULD write. But, I've known for years what King is capable of. I didn't need this "Looky here at what I can do when I set my mind to it" book. I love Stephen King for writing the kinds of books he seems to enjoy writing.....And (I'm not sure why) but I got the feeling that there were sections of this novel that King didn't enjoy writing. It wasn't a "fun" book, and it wasn't an "OH FUCK!" book either. So.....Some of you may be able to understand what I'm saying, some may not. After reading BAG OF BONES it may be clearer to you. I'll just sum it all up by saying that I felt BAG OF BONES was an excellent piece of writing.....But not an all-together astonishing book.

Sep 17, 1998

Hey all! Read 2 novels from tom Piccirilli, SHARDS and THE DEAD PAST. briefly, SHARDS is the darker of the two but THE DEAD PAST was a tad better. Both are mysteries and both will have sequels out in the US around January or so. highly recommended. Now back to Doug Clegg's latest... Paul

Sep 19, 1998

Actually, just THE DEAD PAST will have a sequel out called SORROW'S CROWN, due in January. At this point SHARDS remains a solo novel but I may return to the character one day. Thanks for the kind words, Paul, they're much appreciated.--Tom Piccirilli

Sep 19, 1998

Hey folks

Here is something i was wondering about and figured some of you might have your own thoughts on. I'm was reading Andrew Klavan's THE UNCANNY today and i am about halfway through it. I have put it away. It's just driving me nuts. I told my fiancee that it was like reading a horror novel writen by someone that probably never even saw HELLRAISER or NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET or never read a Straub, King, Laymon or Ketchum novel but one day decided, "gosh i think i'll write a ghost story."

FUUUUUCK OFFFFF!!!

Gawd! Maybe i just woke up on the wrong side of the bed or maybe its the stack of "real" horror books i have to get to. I just couldn't stand this one any more.

So here's my thing! I gave Klavan half a book (two hundred pages) to grab me and he didn't. I think i would have given up around one fifty but books are expensive so i gave it another few hours of reading time. And no, dont like it. So what about you guys? How much time do you give an author? Do you read the first chapter in the store before you even buy the book? Do you give up after thirty or do you finish what you start no matter how much agony you are in? Wonderin!

i
am
Reanimated

Sep 21, 1998

Reanimated, I usually give 50 pages to get me hooked. If it's a writer I've read before I usually read it all but just skim it after 100. Don't have time to read shitty books, ya know? Paul

Sep 21, 1998

2 more-detailed rev's of Tom Piccirilli's novels: SHARDS by Tom Piccirilli SHARDS starts out with a writer, Nathaniel Follows, going on a binge after the breakup with his girlfriend. He meets with a mysterious, rich girl Susan Hartford. She invites him to her B-day party the next day and that's when the shit hits the fan. Something surprising happens at the party and Nathaniel must pick up the shards (get it?) of pieces to solve the puzzle. Along the way we follow Nathaniel trying to get at the bottom of it all and when we all realize what's going on, I was shocked, mad and spellbound. High energy, hilarious dialogue and true motivations behind the characters actions. Highly Recommended. THE DEAD PAST by Tom Piccirilli TDP is a mystery that I couldn't put down, it has rich, vibrant characters and funny dialogue and nuances that most novels can't touch. TDP opens with a 4 am phone call to Jon Kendrick from his grandmother. She tells him she found a body in her trash can. Jon then goes home to Felicity Grove to help solve the crime. See, Jon and his grandmother are a tag team of amateur sleuths who have solved a few of the crimes that have occurred in the small town of Felicity Grove. Suffice to say, I read this one in one 3 hour sitting. The characters are so flamboyant and unique that I enjoyed finding out what happened next. The dialogue pops and snaps so crisply, I found myself yelling and/or laughing out loud. And the plot is so full of surprises and twists that I didn't figure out what was really going on until the very end...and then I couldn't believe it. Highly Recommended.

Sep 30, 1998

Readers, I'll be contributing reviews at a fairly fast clip. If you have any comments on my reviews I would find them most helpful. If you have any books that you would like to see reviewed by YT, then please just ask. No guarantees, but I'm always looking for pointers. Thanks, --Rick Kleffel(bartleby@emu.com)

Oct 2, 1998

Hey folks

Just recently finished Richard Laymon's THE WILDS. I loved it. It was a great little story about crazy campers and finding ones wild side out in the wilderness. Writen in the first person, i was reminded of a character of Laymon's from his book ENDLESS NIGHT. In it a killer records his thoughts and actions on a tape recorder. This is one of the elements that made ENDLESS NIGHT a treat to read. The same goes for THE WILDS. It's a treat for any Laymon/horror fan.

I was also pleased with the lenghth of THE WILDS. I think the novella length is an art form that deserves greater acknowledgement. (If we can keep the prices down and get the book stores to sell them!)

Also finished Stephen King's BAG OF BONES. You have read enough reviews of this book already, i'm sure, so i'll keep it brief. I enjoyed certain areas of this book. Those areas that included "Kingisms" i guess you would call them. Things like: fear standing for "fuck everything and run"...his expressions and sayings are always good for a laugh. I liked the relationship between Mike and the young widowed mother. There are plenty of other things (scary things)in the book i liked also but dont wish to mention here because it would take too long. What i didn't like was the references to John Grisham. At first it seemed amusing but after awhile, and with the way the story went i got the impression King was mentioning Grisham to hide the fact that BAG OF BONES in parts STANK of Grisham. Or maybe it was King felt he had to apolgise for writing a story with lawyers in it as though he were stepping on Grisham's toes. I dont know. Just didn't seem right. Anyways, go buy the book if you haven't already (ya right!) and READ IT! It's like they say...even when its bad, it's still pretty good.

i
am
Reanimated

Oct 5, 1998

Stephen Law's THE WYRM.

I have been excited to try this author for some time but had put it off for this reason and that reason. Well, no more! So i bought The Wyrm.

What a downer this experience turned out to be. Someone out there tell me this guy is better than The Wyrm. He is still publishing and so obviously there are folks out there that find him worth while. I might be willing to give him a second chance if someone could direct me toward a title of quality. I noticed Andy has THE SPECTRE up on his top one hundred. Maybe i could give that one a read.

Though the book had a good start, and through out showed flashes of "great horror", it was ruined by blobs and blobs of BAD dialogue. Character development seemed to only mean the main two players. The rest of the cast seemed only to recieve a name. Jim, Bob, Bill, ya i give a fuck!

i
am
Reanimated

Oct 8, 1998

Reanimated, I quite like Stephen laws, though I found the characters to be just a bit flat in 'The Wyrm', I did like the monster. I would suggest you try 'The Frighteners' or 'Macabre'. Note that though the novel of 'The Frighteners' cries out to be made using some digital FX, the movie of the same name is NOT based on this book. I wasn't so hot on 'Spectre', it's pretty good, but 'Ghost Train' is also quite good. Bartleby The Scrivener (Rick Kleffel)

Oct 11, 1998

Bartleby,

Thanks for the reply. I was beggining to wonder, again, if Paul and i were the only ones to visit this dark and dusty corner of MOT. I shall take your advice and try FRIGHTENERS.

For anyone looking for a fast read but something that is not catagorically HORROR but contains terribly frightening ideas you might want to try Richard Preston's THE COBRA EVENT. It's about biological terrorism in the Big Apple. The main character Alice Austin must track down and disarm a terrorist who is experimenting on the unsuspecting millions in the city of New York. It facinating and scary as hell! I must note that two of the deaths in this book are probably the most disgusting and violent i have ever read.

i
am
Reanimated

Oct 13, 1998

Just a thought or two on Stephen Laws... While I found WYRM to be quite readable, I'd probably rank it as the weakest of his ten novels. Start with DARKFALL, SPECTRE, CHASM, or GHOST TRAIN... His short fiction is well worth seeking out too...

BTW: I don't see any mention of Graham Joyce on these boards... Rush right out and buy REQUIEM and THE TOOTH FAIRY, you'll be glad you did! (Lucky readers in the U.K. can get his new one THE STORMWATCHER in trade paperback).

John Pelan

Oct 13, 1998

John--I absolutely love Graham Joyce. REQUIEM, THE TOOTH FAIRY, and THE STORMWATCHERS were all three truly brillant works. I've tried to land copies of his early novels with no success. tom

Oct 13, 1998

John, I am also a big fan of Stephen Laws. I am about halfway through CHASM now and it is fantastic. I only wish a small press publisher would put together a collection of his short fiction so the people in the states who have not had a chance to see his work could enjoy his writing first hand. How about it John. You are doing a collection with Simon Clark. How about doing one with Stephen Laws!!! James

Oct 15, 1998

Anyone read Richard Ryan's Funnelweb? It's about mutated funnel web spiders. I just ordered it from Australia. strauss@wcu.edu

Oct 27, 1998

For anyone who enjoys horror and offbeat SF, I suggest you try out Michael Marshall Smith's ONE OF US and K.W. Jeter's NOIR. Both of them portray dark futures with some highly affecting characterization and amazing high tech oddities. In both the dead live on in some revivified fashion that's at once blackly humorous and horrific, and God even makes an appearance in ONE OF US. Fun stuff.--Tom Piccirilli

Oct 27, 1998

Tom

The Halloween Man had an add in it for future horror books coming out under Liesure Horror. Your name was included. I was wondering what the title will be and when it will be available.
Thanks

Reanimated

PS Ray Garton mentioned that a novelist i was wondering about (Frank Peretti) was nothing but a jew hating, gay hating author only found in Christian book stores. Is this true or is Ray just pulling my leg? I dont know because as i have said i dont know anything about this writer. I have read the first bit of The Oath and he seems like your average horror writer.

Oct 27, 1998

Reanimated: I've never read Peretti or even knew who he was until you and Ray mentioned him in your last couple of posts. Leisure will be bringing out my novel HEXES in January--they're very good at publicity and the distribution on their novels is excellent. HEXES is still a couple months off and it made #8 on Ingram's top 50 horror novel orders, so I'm hoping the book will be fairly widely available in stores. The Leisure Book Club is a good deal for anyone who reads a lot in the field--you get two books every two months at about 50% off with no additional shipping charges, and the first two books are free. I just joined a couple months ago and have so far gotten Elizabeth Massie's SINEATER, Doug's HALLOWEEN MAN, Bob Randisi's ALONE WITH THE DEAD and Ed Gorman's COLD BLUE MIDNIGHT for only $7.50 or so. Thanks for asking about HEXES.--Tom Piccirilli

Oct 28, 1998

Reanimated, Peretti is a christian writer. A quick glance at the artwork on his book jackets gives the impression that he's a horror writer... he's not. ASHP

Oct 31, 1998

I've read two of Frank Peretti's novels and I've found him to be neither jew-hating nor gay-hating. He certainly takes an anti-homosexual stance, and writes from a traditional christian viewpoint, but so what? He's a very able writer, tells interesting stories, and has an impressive readership.
Having a view, or an opinion on some controversial matter....Being AGAINST something or not BELIEVING in something doesn't always equal hatred. Yeah, it's easier to rally against someone you don't agree with by accusing them of "hate" but it's not a simple as that. I don't know if Ray actually said those words....He and Reanimated have their one little squabble going....But to write off a man's work completely because he uses it as a platform to endorse his own view of the world? Not fair. I'm not a bible-thumping Christian....I don't go to church, I don't spend time in prayer and yet I enjoyed the two Peretti novels that I read. Simple as that.
Later, Matt

Nov 3, 1998

'anti-homosexual christian horror novels'....hmmm....I think I'll pass. ASHP

Nov 5, 1998

Hi there. For anyone who cares. I just opened a new book site at: http://members.tripod.com/~Relicbooks/HORROR Thanks, Isabel

Nov 6, 1998

Just a quick post to Mr. Piccirilli since he doesn't have a board here. (and judging by how nasty some of these boards get, I can see why) I'm looking forward to your collection (coming out in Jan.?) and saving up for the lettered edition (hopefully). By the way, I needed a cold shower after reading your short story The Dog Sydrome...very, very erotic. ASHP

Nov 6, 1998

Thanks for the comments, ASHP, I appreciate them--especially since you're a woman. "The Dog Syndrome" will be reprinted in the next (and unfortunately last) issue of PALACE CORBIE and will also show up in my collection DEEP INTO THAT DARKNESS PEERING. Ken Abner of Terminal Fright Press is currently finishing up THIS IS MY BLOOD by Dave Niall Wilson, which will probably be available in early January. I'm hoping he manages to swing my collection by the first week in March when I'll be at the World Horror Convention in Atlanta. Ordering info on the book is listed below, for anybody who's interested. Thanks again--Tom Piccirilli

DEEP INTO THAT DARKNESS PEERING (Terminal Frights Publishing): An omnibus collection of 40 horror and dark fantasy stories, 200k words. 30k words of previously unpublished fiction. Includes all ten tales in the Self series.
Introduction by Poppy Z. Brite. Afterword by Richard Laymon. Cover and interior art by Chad Savage.
$45 + $3.50 s&h for Signed-Limited Hardcover Edition (1,000 copies) ISBN: 0-9658135-5-X
$125 includes shipping for Lettered Edition, leather-bound and traycased ISBN: 0-9658135-6-8.
Bookstore Direct Order Discounts: 40%.
Ordering Info: PO Box 100, Black River NY 13612 Fax # 315-779-8310
email: kenabner@gisco.net (Kenneth E. Abner Jr., publisher)
Pre-orders shipped w/in 5 days of publication. Until Jan 1 ‘99 pre-paid orders will receive a $5 discount.

Nov 6, 1998

I just finished two Ed Gorman novels DAUGHTER OF DARKNESS and THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED. DAUGHTER is a powerful merging of elements that reads something like a marriage between Koontz's NIGHT CHILLS and William Goldman's CONTROL. Fun, offbeat crime/suspense/SF/horror. MUSIC is the first in a new series that takes place in an Iowa town in 1959, so you get all kinds of interesting small town flavor from a guy who knows what that's all about. The mystery is tense and nobody is able to create that small town full of secrets atmosphere like Gorman.--Tom Piccirilli

Nov 11, 1998

Okay, not that anyone gives a damn, but here are my thoughts and grades on the last few books I've read. Share your thoughts please!

LADIES' NIGHT by Jack Ketchum.
STRENGTHS: Cool little book. Excellent "no holds barred" pace, very honest, realistic characters, and no lags or dead spots. WEAKNESSES: Some of the secondary characters were a little flat, some of the gore seemed overdone just for the sake of over-doing it, and the book read an awful lot like a Richard Laymon novella. The last being maybe not such a bad thing.
Grade: B+

Nov 11, 1998

Woops. Didn't mean to send that. Oh well, on I go:

THE BEASTHOUSE by Richard Laymon
Solid novel. I'm a little biased here, being a self-proclaimed Laymoniac, but what the hell. STRENGTHS: A better book than THE CELLAR, with much more interesting characters. The two marines made the novel, and the violence wasn't the focus this time around. Fun pacing, and very scary scenes in the tunnels. WEAKNESSES: Well, besides the very cool background info on the Beasts, very little was said or shown from their vantage point. Also, the main character falling desperately in love in a 48 hour period was hard to take. As happens occasionaly in Laymon's novels, things felt a little forced.
Grade: B

THE TALISMAN by Stephen King and Peter Straub
I had this book for nearly 10 years before I finally got around to reading it. I guess I just had to sort of "get ready." Many people will be put off by the book's length and it's generally slow, grim beginning. Please, stay with it. It's one of the finest books I've read . Ever. STRENGTHS: All of it. Straub's control of language, King's understanding of humanity. The characters all breath, even the secondary and background characters are full of life. The concept. The writing itself, from the standpoint of both fan and academic, was outstanding. WEAKNESSES: The only think I can label as being WEAK in this novel is the tiny damn print the paperback edition has. We're talking major headache stuff here.
Grade: A+, without hesitation.

DARKER by Simon Clark
I'm a big fan of Clark's....Which made this hard to swallow. STRENGTHS: The story. The concept was solid, and it was a great story to tell.
WEAKNESSES: Oh jeez, where to start? This is a rambling, confused novel that takes genuine effort to finish. The characters are uninteresting, the setting is generic, and the whole mess is very sloppily brought to a conclusion. I've read all of Clark's work and find this novel to be a freak, an abberation that should by NO means be any reader's first exposure to this fine author.
Grade: D-
That's what I've been reading and thinking. Later, Matt

Nov 11, 1998

Matt--I read all of the books you listed and have to agree with you on all counts (doesn't make for an interesting discussion, eh? ;)). Anyway, DARKER was the first book by Simon Clark I've read. Everyone was talking about how great he was, then I read that, and was like, "What's the big deal?" So you tell me that's his weakest book? Should I give the guy another chance? Which one should I get? tom

Nov 11, 1998

Tom

I dont mean to answer this before Matt but i will anyway. (Matt will be along shortly, i'm sure) Check out Blood Crazy. I think this is most peoples favorite from Clark (though, ofcourse, i cant speak for everyone) It's really terrific. I PRAY he does a sequel. King Blood, another of his, wasn't too bad (liked it alot infact)but i found it too similar to the earlier Blood Crazy. It wasn't done as well and was WAY too long.

Matt, i saw your note on Paretti but it was too late. I'd chucked the novel. I can be too hasty at times. Thing is i'm not big on religion. Fact is i don't like it. So when Ray said Paretti was a religious freak i kinda balked. Oh well.

I'm reading a book called Howl-0-Ween right now. Anyone read it?

Reanimated

Nov 12, 1998

I hear ya Reanimated. Perretti isn't a great writer, but he's not awful either.
TOM: My first Simon Clark novel was NAILED BY THE HEART and it's one of the better horror novels I've ever read. Then I read VAMPYRRHIC, another incredible read. Either of those I can recommend strongly. I have BLOOD CRAZY at home, but I've been hesitant to read it after DARKER.
Matt

Nov 12, 1998

No time for lengthy reviews. PRIMAL SCREAM by Michael Slade was brilliant...only problem is how much Slade props his own countrymen's serial killer hunters and their psych. profiling dept. I'm in the good ol US of A and was wondering, Maybe to REANIMATED, to tell me if you guys are that far ahead of the US, as far as profiling, etc. Otherwise another brilliant Slade book. DEAD OF LIGHT by Chaz Brenchley...bloody good fun and can't wait to read the squel, LIGHT ERRANT...when i get time. Matt, I'm interested and do care what you and any reviewers have to say about books...so i know what to buy, ya know! Take care all, Paul

Nov 12, 1998

Matt and Reanimated--Thanks for the Simon Clark recommendations. I'm always willing to give some a second chance. I did that for Ramsey Campbell and he is now one of my favorite writers of all time. Right now I'm reading THE CROW: THE LAZARUS HEART by Poppy Z Brite. I put of reading it because I thought it'd be a cheap by the numbers book done for money, but Poppy has really impressed me. There's a lot to this one. Wow. tom

Nov 16, 1998

Just finished Brian Hodge's newest soon to be released crime novel, WILD HORSES. One word...brilliant. A better review coming nearer the publishing date of Feb. 99. paul

Nov 21, 1998

I finally got my copy of CD's original issue with the Bentley little story THE JANITOR inside. Great story!!. It gave me the same creepy feelings as did the mailman and the guy from the Store. It's too bad he didn't write a novel around this character. I know i would love it.

Anyone heard anything about what Bentley Little might be doing, what's next?

Reanimated

Nov 23, 1998

Damn, this thing ate my last post... Back on 10/13 James asked about a Stephen Laws collection. Well, nothing's signed, but Stephen and I are both keen on the idea of a Laws collection from Silver Salamander. We should have something more definitive after the holidays, if not before.

John Pelan

Nov 25, 1998

John, Please keep me posted on the Laws collection. I think it is a great idea!!! James

Nov 26, 1998

SIBERIAN LIGHT by Robin White

Three savage murders. One desperate mayor seaching for the truth while corrupt political leaders and gangsters try to stop him at all costs. The the backdrop is Russia, the desolate, cold and hard Siberian wilderness.

For a debute novel this is terrific stuff. White seems to be one of those natural writers that can dish out a near perfect, if not a bit cliched, story of murder, and detective work. The characters, especially that of the mayor are refreshing. He is an honest man in a country where honesty is about as valuble as snow. A violinist by heart, a mayor for the people and a father of a very likeable teenage daughter. The mayor is also the owner of a very delightable wit that at times had me laughing outloud. Funny stuff.

Though not a horror novel this book might tide you over till that new Laymon or Ketchum book arives. Check it out.

Reanimated

Dec 1, 1998

ok i have more of a question for anyone who can answer it. i want to know if anyone sees the similarities betwwen Robert Mcgammon's SWAN SONG and Stephen King's THE STAND???????? now dont get me wrong the stand is a great book and swan song will always be one of my favorites , but its kind of a coincidence isn't it?????? and does anyone know who wrote what first???????? thank's jewel.......

Dec 2, 1998

Jewel - yes and The Stand was first.

Dec 2, 1998

I always wished that the stand didn't go crazy at the end...and always preferred Swan Song... Indeed I have used the section beneath the subway when the bombs hit and the fire washes over Sister to demonstrate the pain and suffering of nuclear war in English with the 8th Grade @ school... scared the hell out of them :) More pacifists are born my job is complete. Steve

Dec 4, 1998

I think another apocolyptic novel which deserves mentioning in that SWANG SONG/ THE STAND discussion above is DARK ADVENT. Please tell me I'm not the only one who has read it.


Later!

--Geoff

Dec 5, 1998

Of course you're not Geoff... Heh-heh. DARK ADVENT certainly merits a mention in the same breath with the King and McCammon books, as does Simon Clark's KING BLOOD...

John

Dec 8, 1998

thank's for the info on king and mcgammon.im sorry to say that i have not read DARK ADVENT but i would like to ,who is the author? and what is the book about? i also would like to know what are the best horror book's out now? im a sucker for a good spine tinglerand i also love book's that make you think "this could really happen". thanks JEWEL

Dec 8, 1998

Hi Jewel, If you could find it DARK ADVENT was written by Brain Hodge. You may have to go to a used paperback bookstore to find it. James

Dec 10, 1998

Hey everyone....Just finished another batch o' books and thought I'd give a quick review for them if anyone is interested. Any discussion would be cool:


THE MIDNIGHT TOUR by Richard Laymon

As I've stated before, I may very well be the biggest Laymon fan around. I love the he goes about telling a story. He's reckless, aggressive, and holds very little regard for "convention." Unlike many other Laymon fans though, I don't consider the "Beasthouse" chronicles to be among his better works. Still though, I'd been looking forward to MIDNIGHT TOUR for a long time.
STRENGTHS: The first 300 pages of this novel slide along just as smoothly as can be. The characters are interesting, the flashback scenes work effectively, and the violence is colorful....Not just blood for the sake of blood. As usual, Laymon punches you square in the face with one hand, while tickling your ribs with the other. Fun and occasionally spooky stuff.
WEAKNESSES: This is tough for me, because I know Richard frequents these boards and honestly, the guy is one of my heroes....And maybe this whole "IF YOU DON'T HAVE SOMETHING NICE TO SAY, SAY NOTHING AT ALL" credo has something to it. But I have to be honest. I felt that after the first 300 pages, this novel started coming apart. Characters suddenly began changing personalities without any justifiable reason, the focus of the novel started jumping from this character to that, jarring the flow of the narrative, and all of a sudden without any explanation whatsoever, a new "element" is thrown into the story. I don't know if Richard got tired of this book and wanted to wrap it all up quickly or what....But the final 200 or so pages of this book are just a mess. As a reader I generally "allow" a writer two or three "Awwww shit, COME ON!" moments per novel. But this one killed me. Would the California Police Standards Background Check have made our heroine's switch from murdering felon and missing person to cop difficult? Yeesh....Maybe, I dunno. Did the sudden appearance of a new beast from out of nowhere seem like a bad gimmick? Yeesh....Maybe. Did the "horror-movie" ending setting up another sequel seem like a dirty joke on the reader? Yeah. It did to me.
I'm sorry. I REALLY am too. This is the only Richard Laymon book I've ever read that left me feeling dissatisfied and unhappy. I think he writes single character driven fiction a little better than he does "ensemble" pieces. But I may be full of crap too.

Grade: C-

Wow, that didn't turn out to be such a short review.

Dec 10, 1998

I'll keep these next couple o' reviews short.

SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES by Ray Bradbury
STRENGTHS: Simple...The writing is beautiful. This was the first time I'd read the book since I was 13 and boy, talk about a new appreciation. Some of the allusions that Bradbury uses simply blow me away....And reading this book was a little like listening to a symphony or looking at a work of art. The little things that go on in Bradbury's writing astound me, frustrate me, and make me happy that I have the ability to READ. An astounding, scary novel that everyone intersted in horror fiction should be forced to read....Or they should neve be allowed to comment publicly on horror fiction.
WEAKNESSES: None. If forced, I would say that this is TOO much novel for the age group it's typically targeted at.
GRADE: A+!

DARK DOMINION by Bentley Little
STRENGTHS: My first novel-lenght exposure to Bentley Little. Let me just say this....In the first 50 pages we get 1)A man being devoured alive by his own offspring. 2)A man getting his testicles ripped out "by the roots." and 3)A teenage girl describing the sensation of her vagina gripping her index finger while she masturbates. HEY, I don't know about anyone else....But this is a helluva way to keep people reading! This is a pretty kick-ass novel....The first 200 pages will really slap you around and scare, entertain, and offend you. Cool eh?
WEAKNESSES: Well, it gets a little rough towards the end. The mythology stuff is a layered on somewhat heavily for my taste. The "baby-balloons" thing (read the novel, you'll get it)is silly, and is gore overdone simply for the sake of overdoing it. And, the epilouge isn't needed. Still though....A VERY fun read that I recommend to everyone without hesitation.
GRADE: B+<br
Hey that's all I've got....I sure would like to hear some other opinions. Later y'all, Matt Taylor

Dec 12, 1998

dec 12 and after The stand,Swan song,Dark advent,what about Fire?Brian Hodges .Simon

Dec 12, 1998

I thought Midnight Tour was absolutely one of the best horror novels i had read in years. I loved the characters and i loved the ending action in the tunnels. I loved the last page! AHHHHHHHHHH!! Great shit to me. Oh man, Matt, i think you should read it again in a little bit. Maybe you will enjoy it more the second time? I would have thought you'd have loved TOUR. And then you gave Dominion from Litte a higher grade? What's up with that?? Dominion has to be the corniest novel i have ever tried to read. I was surprised too. Little rocks. My favs from him are The Mailman, The Store, Ignored and shit! love most of his stuff BUT Dominion. Oh well, go figure!

DEJA DEAD by Kathy Reichs
I thought this book was fantasitic. It's about a female anthropologist helping dectectives track down a savage murderer. It's written in the first person which i thought was interesting. Of all the foresic thrillers that have come out recently this is the first i have come across to be written in the first person. I really liked it. Gory too. Lots of blood. Here i go again about to get in trouble BUT the thing i liked most is that i didn't feel like i was reading a book written by a woman. Reichs could hang out in the male change room anytime!

Reanimated

Dec 12, 1998

I must say I agree with REANIMATED. Dominion was TERRIBLE!!!! It was cheesy and bad, most of the time I was laughing because I just couldn't believe the shit that was showing up in there. Like Matt said, the mythology stuff is WAY to strong. REANIMATED- do you like this woman better then Muriel Gray? Bob

Dec 13, 1998

Cool, at least you guys have opinions! Good to see some discussion.
Reanimated, here's a little more on why I though THE MIDNIGHT TOUR was a failure....
If I'm walking to the bathroom in the middle of the night, and I mistake the coat-rack for a man and it scares the shit out of me....Okay, that's a normal reaction. If the next night I'm walking to the bathroom and I mistake the coat-rack for a man and it scares the shit out of me....Hmmm...Okay, I'm human and not really all that bright in the middle of the night. If I'm walking to the bathroom in the middle of the NEXT night and I mistake the coat-rack for a man and it scares the shit out of me AGAIN....Well, I'm just a retard.
THAT is why I disliked THE MIDNIGHT TOUR so much....It was the same "gimmick" we had the first time 'round....The same "trick" we had the second time 'round....Only this time, we didn't even get to experience the revulsion we felt upon our first exposure to these beasts.
I LOVE Richard Laymon's books, and one of the reasons I love them is because he always finds the most original, interesting, and sometimes the most ingenius ways to freak me out. Tell me, what element of THE MIDNIGHT TOUR isn't old hat? What hasn't Laymon used (to death) before? I'm afraid that young people who fuck and get slaughtered just wasn't enough to carry this one for me. Add to that the horrible loops and character implausibilities that rear up and the end and.....Well, you have a bad book.
Monica suddenly a murderer? A 2nd unexplained beast emerging from nowhere? Owen going from a meek weasel who can't even stand up to his prim girlfriend to suddenly tag-teaming a couple of goth chicks in a restroom?
No way Reanimated....I'm not calling myself a critic here or anything, but I think that as an intelligent reader I deserve better, more consistent writing than we get at the end of this novel.
Of course, I'm not trying to convince you....But that's why I didn't like it. And you know what? I'll still pay top dollar for every one of Laymon's future releases, because I am a fan.
Later, Matt

Dec 15, 1998

Gee, Matt, guess you didn't like THE MIDNIGHT TOUR. While you're certainly entitled to your opinions, I think some of your complaints don't hold a lot of water. SPOILER WARNING. Do you really think that a woman as self-absorbed and possessive and super-jealous as Monica would NOT stab Owen after he ran off, stranding her in San Francisco? She was jealous of Dana when Owen just LOOKED at her. In my opinion, she hunted down Owen in Malcase Point for the purpose of nailing him one way or another -- to make him pay for ditching her. As for Owen taking up with the two Goth girls, they were both fairly nice gals pretending to be weirder than they really were. Owen obviously saw them, in part, as protectors from Monica. And they indeed DID protect him from Monica. Also, after going with Monica, Darke must've really seemed like a great find for Owen. As for the problem of how Sandy could've passed background checks to become a police officer, remember that she did obtain a collection of false identities. She is always Sandy underneath it all, but she is also sort of a chameleon. She has several different identities throughout the course of the book. As for there being a second beast "coming out of nowhere" . . . it is true that, at the end of BEAST HOUSE, we are only aware of the one surviving beast -- the one being carried by the pregnant Sandy. However, if you look at what goes on in THE MIDNIGHT TOUR -- particularly the business about Agnes Kutch, it shouldn't come as much surprise that there is another beast around. Agnes is a total recluse, won't let anyone into her house, locked off the tunnel, etc. On a more basic level, regarding the scares -- I understand your analogy of the hat rack in the hall. Thing is, maybe the beasts aren't all that scary now that you've gotten used to them -- but I think maybe they have more diminsions than before. For instance, Eric is presented intentionally by me as a rather sympatheic character. I mean, we open the book with him, a baby beast, saving Sandy's life from this slug, rotten film director. Even when he kills Sandy's lover, later in the book, he does it in a misguided attempt to protect her. So where do you get the idea that my big goal was to scare people with the beasts? Finally, you seem to be accusing me of some callous attempt, with the ending, to set up the situation for a sequel. I can understand people seeing it that way. But you've read most or all of my stuff. Do I really go around ending my books a certain way in order to set things up for sequels? I've written over thirty novels. The only sequels of the bunch are BEAST HOUSE and THE MIDNIGHT TOUR. I did not end MID TOUR the way I did in order to set up a squel. I did it because it seemed like a cool way to end it. Sort of a CELLAR ending, which seemed appropriate. But mostly an attempt to F*** with the minds of my readers. As most of you know, I don't normally go around trying to defend my books against bad reviews. However, I've made an exception here because Matt not only took apart the book, but then went out of his way to convince Reanimated, who really liked the book, that he (Reanimated) was wrong to like it. Plus, I am a little annoyed about Matt's comment that THE MIDNIGHT TOUR is just the same old stuff that's been done to death by me. Certainly, it does contain many of the same elements that most of my books contain -- and which is, I figure, why people read them (or don't). But I think it contains some very unusual characters, scenes, plot twists and themes that make it one of my best novels. Which is not to say people should LIKE it better than my other novels. The "liking" is very much in the eyes of individual readers, and has little to do with the intrinsic merits -- or quality -- of a book. I have no problem with people preferring AFTER MIDNIGHT or ISLAND or any of my other novels more to THE MIDNIGHT TOUR. But to say that, ho hum, THE MIDNIGHT TOUR is just the same old stuff with nothing new, rather misrepresents the situation. I know I'm prejudiced in favor of the book, but my opinion is corroborated to some extent by reviews. Well, sorry about sounding off a bit on this. But figure I have as much a right to state my opinion as anyone else does. So long for now. Richard Laymon

Dec 15, 1998

Laymon here again. Just thought I would re-read what I wrote. Wish there were ways to proof-read and revise these things. At least on my computer, they're even difficult to read as they're being written because stuff disappears off to the sides. Anyway, I told my wife that I'd responded to Matt's review of the MIDNIGHT TOUR. She said, "Did you mention having lunch with Jack Kethum on Friday and how he thinks you should drop everything and write a fourth Beast House book?" I told her I hadn't mentioned that. But she thought I ought to. So there it is. I guess I can take some comfort, at least, in Jack Ketchum thinking THE MIDNIGHT TOUR wasn't a waste of time. (Sarcasm rearing its petulant head.) Adios for now. Richard Laymon

Dec 15, 1998

I've caused a fuss.
You know....Fuck me if I attempted to explain WHY I felt the book was weak rather than just resorting to a "it sucked" or "this part was cool." Reanimated suggested that I give the book a second read and I tried to explain to him how the things in the book that I interpreted as weaknesses would still be there a second, third, and fourth time around. I wasn't trying to "convince" him of anything.
Jesus Christ Richard, I honestly am as big a fan of yours as you're going to find out there and I thought that of all people you wouldn't have a problem with someone being honest about their reaction to one of your novels.
Now I am genuinely sorry if this has irritated you as much as it appears to....But you know as well as I do that some of the things that I've pointed out are accurate as hell, most especially the portion of my post where I ask: What element of THE MIDNIGHT TOUR isn't old hat?
I am....I really am sorry that this caused such a fuss. But I stand by everthing that I said, and changing the motivations and actions of your character to STEER a novel in the direction you want it to go is busch-league stuff and that's how I (I, me, myself, just me) interpreted the final couple hundred pages of this novel.
Now I don't claim to be right and I'm not going to do a line by line analysis of the book to evidence my arguments....This just MY feeling. I am a Richard Laymon fan and always will be....But I'm also enough of a critical thinker to avoid being blinded by my respect and devotion to his works. I apologize if this creates a problem for anyone.

Matt

PS....If Jack Ketchum says to write another Beasthouse book well then I guess you better do it eh? (Sarcasm's head again)

Dec 18, 1998

Hey all--my girlfriend, Michelle Scalise (check out her story on the new fiction board), just finished up James Herbert's HAUNTED and THE GHOSTS OF SLEATH and was wondering if there was a third novel (or more) in the "Ash the Investigator" series. Any Herbert fans happen to know?--Tom Piccirilli

Dec 18, 1998

Matt, Glad to see I'm not the only one that gets flamed. i loved TMT and think Matt's got the right to say what he wants, but as long as he can handle the negative responses (and he can) go forward, Matt. Now I've gotta shit on some book so i can reatin my flaming rights, heh heh. Paul

Dec 19, 1998

To Tom Piccirilli, Ref the Herbert books Haunted and Ghosts of Sleath. These are the only two thus far concerning David Ash. I, like you, am a Herbert fan and would like to read more of the somewhat enigmatic character. Unless his new one OTHERS, out in April 99 features him - it is about Private Investigators, so by stretching a point, it may wll incorporate Ash. We'll have to wait and see. Derek M. Fox (Author RECLUSE & DEMON but you may know this anyway) Best for Christmas and 1999.

Dec 19, 1998

Hello Derek--thanks for the information regarding Herbert's "supernatural investigator" series. I appreciate you letting me know about his upcoming work. I'll keep my eye for it, as well as for your own book. Best over the holidays--Tom Piccirilli

Dec 21, 1998

One of the best and most underrated writers around has got to be Rhys Hughes. I've just finished his Elusive Plato and it's got to be the biggest blast of a weird story I've ever read. Like Thomas Ligotti, but clever, oh so clever, probably too clever by half. And this stuff has more ideas in every page than other writers pack into a lifetime. I reckon he's going to be one of the obscurest, most devilish and highly collectable writers in a couple of years, especially those limited edition hardbacks. And wasn't Ligotti's first just printed in 300 copies? I think Hughes is Ligotti, or a kindred spirit. It's European style writing is it?

Tony Zim

Dec 22, 1998

Rubbish! He's an arrogant fool who spends all his time stutting for no good reason. And being clever isn't such great shakes. I haven't got a clue what he's talking about most of the time.

Billy Terbun

Dec 22, 1998

I thought DARK DOMINION by Bentley Little was great!! it has one line in there that is the most brilliant thing goin'...but I forgot it...isn't that always the case? Anyways, how 'bout a Top 5 novels and collecdtions list for 1998? I'll add mine when i look back through my reviews. CYA Paul

Dec 22, 1998

Billy:

Seems you're having a bit of a problem with the work of certain authors... (That was you slagging on Lebbon on the other board wasn't it?)

As 'tis the season to be magnanimous, I'll make some suggestions to help you out just a bit:

Sound out the big words. There! We knew you could do it! Try to broaden your scope of reading just a bit more; regrettably, many authors presuppose their readership consists of literate folk that have read a more diverse spectrum of material than the current issue of "Fangoria"...

Look for deeper meanings and layers of meanings in Hughes' work; it will enhance your enjoyment of the material. Why the man's work is more deeply veined than Gorgonzola!

Lastly, don't knock being clever until you've had the opportunity to try it, (although from what you've posted the last couple of days, it may be a while until you're up to the challenge). Enjoy the paradoxes of life! For an example, you appear to be a cantankerous (bad-tempered) pantaloon (clown or clownish); this a contrast, a paradox, a conundrum, a marvel! Look for similar marvels in what you read! Or failing that, stick with Guy N. Smith.

The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (Smiling and wiping the blood from his rapier with a wedge of cheese...)

Dec 29, 1998

BEST OF 1998...in no particular order. NOVELS: SHIFTERS by Ed Lee & John Pelan PORTRAIT OF A PSYCHOPATH AS A YOUNG WOMAN by Ed Lee & Elizabeth Steffen SILK by Caitlin Kiernan SACRED HEART by Marcel Montecino IN THE MOOD by Charles Grant THE SEARCHERS: Vols. 1 & 2 by Chet Williamson WILDEST DREAMS by Norman Partridge THE CROW: THE LAZARUS HEART by Poppy Z. Brite THE CROW: CLASH OF NIGHT by Chet Williamson THE MIDNIGHT TOUR by Richard Laymon AFTER MIDNIGHT by Richard Laymon SINGLE AUTHOR COLLECTIONS: FALLING IDOLSa by Brian Hodge BLACK BUTTERFLIES by John Shirley EXTREMITIES by Kathe Koja SPLATTERSPUNK: THE MICAH HAYS STORIES by Ed Lee & Jiohn Pelan ANTHOLOGIES: PSYCHOS ed. by Robert Bloch THE UFO FILES ed. by Marting Greenberg IMAGINATION FULLY DIALATED ed. by Elizabeth Engstrom & Alan Clark NOVELS NOT PUBLISHED IN '98 BUT READ IN '98: SHARDS by Tom Piccirilli THE DEAD PAST by Tom Piccirilli WHEN DARKNESS LOVES US by Elizabeth Engstrom NIGHT BAIT by Philip Straker (Ed Lee) THE 10 OUNCE SIESTA by Norman Partridge RED by Jack Ketchum FLESH & BLOOD by Graham Masterton COME 13 by David B. Silva ____________________________________________________________________________ Any comments appreciated, what are your faves of '98?? Paul

Dec 29, 1998

The Piper at the Gates of Dawn takes first prize for stupidity. He seems to truly believe his posts are clever and/or humorous, but are in fact obvious, cliched, and more than just a trifle insipid.

What an idiot!

Dec 29, 1998

Shifters was certainly one of the best! HWA Members, be sure to read it before the Stoker deadline!...Brian Keene

Dec 29, 1998

In fact, all of Pauls list should pretty much be consideredd for Stoker Nominations!...Brian Keene again

Dec 30, 1998

Brian & Paul:

Thanks for the kind words about SHIFTERS!

To the "what an idiot" chap:

Nice to see that you had something to say besides your usual, I was beginning to think that you might be a bot of some sort...

John Pelan

Dec 31, 1998

Cool idea. Okay here's my Best of/Most Disappointing of 1998 List.

Best novels (No order) -- VAMPYRRHIC by Simon Clark, BAG OF BONES by Stephen King, SUPERSTITION by David Ambrose, LADIES NIGHT by Jack Ketchum, CAT AND MOUSE by James Patterson.<br
Most Disappointing of 1998 -- GALILEE by Clive Barker, FEAR NOTHING by Dean Koontz, THE MIDNIGHT TOUR by Richard Laymon, THE CHALICE by Phil Rickman, THE STORE by Bentley Little, SILK by Caitlin Kiernan.

Best Trends/Events in horror 1998 -- The emergence of John Pelan and Ed Lee, Simon Clark, Jack Ketchum, and Caleb Carr. Richard Laymon's deal with Leisure. The return of the novella. Horrornet and Masters of Terror. The slow and steady return of horror as a commercial force.

Worst Trends/Events in horror 1998 -- Dan Simmon's decision to move away from the genre. John Farris' decision to move away from the genre. THE VERY UNPROFESSIONAL AND ALMOST UNIVERSAL TREND BY SMALL PRESS PUBLISHERS TO ACCEPT PAYMENT FOR BOOKS AND THEN DELAY THEIR PUBLICATION BY 6-8 MONTHS. The slow but very visible downfall of horrornet. The "splatter over substance" double standard that appears to be just fine in the written form, but gets blasted by those same fans when it appears on film. And finally, the demise of Deathrealm Magazine.

Comments, questions, and criticisms are welcomed.
Matt Taylor

Dec 31, 1998

Matt, What didn't u like about SOLK and THE STORE?? If you posted your thoughts on here already I must of missed it! Paul

Dec 31, 1998

Well THE STORE was supposed to be up in the BEST OF column....Guess I wasn't paying attention. In regards to SILK I felt that it was taking advantage of a sub-genre that's been played to death already. I didn't find Kiernan's voice nearly as strong in the long form as it has been in her short fiction, and I found her disgruntled, mad at the universe, "I'm just a little too clever for the rest of the world's population" characters annoying at first and tiresome by the finish. I don't think SILK was a BAD novel, I thought it was disappointing. I was expecting so much based upon her short work that the novel ended up being flat to me. I know that a lot of people love this novel....I'm just not one of them.

NOW, for those of you who don't recognize the title SUPERSTITION by David Ambrose....Please do yourselves a favor and check this book out. It's the most original ghost story I've read in 10 years. It may be a bit scientific for some, and a bit detatched in the way it deals with the supernatural for others, but the writing is strong and the story itself is positively addictive. Several very creepy moments on top of consistently solid writing....Very good stuff.
Later, Matt

Jan 2, 1999

Ambrose's SUPERSTITION was fine - not great, not outstanding, but fine. A chilling turn of events towards the end but otherwise a bit shallow. For a much better representation of Ambrose's work, try THE MAN WHO TURNED INTO HIMSELF. Riley

Jan 2, 1999

Riley
I disagree. I won't insult you by dismissing your views, but I will say that I found SUPERSTITION to be anything but shallow. "Shallow" is a overused label that too often is affixed to that which we don't fully comprehend....Which is NOT to say that you missed something in SUPERSTITION, but simply to suggest that perhaps this novel took a path to completion that didn't mesh completely with who you are as an indivdual. For me, it succeeded on nearly every level and will do the same for others, regardless of your dismissive critique and my glowing one.
Adios,
Matt

Jan 3, 1999

Matt, maybe I did "miss something" and "didn't fully comprehend" SUPERSTITION as much as I'd thought I had since, frankly, I also don't have a clue what you meant by "perhaps this novel took a path to completion that didn't mesh completely with who you are as an indivdual." Sounds like new-age doublespeak to me. Maybe that kind of thinking is what it takes to appreciate this novel. Perhaps I should grab some crystals and give it another reading, hm? All kidding aside, you really thought this one was better than THE MAN WHO TURNED INTO HIMSELF? Riley

Jan 3, 1999

Riley
My response to your post came off as being way more bitchy than I intended it to....I meant what I said about not wanting to dismiss your views.
What I meant was, perhaps in finishing this book and in providing an explanation for there actions therein, Ambrose incorporated a set of beliefs that simply conflicts with your own. That is, his explanation of the actions in the novel go so strongly against your ideology that you found it "shallow."
This is not to say that I'm right, merely theorizing. I certainly didn't mean to suggest that you misread. I'm sorry if it came across that way.

As far as Ambrose's other work, with that I am unfamiliar. Maybe that's why I enjoyed this one so much, because I had nothing to compare it with.

Now take those crystals and wedge them up your arse! Just kidding, thanks for the discussion, that's why I posted the review.
Matt

Jan 3, 1999

Hi, Matt:

Though I too believe a person's beliefs and values can color one's reading of a novel (or even a newspaper article, for that matter), in this particular case that was not the case with my reading of SUPERSTITION. I have no preconceptions regarding issues of the paranormal, ESP, afterlife and the hidden strengths and powers of the human consciousness - especially when reading an horror or otherwise imaginitive novel where suspension of disbelief is almost mandatory.

I leave my baggage at the door, so to speak.

So we'll just have to agree to disagree because I don't think you're going to be able to figure out why I disliked it. And I'm positive I don't have a clue why you did.

But try THE MAN WHO TURNED INTO HIMSELF...and see if you too don't like that work of his a bit better. Betcha I'll be right about that much, at least.

Riley

Jan 4, 1999

Okay I'll bite....

Highlights of '98 -
Novels : Scissorman by Mark Chadbourn, Santa Steps Out by Robert Devereaux, The Halloween Man by Douglas Clegg.
Best Short Stories : The Case Of The Police Officer's Cock-Ring by Ed Lee and John Pelan, The Art Itself by Joe Flavin, Endangered Species in C Minor by Tim Lebbon, Ten Things To Be Grateful For by John Shirley.
Discovering for the first time Clive Barker's Books Of Blood, the fiction of John Shirley and Michael Marshall Smith. Interviewing Graham Masterton, Richard Laymon and Gary Brandner. Watching this website's hit count hit 1,000 per week!
Disappointments of '98 - The demise of Tanjen, Watching UK publishers kill off horror, Straker's Island by Steve Harris, Dream Thieves by Steven Lee Climer and Demon by Derek M. Fox.

Andy F.

Jan 7, 1999

I was up until 3:30 last night reading Tom Piccirilli's new book Hexes. GREAT occult novel, beautifully written....I had to get up for work today at 9:00 and I think Mr. Piccirilli should have filled in for me at the job considering he is the one to blame for my lack of sleep. ASHP

Jan 12, 1999

Has anyone read these???? Mr Bad Face- Mark Morris The Shee- Joe Donnelly Big Thunder - Peter Atkins Devil On MAy Street- Steve Harris would like to hear your opinions Anthony ----------- TanthonyAm@aol.com I am also looking for THE SLEEPLESS by Graham Masterton of anyone knows where I can get it. Willing to trade for it.

Jan 13, 1999

I just finished up HEXES as well. A hell of a read, Tom! A spooky atmosphere throughout, and stuffed with outrageous scenes that lent a real backstory to the entire book. Scared the shit out of me in a couple of places, especially the ending. Des

Jan 13, 1999

Anybody else read Pic's book yet? Is it as funky and nasty as DARK FATHER?

Jan 13, 1999

Anon., I loved Dark Father but yes, Hexes is better. I'm reading it right now and it's amazing. Worth the money. S.W.

Jan 15, 1999

Just finished Ed Gorman's Daughter of Darkness. I liked it. Could have been more gory for me but hell, didn't take anything away from it. I have read else where that this wasn't one of his more original books. Being only the second book of his that i have read (the first was a Daniel Ransom book) i have nothing to really compare it to.
I also read this short little number by Laymon titled The Caller (from his fasttrack series). Pretty good! It always blows me away how Richard Laymon can give you a so many creeps in so few pages. Did he sell his soul?
I'm also working through the very enjoyable BEST OF CEMETARY DANCE volume of short stories. Great stuff.
I think if i don't read a Tom Pic novel soon i might explode.
Has anyone ever noticed how similar Tom Pic and Richard Laymon look? My fiancee and i noticed that over the holiday. I had never see a picture of Tom Pic and my fiancee had (she was searching for a place to order his novels for me)and she said that he looked like Laymon, but younger, and with dark hair. Then i saw a picture and they do look similar. Am i the first to notice this or am i treading over old ground? Or is that Tom's double barrel shot gun aimed at my head? Or is it Richard Laymons? ahhhhhhhhhh!!!

Reanimated

Jan 15, 1999

THE TOOTH FAIRY - Graham Joyce

I know I'm a bit behind the times here, but what an utterly brilliant novel. Compelling, dynamic and superbly written. If you've not read it yet, highly recommended. 9/10.

John Radford.

Jan 15, 1999

Re: Ha! I got a kick out of your message. Yeah, I suppose Dick Laymon and I do look alike, now that you mention it. One of the possible travails of being a writer is winding up with thick glasses. Ah, well... As for Ed Gorman, I suggest you keep trying him out. His Daniel Ransom novels are some fun reads, especially THE SERPENT'S KISS, which I still think is one of Ed's books under either of his names. Another funky novel is CAGE OF NIGHT, which borders the supernatural without quite stepping over the line. Of course, I'm just talking about his horror stuff here, if you want mystery almost anything he's done is worth a read, especially THE AUTUMN DEAD and his short fiction found in MOONCHASERS.

Thanks also to all the folks who were commenting on HEXES and DARK FATHER above. I wrote DARK FATHER when I was 22 and had a lot more fire than actual narrative skill. Hopefully HEXES is comprised of both.--Tom Piccirilli

Jan 17, 1999

Tom P.

Thanks for the Ed Gorman tips!

Reanimated

Jan 25, 1999

I finished HEXES over the weekend. Like a one night stand, it was beautiful but over too quickly. It is one of those rare books that you don't want to end. HEXES is hands down one of the best horror novels I've read in a long time. If you haven't read it yet, run to the store and do so!...Brian Keene

Jan 26, 1999

Just finished all of the Brian Hodge books for an article I'm writing. I'd like to rank(if possible when judging art) these novels: 1. NIGHTLIFE - everything possible in a novel 2. DEATHGRIP - A look at selfishness vs religion vs the Sumerian Scapegoat mythos...devastating. 3. OASIS - Brothers head to head in a match from the Ages...the Celtic mythos interspersed with small town Mt. Vernon, Illinios. 4. THE DARKER SAINTS - 14 months after NIGHTLIFE the 2 main character come back for a round of industrial espionage and Zombies!! The best most awe-inspiring ending ever!! 5. PROTOTYPE - A fucking Bleak novel...how much does society create evil, responsibility for evil, nature vs nurture, Nietzke vs Jungerian philosophy, bleakest ending ever! 6. DARK ADVENT - End of the world novel through biological means. Battle scenes are great! And I'll rank/review his latest, WILD HORSES closer to late Feb publication date. Ciao, Paul

Jan 26, 1999

Paul, I agree with the above, except that I would have ranked Dark Advent right after Nightlife...Brian Keene

Jan 27, 1999

Brian Keene, Thanks for the imput. I didn't reread DARK ADVENT this time around as I reread it a while before this latest project came up. So it may finish higher when i do reread it in a few years. Paul

Jan 28, 1999

Add my cheers to Tom Piccirilli's HEXES...man, was THAT intense or what. I reccomend his mystery SORROW'S CROWN, the sequel to his THE DEAD PAST. Reviews will be at that site in a bit. paul

Jan 28, 1999

Ok, I just finished IRRATIONAL FEARS by William Browning Spencer. Has anyone else read him here? I absolutely loved his RESUMES WITH MONSTERS. A wonderful blend of humor and horror dipped in Lovecraft's myhos. Ok, you think humor and horror and you get the wrong idea. You're thinking of a jokey book with sly winks and nods that forgets to be scary. RWM is not that book and neither is IRRATIONAL FEARS. The humor is subtle and it actually amplifies the horror. For example, in IRRATIONAL FEARS, there's a scene where a man is losing his grasp on reality and he has an argument with his jello. This scene is inherently funny, but Spencer somehow makes the whole thing really eerie and unsettling. IF is about a recovering alcholic, Jack Lowry and the people he meets in a rehab as the come to grips with their addiction. He falls in love with a fellow patient. In to the mix comes a cult that thinks that alcoholics are members of a lost tribe of people that were in communication with the Old Ones (as in Lovecraft) and that AA is perverting this connection. Ok, it sounds a bit hokey when explained but the power of Spencer's writing makes you believe it. Spencer makes it all real because the emotional depth he gives his characters and you're sad to see them go when the book ends. Both RESUMES WITH MONSTERS and IRRATIONAL FEARS are highly recommended from me. And you can trust me. Really! tom M

Jan 31, 1999

If you wanna see the *real*cover of WILD HORSES by Brian Hodge go to his newly revamped website and check out the News section here: www.para-net.com/~brian_hodge/ Paul

Feb 24, 1999

What the hell ever happened to Skipp & Spector? Just thought I'd ask...Brian Keene

Feb 24, 1999

Skipp's first solo novel PEEKABOO is going to be published by Obsidian Press. I heard he was having a bit of trouble finishing it, but hopefully it's now complete. You can check with Matt Johnson of Obsidian for further information.--Tom Piccirilli