More of a long novella than an outright novel, Masterton’s Trauma follows the path of a crime scene custodian whose family life begins to fall apart tMore of a long novella than an outright novel, Masterton’s Trauma follows the path of a crime scene custodian whose family life begins to fall apart the more blood and guts she cleans up. Like most Masterton’s there is a sinister reason behind everything and by the time the final sentence ends, you’re left wondering just what is reality and what is imagined. ...more
With Starving Alice, his first novella (as well as a slew of other short stories and poetry published alone or in various anthologies), Jason A. JonesWith Starving Alice, his first novella (as well as a slew of other short stories and poetry published alone or in various anthologies), Jason A. Jones once again proves his place in the independent horror community and should solidify his name as an author to watch out for.
As fans we have already seen his work in short stories but this novella takes everything and expands it into something with more depth, description, and detail, but never once losing the feel or originality of Jones’s shorter fiction. Starving Alice takes many of the typical horror tropes (haunted houses, demons, monsters, etc), and draws from some of the horror greats with dashes of McCammon, King, Simmons, Neville, and even a sprinkling of Clive Barker, to make an 89 page novella that is creepy, as well as disturbing, however incredibly readable and addicting. Never once was I bored or wishing Jones would hurry and wrap things up. Instead, I was thoroughly engrossed throughout the entirety of the story and kept wondering just how all of the different presented elements would mix together at the conclusion.
Of course, with such a short length, I was left wanting more, but in this case, that’s not a bad thing. There is no doubt in my mind that Jones will continue to pen great work and will only trend towards better and better stuff. I can only imagine what a full length novel will bring to the table…and I’ll be eagerly anticipating it. ...more
Sonnet, known for her controversial splatter punk novels, hones her short story skills in Psych Ward Blues, a collection of various horror sh4.5 Stars
Sonnet, known for her controversial splatter punk novels, hones her short story skills in Psych Ward Blues, a collection of various horror shorts ranging from redneck creature horror, Lovecraftian, eldritch dread, and religious terror. All of which showcase her incredible talent in the independent horror scene.
Aside from “Ichthians” (which is well written, but borders a bit too close the extreme side of the genre for my particular taste) every one of the stories in this collection are amongst Sonnet’s best. “Young Un”, the opening story takes the cryptid legend of Sasquatch and turns in into something totally original. “Stilz” reads like a McCammon short, and “Last Hamburger Restaurant at the End of the World” could be straight from a Stephen King publication, if King was back to his coke snorting ways. However, it is the title novella that truly exemplifies just how strong of an author Sonnet is.
Taking her own experiences and melding it with a sick and twisted version of the Heaven we all have been taught about, “Psych Ward Blues” is sure nightmare fuel. I may not agree with the views the story tries to extol, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t thoroughly enjoy every minute of it. It’s dark, disturbing, and spits in the face of conventional theology. Yet, despite its bleak subject matter, it has heart and meaning as the characters Sonnet writes feel realistic as well as fully realized. But then again, that should surprise exactly nobody who has read more than one Sonnet book; her character development remains one of the best in the business.
Psych Ward Blues sat on my Kindle for months and I fully regret that I didn’t read this one sooner. ...more
If you’re like me and already thought that laundry mats were kind of weird and creepy to begin with, then Brian G. BerrSpooktober 2023 Book 7
4.5 stars
If you’re like me and already thought that laundry mats were kind of weird and creepy to begin with, then Brian G. Berry’s latest story won’t do you any favors in convincing you otherwise.
Feeling like a peak era Zebra horror novel and harkening back to badly produced and even worse executed 80’s VHS tapes, Laundry Mat is a schlocky, scummy, cheesy gorefest of a tale that’s well written, fun, and overall one of Berry’s best works since Snow Shark II.
Berry continues to pump out some of the most consistently pulp-ish novellas and shorts and does so with such regular frequency, sometimes I wonder if he sold his soul to the dark prince in exchange for the talent and wildly inventive imagination his books convey. ...more
Well this is a case of what you see being exactly what you get. Berry’s latest novella is exactly what the cover shows…a carnivorous cow/shark hybrid Well this is a case of what you see being exactly what you get. Berry’s latest novella is exactly what the cover shows…a carnivorous cow/shark hybrid that just so happens to fly and destroy everyone in a truly over the top spectacle of blood, guts, and gore who is unfortunate to be stuck in its ravenous path. And that’s about all there is to this one. It’s dumb. It’s silly. It’s probably one of Berry’s most ridiculous stories to date (which is saying something considering he’s already written about sharks in snow, sharks in space, and sharks haunting the hallways of houses). However, sometimes there’s nothing wrong with a ridiculous little novella that doesn’t take itself seriously and is meant to be a bit more tongue-in-cheek than some of the more extreme splatter punk horror out there. Anyone who knows me, knows I’ve phased myself out of gratuitous blood and guts, but here, I can make an exception as it’s pretty clear Berry did this one strictly for fun. Plus, the last chapter is fantastic, almost worth the price of admission alone. ...more
Its Jurassic Park meets Men in Black meets Mars Attacks in Berry’s latest novella, a sequel to Judith Sonnet’ Splattersaurus.
And if that mash3.5 stars
Its Jurassic Park meets Men in Black meets Mars Attacks in Berry’s latest novella, a sequel to Judith Sonnet’ Splattersaurus.
And if that mashup seems nuts, well you aren’t wrong.
Splattersaurus Rex is a truly bonkers tale that combines the straight up silliness and camp of a b grade sci-fi flick with the bloodshed and gore of the latest horror flick, all combined with Berry’s apt writing skill.
Yes, this story is dumb. Yes, it’s over the top in straight absurdity. But, like its predecessor, Rex is written strictly for the sake of fun.
And for better or worse, this story still ain’t done. ...more
Coming hot off the heels of his perfect Snow Shark II and the silly, but well written novelization of Motorboat, Berry is back with yet another bangerComing hot off the heels of his perfect Snow Shark II and the silly, but well written novelization of Motorboat, Berry is back with yet another banger of a novella to add to the Splatter at Sea series.
Unlike many of his other works in sci-fi or creature feature, Berry turns his sights on the mythical legends of the Samurai, throwing his typically unique style and voice into the mix, creating yet ANOTHER banger of a story that oozes creeping dread with each page. enjoyed this one quite bit as, once again, Berry shows his versatility as an author who, seemingly, has zero issues dabbling in damn near every sub genre of horror.
The epilogue is worth the price of admission alone....more
If there was any doubt that Judith Sonnet could handle the creature feature sub genre of horror in her fantastic novel Deep Dark then this newest noveIf there was any doubt that Judith Sonnet could handle the creature feature sub genre of horror in her fantastic novel Deep Dark then this newest novella, is the very proof.
It's also evident that this is the area she should be focusing every new book on. Channeling Harry Adam Knight and even some Tim Curran, Eels! Is one part love letter to B grade monster films, another part splatterpunk. Taking tidbits from current events in the biological sphere, Sonnet takes those slimy and slithery denizens of the deep and makes them even more creepy, crawly, and deadly, while, at the same time, not taking herself too seriously.
Obviously loved how quick paced this was, but at 70 pages, it was just too short. Not that there was anything wrong with a story that could be read in one quick setting (and written, edited, and produced in only 10 days) but I wanted more!...more
Judith Sonnet is back with a collection of what I would consider 3 of her best short stories.
From a babysitter trapped amongst a crazy horde4.5 stars
Judith Sonnet is back with a collection of what I would consider 3 of her best short stories.
From a babysitter trapped amongst a crazy horde of fatherhood obsessed men, to an interview with a zombie, to a haunted lake that holds dark secrets, all 3 of these stories highlight just how adept Sonnet is at the dying art form of short stories and how far she’s come as an author…especially in her willingness to try things a bit more “mainstream” than her usual penchant for the extreme side of horror.
If you want to see the talent she has for crafting some incredibly well written tales with some of the best bleak and depressing endings, I’m Your Papa is the perfect place to start. ...more
Sometimes you need a break from deep and challenging reads. Sometimes you need a dumb story to just give you some escapism from the world. And if thatSometimes you need a break from deep and challenging reads. Sometimes you need a dumb story to just give you some escapism from the world. And if that’s the case then Sonnet’s Splatter-saurus may be just what the doctor ordered.
What you see is what you get here.
There’s no back story. There’s no depth. Just a rampaging slaughtering teens and disgusting hillbillies alike.
Just like the cheesy SyFy channel original films it’s an homage to, It’s self aware. Never tries to take itself seriously and ends up being quite a bit of gory fun.
And with one of the most ridiculous endings, its sequel is gonna make for even more dumb entertainment that I can’t wait for. ...more
Laymon’s One Rainy Night runs head on into George A. Romero’s The Crazies in Brian G. Berry’s
newest novella. And while that may seem like 2 giants ofLaymon’s One Rainy Night runs head on into George A. Romero’s The Crazies in Brian G. Berry’s
newest novella. And while that may seem like 2 giants of the horror industry that are impossible to emulate, Berry once again proves he has the chops to pull it off. It’s pretty apparent that at this point, Berry is doing this just for the pure fun of it, as Rabid Madnessis basically balls to the wall insanity with as much blood, gore, and outright “extreme” horror elements as he can possibly cram into a measly 84 pages. I’ve found myself slowly starting to distance myself from this sub genre of horror, but I can’t deny that Berry is always an author I can trust to pen a better than average story (even if the subject matter isn’t my cup of tea anymore).
I’m not usually one for trigger warnings but I considered this a 4 star review strictly on Berry’s ever increasing ability to grow with each new release but due to one graphic scene involving a pregnant woman and rampaging crazies, I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. Obviously I’m not going to fault Berry for this, but when it comes to infanticide and things of that nature, it’s usually a flat out DNF for me. So the fact that I could overlook that moment and keep reading really speaks to Berry’s skill to keep me engaged despite something that’s typically an instant “no” on my end....more
It’s killer children versus the kindly neighborhood old man in this newest release from Brian G. Berry and his always entertaining VHS trash series.
AIt’s killer children versus the kindly neighborhood old man in this newest release from Brian G. Berry and his always entertaining VHS trash series.
As usual, Berry excels in putting together a blisteringly fast paced, exceedingly well written and descriptive novella, packed together in a measly 53 pages that evokes both Keene and Curran. This time however, the entire thing reads in first person POV (a new for Berry) and leaves the reader with a question of reality or a twisted tale of an unreliable narrator.
Should I be surprised I liked this short story? Hell no!
Berry has had a ridiculous track record of consistently good publications and continues to get better and more adept with each new story. And for a short based on a twisted a spooky dream, The Mound is no exception. ...more
Another solid entry in the “Splatter Crimes” series and another great addition to Brain G Berry’s continuously growing bibliography.
Hooker Massacre iAnother solid entry in the “Splatter Crimes” series and another great addition to Brain G Berry’s continuously growing bibliography.
Hooker Massacre in Trash City takes many of Berry’s usual skills in horror and amps it up to the level that feels like a cross between a Troma film and Richard Laymon on meth.
Usually when books and authors try to work in the medium of gore and extreme violence, I’m one to turn away, but Berry makes those elements work in a way that kept me interested from beginning to end. Even with its mean spirited nature and bleak setting, Hooker Massacre feels more natural and realistic and not written as a way just to shock audiences.
And unlike some authors in this extreme side of horror, Berry tends to understand the importance of story over splattered guts and disembowelment (though there is plenty to go around in this extremely violent novella). ...more
Carnage on 84th Street is absolute carnage and totally worthy of the “Splatter Crimes” banner. This novella is bleakThe title and series says it all.
Carnage on 84th Street is absolute carnage and totally worthy of the “Splatter Crimes” banner. This novella is bleak, brutal, and blood drenched…which, at this point, shouldn’t come as a surprise at all since this was penned by the always nasty (I say that in a good way, by the way) and extreme Judith Sonnet who somehow always manages to up the ante with her books.
Though she skips the horror and replaces it with crime, there is no doubt this one is “extreme”. Obviously this one is offensive, gory, and one of the most mean spirited of Judith’s works I’ve read so far (which I know is saying something), but somewhere between the bullet riddled corpses, the nasty characters, and the sprayed viscera on damn near every page, there is still a great story buried beneath and gives more proof that Sonnet’s talents continue to grow, no matter the genre she decides to write in. ...more
McCammon once again proves he’s the best in the game with anything he writes.
Last Train From Perdition is, not surprisingly considering who wrote it,McCammon once again proves he’s the best in the game with anything he writes.
Last Train From Perdition is, not surprisingly considering who wrote it, an absolute blast to read from beginning to end.
At only 180 or so pages, this novella is one of the best stories I’ve ever read. McCammon is a true master of melding so many genres together and his mashup of horror, thriller, and western is on full display here. It’s action packed, it’s heart felt, it’s just so damn good.
I only wish he’d come out with a much needed 3rd book to complete this truly amazing story. ...more
Just as I did in 2022, I’m starting out 2023 with another Robert McCammon story. Also, just like last year, this was an awesome way to get my reading Just as I did in 2022, I’m starting out 2023 with another Robert McCammon story. Also, just like last year, this was an awesome way to get my reading going.
I Travel By Night unsurprisingly, a great short novel from McCammon the master. The main character, Lawson is an immediately likable protagonist and In his typical way, McCammon writes a tragic backstory that makes you feel for him.
And since McCammon is a master, he somehow manages to juggle the vampire mythos and the romanticism of late westerns perfectly, melding them together damn near seamlessly.
There doesn’t need to be any other proof that McCammon is the best and most consistently amazing author out there, but here is yet another example of his greatness. ...more
You would think something as innocuous and simple as a snowman would be the least terrifying thing imaginable…but then again we aren’t Brian G. Berry You would think something as innocuous and simple as a snowman would be the least terrifying thing imaginable…but then again we aren’t Brian G. Berry who’s twisted mind is capable of crafting something so dark, gory, and creepy in Abominable Snowman.
I’ve been a fan of Berry for awhile so the fact that he was able to pull off something this crazy isn’t a surprise. Just like his previous entries in the horror genre, Snowman excels in the descriptive phrasing of bloodshed and truly great visuals of rampaging snowmen. And, like Tim Curran, Berry really sets himself apart from many less talented independent horror authors out there.
As this one dealt with quite a few murders of kids, it wasn’t my favorite of his books (still waiting for another bleak creature feature like the phenomenal Night Weaver), I can’t deny it was still a a lot of fun.
If you want something that truly ups the ante with holiday themed horror, and works as an entirely worthy successor to any Curran book, then look no further. Berry is a great author and I continue to expect amazing things from him....more
Well I’ll be on the naughty list for sure this year after reading Sonnet’s latest novella. Santasploitation is dirty, gross, and the kind of 3.5 stars
Well I’ll be on the naughty list for sure this year after reading Sonnet’s latest novella. Santasploitation is dirty, gross, and the kind of Christmas gift you’d get in your stocking next to a lump of coal and a switch. In other words, this is NOT a tale full of Christmas joy.
And yet, despite its dark and mean spirited tone, in typical fashion, Sonnet somehow makes a very NSFW holiday novella incredibly readable and hard to put down. Hell, I actually felt sorry for poor old Saint Nick after finishing this.
Honestly though, at this point I shouldn’t be surprised since she’s managed to keep me buying her stuff for the past 2 years, even though she tends to write in the sub genre of horror that I’m not usually a big fan of. And even then Santasploitation toes the line with dark humor and bizarro than straight up extreme horror.
So if you want a different take on the holidays and aren’t easily offended, give this quick little novella a read, but don’t expect sugarplum fairies and helpful elves on the shelf. ...more
If I didn’t know Judith Sonnet wrote Earth vs. the Nudist Camp Freaks and you told me she did, I’d say you were pulling my leg because this n4.5 stars
If I didn’t know Judith Sonnet wrote Earth vs. the Nudist Camp Freaks and you told me she did, I’d say you were pulling my leg because this novella is nothing like anything she’s written before.
Unlike her extreme, gore drenched, entrails dripping, blood soaked horror stories, Nudist Camp Freaks is a love letter to campy and ridiculously cheesy B-grade films of the 50s and 60s, complete with schlocky aliens, a goofy plot, and an overall light hearted tone that works as a competent homage to the heyday of cheap cinema.
Personally, I loved this novella; It’s fun, silly, and never takes itself seriously. Basically this novella is the complete opposite of the medium Sonnet usually writes in and is all the better for it.
As with moat novellas this good, my one complaint is that, unfortunately, this wasn’t long enough....more
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