Newcomer to Larry Watson's work but will not shy away in the future. I saw the trailer for the film adaptation of this book and was intrigued. GorgeouNewcomer to Larry Watson's work but will not shy away in the future. I saw the trailer for the film adaptation of this book and was intrigued. Gorgeous prose and well-drawn characters propel this mid-century western suspense story along to its inevitable end. Recommended! ...more
Small town horrors come in all forms in this creepy southern novel. Great characters and insight into how hatred and hypocrisy can breed something monSmall town horrors come in all forms in this creepy southern novel. Great characters and insight into how hatred and hypocrisy can breed something monstrous. Recommended! ...more
Epic, bloody, unrivaled, brutal. The west through McCarthy's unwaveringly caustic vision. This one is no holds barred. Epic, bloody, unrivaled, brutal. The west through McCarthy's unwaveringly caustic vision. This one is no holds barred. ...more
Tightly woven tale that spools out to a twist ending that's very satisfying. One of my current favorite authors. Tightly woven tale that spools out to a twist ending that's very satisfying. One of my current favorite authors. ...more
Exciting beginning to a new series from a very talented author. Imaginative and dark with a whirl of emotions intertwined in continuous action. RecommExciting beginning to a new series from a very talented author. Imaginative and dark with a whirl of emotions intertwined in continuous action. Recommended. ...more
I was late getting around to this one but found it a very engrossing read. I'm always astounded at the way King takes the mundane and turns it on its I was late getting around to this one but found it a very engrossing read. I'm always astounded at the way King takes the mundane and turns it on its head. Who would think a car stored in a dusty old shed could elicit a shudder of dread? Such a fun read. ...more
What a quick, fun read from Mr. Chizmar. Some really creepy moments reminding me of Danielewski's House of Leaves. Very enjoyable. What a quick, fun read from Mr. Chizmar. Some really creepy moments reminding me of Danielewski's House of Leaves. Very enjoyable. ...more
Wow. This is the first time I've read Laird Barron though he's been on my radar for years. By and away the best collection of short stories I've encouWow. This is the first time I've read Laird Barron though he's been on my radar for years. By and away the best collection of short stories I've encountered in recent memory. With a superior command of language and firm grip on what makes us afraid, the author pulls no punches and peels back the layers to reveal unnamed horrors that squirm in the dark. Highly, highly recommended. ...more
I've seen some people say this is a challenging read. I'd agree, but in the most positive sense. VanderMeer has such a unique skill for phrasing and uI've seen some people say this is a challenging read. I'd agree, but in the most positive sense. VanderMeer has such a unique skill for phrasing and use of metaphor it forces you to think about what's being described in a different way. The deep psychological aspect of the story creates an undercurrent of unease punctuated by jarring scenes of violence. Overall an enthralling read very different than any other novel I've encountered. ...more
Really on a Don Winslow kick here, and I don't care. I'll read anything the man writes. The Winter of Frankie Machine follows a retired hit man for thReally on a Don Winslow kick here, and I don't care. I'll read anything the man writes. The Winter of Frankie Machine follows a retired hit man for the west coast mob who's in the golden years of his life. All Frankie wants is to run his multiple businesses, surf, and strengthen the relationship with his daughter. But the past comes calling when he least expects it and he's forced into a game where the stakes are his life and everyone he cares about. Winslow's novels are like a Mac truck with blown brakes on a mountainside, there's no stopping them once you start. Great read and highly recommended. ...more
