Sunday, December 3, 2023

The Dead Pennies by Robert Ford
















Rating: ★★★★★

Genre: Horror

Format: Paperback

Pages: 346

Synopsis:

After leaving an abusive relationship, Abby visits an old friend on her way to her mother’s in Florida. Hayden’s Uncle Jack is renovating a building into high-end apartments in town, and with the lure of living rent-free in a beautiful loft, Abby becomes the caretaker with the entire building all to herself. Abby hears strange sounds in the building. Shadows move as if they’re alive. Led to believe the structure was previously a school, Abby is told by the last living employee of Harper’s Grove that the building used to be a home for the infirm and unwanted children, the Dead Pennies of society, unfit for circulation.

Abby and Hayden search for the cause of the strange events at Harper’s Grove, and find out why the spirits of the dead children won’t sleep until they get vengeance.

But there’s also another evil at play—this one of a human nature. Abby’s ex-boyfriend, Nick, finds out where she has run off to. He won’t stop for anything until she’s back in his clutches, but Nick doesn’t expect to come up against the raging spirits of the Dead Pennies.

Review:

"That's the first and last black eye I ever get because of a man."

Abby has had enough of living in a rough relationship. She makes the decision to leave and head to her mothers house to start a new beginning for herself. But things change on her way there when she reconnects with a longtime friend. Knowing that she really does not want to stay with her mother, she decides to take an offer from her friend to live in a new loft that has been recently renovated. This decision begins a series of events that affect her life and those that also become involved. As the darkness surrounds her, she searches for the reasons behind all the mysterious occurrences. As the unusual noises, dark shadows, and perplexing events continue to disturb, Abby and others' lives are hanging in the balance between life and death. 

This book is written in three parts, with the first part introducing us to all the characters and the build to what is to come about in all of their lives. Part two brings us back to the past and reveals to us the reasoning behind the disturbing hauntings. Part three intertwines all the parts together, revealing hidden secrets, and the rage of the vengeful souls.

Creepy and haunting, we are not only given a disturbing and heartbreaking story from the past, but we are given a story that involves abuse in different forms. It haunts the mind and the soul. It lingers and the memories are never forgotten. It's not the person that does not let go of the past, it's the past that does not let go of the person. 

"You feel it in these places, feel the sadness, the grief, a sense of mourning, but sometimes, you feel the anger, too. Enough bad things happen in the same spot, and the shadows begin to gather, and sometimes the pain, that...rage, starts up some sort of engine, makes the place itself come alive."

An engaging and haunting story. Robert Ford's writing craft shines through with some wonderful prose and a few plot twists that add elements of surprise and suspense. 

A ghost story that may just haunt your dreams, chill your mind, and give you those spine tingling chills!

Goodreads Author Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/

Amazon Author Link:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Robert-Ford/author/

Author Website:

http://robertfordauthor.com/


About the author

Robert Ford has written the novels Burner, The Compound, No Lipstick in Avalon, and Blood Roses, a horror-western. He also has a collection of his short fiction The God Beneath my Garden, a novella collection, Inner Demons, and the novella Larva Me Tender.

He collaborated, with John Boden, on the novellas Rattlesnake Kisses, Cattywampus, and Black Salve, in the Knucklebucket Thang series.

With author Matt Hayward, Robert co-wrote the novel A Penny for Your Thoughts.

Robert lives in Central Pennsylvania, and is usually hard at work on at least two projects at a time.

Publisher Website:

https://www.cemeterydance.com/


Review Links:

https://tbmhorror.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/review/

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/


Saturday, December 2, 2023

GRANNY by Simon McHardy & Sean Hawker
















Rating: ★★★★

Genre: Horror

Format: eBook

Pages: 71

Synopsis:

There’s something not quite right about GRANNY.

She may appear sweet and innocent but harbors an unusual secret, a secret that dwells deep within the crawl space beneath her house and churns in the blackened chambers of her heart. No one is safe as she stalks the schools and bingo halls around town.

Fast-paced, mischievous mayhem abounds in this bizarro splatter masterpiece from the twisted minds of McHardy & Hawker.

Review:

"These lonely, old f*cks will do anything to feel wanted again."

Granny is not your typical, sweet little old grandma. She is not as she appears to be as she is hiding a dark and sinister secret.  She will befriend you. Make you want to take her home and love her.  Then when you least expect it, she will show you who she truly is and make you regret that she has darkened your doorstep. 

She is not a happy granny, she despises happiness and wishes to only torture and destroy. She's a total b*tch!

I always know when I open a McHardy book, I am going to be entertained. Highly disgusted, but nonetheless entertained. This being a collaboration with Hawker, I can only imagine the fun they had writing it. Sickos! I chuckled a few times, but one particular chapter made me gag a little...ewww...nasty! Then there is the chapter with all the little kittens at the shelter...ripped my heart out. The ending, well let me say it was truly karma and well deserved. 

Did you have to write about old, wrinkled poonannies? 

Chuckles galore, but equally nauseating, what's not to like? 

If you are a fan, then you do not want to miss out on this one!

Goodreads and Amazon Author Links:

McHardy:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Simon-McHardy/author/


About the author:
Simon McHardy is the author of the infamous MOTHER MAGGOT. He lives a reclusive life in Tasmania Australia.
Hawker:
About the author:
Sean writes depraved splatterpunk novellas, novelettes, and short stories. He's won a couple awards for his literary filth. He lives in Gloucestershire, England with two albinos and a midget.
Publisher Website:


Review Links:

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Coffin Shadows by Mark Steensland & Glen Krisch
















Rating: ★★★★

Genre: Occult Horror

Format: Paperback

Pages: 117

Synopsis:

12 years ago Janet Martlee’s infant son died under mysterious circumstances. Consumed with grief and anger, she ran away to start again...

Yesterday, a 12-year-old boy with dead eyes appeared in her classroom, begging for help. But Janet doesn’t believe in ghosts...

Today, her psychiatrist tells her she must return home to confront her past and uncover the mystery of what happened...

Only some questions don’t want to be answered. And some answers hide in the shadows...

Review:

"The treasure you seek is in the cave you fear to enter."

When Janet Martlee begins to see what she believes is a ghost, her whole world turns upside down and leads her in a direction she has avoided facing. She must return back to the home she ran from many years before to try to restore her memories from the past. What she learns is secrets and lies have led her to believe what was never true. She learns the truth behind her infant son's death, and the truth of dark practices that have been performed for many years by some of the townspeople. 

A collaborative novella focusing on the main characters' circumstances of her past life and decisions that she has to choose to make to be able to move forward in her present life.  A short journey through a life of unknowns and lost memories, unlocking the mind as all the elements come together, revealing dark and disturbing truths. 

I can imagine the thought it takes for two minds to blend a story together. Working together to complete a cohesive story and one that has to engage the reader in a few short pages. One of my favorite elements of a novella is how it leaves some interpretation for the reader to take away from the story itself. Not everything needs an explanation or a packaged ending. That's what sparks imagination and keeps us wondering. 

A mystery to uncover with some chilling and horrifying secrets.

~Mark Steensland

Goodreads Author Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/

Amazon Author Link:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mark-Steensland/author/

Author Website:

https://www.marksteensland.com/


About the author

Mark Steensland self-published his first book while in fourth grade and has been telling stories ever since—some of them true. He became a professional journalist before graduating high school, writing about movies for such magazines as Prevue, Millimeter, and American Cinematographer. He holds a bachelor's in film studies from UC Santa Barbara, a master's in creative writing from CSU Sacramento, and an MFA in screenwriting from Chapman University. His award-winning films (including Peekers and The Ugly File) have played in festivals around the world. His first novel—Behind the Bookcase—was published in 2012 by Random House. A movie based on The Special, a novella co-written with James Newman, was released in October 2020. He most recently wrote Jakob's Wife, starring Barbara Crampton, Larry Fessenden, and Bonnie Aarons.


~Glen Krisch

Goodreads Author Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/

Amazon Author Link:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Glen-Krisch/author/


About the author

A native of the Chicago suburbs, Glen Krisch hopes to add to his list of ghosts he's witnessed (two), as well as develop his rather pedestrian telekinetic and precognitive skills. His novels include Amazon Bestseller WHERE DARKNESS DWELLS, THE NIGHTMARE WITHIN, NOTHING LASTING, ARKADIUM RISING, ECHOES OF VIOLENCE, and LITTLE WHISPERS.

Publisher Link:

https://www.cemeterydance.com/

Cemetery Dance Publications

Founded by Richard Chizmar in 1988, Cemetery Dance Publications is a specialty press and small press publisher of horror and dark suspense. We've published Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Ray Bradbury, Peter Straub, William Peter Blatty, Clive Barker, Gillian Flynn, Scott Smith, Daphne du Maurier, Justin Cronin, Frank Darabont, Mick Garris, Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child, Max Brooks, Joe R. Lansdale, Norman Partridge, Richard Laymon, Michael Slade, Graham Masterton, Douglas Clegg, Jack Ketchum, William F. Nolan, Nancy A. Collins, Al Sarrantonio, John Skipp, Michael Koryta, and many other horror writers, both classic and contemporary.

Review Links:

Monday, November 20, 2023

Hellweg's Keep by Justin Holley




Rating: ★★★☆

Genre: Sci-Fi/Horror

Format: e-ARC

Pages: 283

Synopsis: 

Thirty-seven miners disappear without a trace within a Titanium mine, Hellweg’s Keep, deep within Zeta One, a moon orbiting the planet, Terra. When FBI agent Kendra Omen arrives via the spaceship Marietta, strange phenomenon begins to manifest…suicides, shadows a shade darker than the shadows they move within, disembodied whispers, and Kendra would swear she catches a glimpse of her own deceased daughter walking the dimly lit halls of Hellweg enterprises. But that’s impossible. Isn’t it? As evidence of occult practices at the mine emerges, Kendra realizes the answers they seek, and hopefully the thirty-seven miners, will only be found underground in the claustrophobic labyrinth of shafts and natural caverns within Hellweg’s Keep.

Review:

"It rippled with power, like something beneath it disturbed the event horizon."

When FBI agent Kendra is hired to fly into space to investigate the disappearance of miners at Hellweg's Keep, she is on a mission to find out what happened to them and hopefully rescue them. What she finds is many unanswered questions, strange occurrences, and disturbing occult practices that affected many lives. As the crew she has helping her descends into the deep caverns, they must not only search for the missing, they must also protect themselves from what lurks beneath. Haunting whispers, apparitions, and creatures from beyond that will devour their existence. 

Hellweg's Keep is science fiction with a mix of horror and paranormal elements. Deep in the caverns the claustrophobia can be clearly felt as the darkness surrounds and the tunnels narrow, all the while knowing that something monstrous is lurking within. Whispers and orbs floating in the abyss, trying to tempt the mind into dark places. 

This is my first endeavor into the writing of Justin Holley. I do not know quite yet what his writing style is like. With that being said, I did feel that this wasn't as cohesive as it could have been. I felt there were a bit of repetitive statements from or about the characters, an overuse of similes, and an ending that left me a little underwhelmed. 

I also feel that the majority of books have redemptive qualities and there was quite a bit to like about this one. As with all books, they need the right audience and I feel that this can be enjoyed by those that are into sci-fi/horror.

A very kind thank you to Flame Tree Publishing and Justin Holley for sending me a complimentary copy. Much appreciated!

Goodreads Author Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/

Amazon Author Link:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Justin-Holley/

Author Website:

https://justinholley-author.com/


                                  About the author

Justin lives somewhere on the Cass Lake chain of lakes with his wife, and also a rather large Daneiff named Nu and a clever but tiny Devon Rex named Jinx. Justin is the author of the novels, Hellweg's Keep, Blood from the Stars (3-book serialized novel), Tethered to Darkness, Seven Cleopatra Hill, the 3-book Bruised series, and several short stories. Bruised was mentioned in Brian Keene's "Top Ten Books of 2015". Correspondence from his fans is most welcome.

Publisher Website:

https://www.flametreepublishing.com/




Review Links:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/

https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/



Saturday, November 4, 2023

Research Randy and The Mystery of Grandma's Half-Eaten Pie of Despair by Tom Lucas
























Rating: ★★★★


Genre: Occult Fiction


Format: Paperback


Pages: 172


Synopsis: 

Research Randy reads like YA, and can be if you want it to be. It’s also a weird mash-up of cosmic horror, eldritch terrors, nostalgia trip and a meta love letter to Lovecraft’s Cthulhu mythos.

The stars of a beloved series of children’s books, the clever Research Randy and his supernaturally sensitive sister Charlie, solved many cases in the idyllic coastal town of Serenity Bay to the delight of many readers over the last 30 years.

But now, suddenly transported to the creepy hamlet of Effingmouth, they find themselves in a bizarre place where nothing is what it seems, people are strange and secretive, and something awful lurks in the shadows.
This might be a mystery they don’t want to solve.

Review:

"When you look in the mirror...

Whom do you see? Not WHAT, mind you. WHOM. This visage before you, that which you consider to be your identity, what is its value to you? Are you content?"


"For all of humankind is but a trifle. An experiment only meant to amuse those far beyond our comprehension, those whose visage goes beyond our very ability to perceive."


Randy and Charlie have recently moved to Effingmouth, where everything is strange and unusual. Randy and Charlie are not only trying to fit in, they are finding many mysteries to solve. As each mystery unfolds before them, they become more bizarre and dangerous to their existence. There is something sinister lurking in the dark, waiting patiently to reveal itself. He has awoken and "HE SLEEPS NO MORE!"


The author's writing style brought to mind the way Daniel Handler writes as Lemony Snicket, immersing himself into the story, interacting with the characters. Very creative and adventurous. Mysteries and mayhem truly abound throughout as the kids work to unveil the truths of the strange happenings that surround the town. The adventure evolves as the author has you turning pages to read how Randy solved each mystery or not, immersing the reader into those, as well. There are really great illustrations that add to the overall uniqueness. A really fun nod to Lovecraft and the Cthulhu mythos. 


When I first started reading this, I felt it would be a great book for middle grade kids, but further into it I changed my mindset and really feel it does fit more to the young adult and adult audience. Fans of Lovecraft and mystery will surely appreciate and enjoy reading this. 


A truly rollicking adventure!


Thank you Mar at TBM Horror and Tom Lucas for sending this one my way, appreciated!


Goodreads Author Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/

Amazon Author Link:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Tom-Lucas/author/

Author Website:

https://room1331.home.blog/



About the author

Tom Lucas was born and raised in Detroit, and although currently enjoying the lack of snow and ice in Florida, remains a son of the post-industrial apocalypse.

He is a college professor, author, and spoken word performer.

Tom has been published in The Orlando Weekly, Writer's Digest, The Writer's Monthly Review, The South End, The Oakland Press, The Macomb Daily, Orbit, Anthropomorphic, and U. Magazine. He has also been featured in literary journals such as The Write Place at the Write Time, Graffiti Rag, F*cked Up Fairy Tales, and Dark Fire Fiction. He has performed on the Lollapalooza stage as well as guest spots on CIMX, WDET, and WJR.

When not writing, Tom likes to drive fast and take chances.

For more information visit: http://room1331.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TomLucasAuthor

Insta: @TomLucasAuthor

Twitter: @readtomlucas

Slasher: Tommygunn (TomLucasAuthor)


Review Links:

https://tbmhorror.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/review/

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/




Saturday, October 28, 2023

Sisters of the Crimson Vine by P.L. McMillan
















Rating: ★★★★

Genre: Horror/Folklore

Format: eBook

Pages: 114

Synopsis:

John Ainsworth nearly died in that car crash. 

Soon he'll learn there are worse fates. After a brutal accident, John awakens in the dilapidated Crimoria Convent under the care of thirteen unconventional nuns. Grievous injuries trap him within the borders of the ruined sanctuary and its strangely successful vineyard. When his body starts healing faster than nature allows, John's questions quickly pile up. A pair of Church auditors arrive to look into the convent's finances. It's obvious the pair are unwelcome guests, but John has bigger concerns. The order's annual ritual draws near and John begins to discover things that make him wonder if any of them are truly safe in the hands of the Sisters of the Crimson Vine.

Review:

“Old wounds heal and the scars remain to remind us,” she said. “It’s important to remember and appreciate each and every day.”

John Ainsworth is an auditor traveling to a convent. On the way there, he has a car accident and becomes debilitated. The sisters are welcoming and take care of him, but there are many occurrences that have him confused and questioning. There are seemingly many secrets and an underlying strangeness that surrounds the sisters and the convent. As the secrets are revealed, Mr. Ainsworth must make a difficult decision that will affect a life and all the lives of the sisters. 

In the vein of cosmic horror and folklore, this is an atmospheric novella where the unknown is dark and menacing. The sisters are the heart of the story as they are shown to be strong in their convictions and powerful in their commitments to each other, the convent, and the preservation of the land. They hold strong in their yearly sacrifice that is paramount to their survival. They follow the ways of the old and timeless. They are the "Sisters of the Crimson Vine."

Grim and foreboding. Isolating and unnerving. The dread is quietly built which leads to some shocking and horrifying details. It's ominous, uncanny, and has an evocative quality within the storytelling. 

“Year after year, the grapes are nourished in the soil that our sisters died on. Their blood fed the earth and, in turn, the earth feeds us,” Agatha said.








Goodreads Author Link:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/

Amazon Author Link:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/P.L.-McMillan/author/

Author Website Link:

https://www.plmcmillan.com/


About the Author:

P.L. McMillan is a writer whose works have been known to cause rifts in time and space itself…

Well, not quite. But writing often makes her feel that powerful.

P.L. McMillan is a Canadian expat living in the States, after having taught English for three years in Asia. With a passion for cosmic horror and sci-fi horror, P.L. McMillan sees every shadow as an entryway to a deeper look into the black heart of the world, meant to be discovered and explored. Infatuated with the works of Shirley Jackson, H.P. Lovecraft, and Ridley Scott, her dream is to create stories of adventure, of chills, of heartbreak, and thrills.

Her short fiction has appeared in a variety of anthologies and magazines such as Cosmic Horror Monthly, Strange Lands Short Stories, Negative Space, and AHH! That’s What I Call Horror, as well as adapted to audio forms for podcasts like NoSleep and Nocturnal Transmissions. In addition to her short stories, McMillan’s debut collection, What Remains When The Stars Burn Out, and debut novella, Sisters of the Crimson Vine, are available now.

Besides being a fiction writer, PLM has experience as an editor (Howls from the Dark Ages and The Darkness Beyond The Stars: An Anthology of Space Horror), hosts PLM Talks on Youtube (interviewing peers and professionals in the horror industry), and is the co-host of a horror writing craft podcast, Dead Languages Podcast. On top of all that, PLM does digital illustrations and artwork for anthologies and her merch shop.

A Coffee and Thorn Book Tour

            Coffee and Thorn Website Link:

        https://coffeeandthorn.com/

Review Links:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/

https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/

https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/



My UnderSlumberBumbleBeast by Zoje Stage

Genre: Children's Fantasy Format: eBook Pages: 74 Rating: ★★★★★ Synopsis: Nine-year-old Pru has many hobbies: inventing things, collecti...