Karla's Literary Korner

https://karlasliterarykorner.blogspot.com

Larva Me Tender-4 ★

Synopsis:

It was a good run while it lasted, but Eddie’s days as an Elvis impersonator are coming to a close.

Middle-aged and overweight, even his yearly gigs at county fairs start to dry up.

But Eddie’s priorities change when he fathers a very special kind of baby... sort of.

Struggling with the responsibility and fear of every new father, Eddie is forced to take action to provide for his child.

Even if those actions are illegal... even if he risks his life in the process.

A father’s love knows no bounds... even for a child like this.

An unlikely bond between Eddie and Squirt (a combination of something akin to a larva developing into a somewhat alien-human being with personality. A hungry little squiggler with an unusual, grotesque appetite but also an endearing demeanor.)

There are moments that will make you want to squirm, laugh out loud, and tug at your heart. – Karla Kay (What a wonderful surprise, thank you so much!!)

Only a writer of Tobert Ford’s caliber could pull this off and make it work so well. Even had a tear or two in my eyes by the end. Great book! — SJGomzi

This has got to be the most imaginative, disgusting, horrifying, LOL funny book I've read in ages. BUY IT!

READ IT! GIFT IT! —Mommacat

After reading this wonderful novella, you will not think of Elvis impersonators the same way again. Such a fun book with a wonderfully original premise. Highly recommended! — JoshReading

Review Links:

Big Stakes Jackie-4 ★

Synopsis:

Big Stakes Jackie is a mountain of a man, organizing his crew for heists. He somehow knows things that make the scores go exactly the way they’re supposed to—from the deserts of Mexico, to the alleys of Philadelphia. But there’s something people don’t know about Jackie... a secret that is slowly but surely taking its toll on him... and everyone is about to find out.

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No Lipstick in Avalon-5 ★

Synopsis:

SARA'S LAW #227: If you write the fairy tale in your head, sometimes that's exactly where it will remain. Life sure has its share of shit storms, doesn't it? Believe me, I know. But if you grab a good umbrella and brace yourself, you can weather damn near anything.My umbrella of choice-after I finally decided to pull up my big girl panties-was my friends, tequila, and some creative inspiration, though not necessarily in that order. So grab a drink and pull up a barstool. Come closer because there's a lot I want to tell you. Some lessons learned from the school of hard knocks and ways to hang onto hope.Some of it's bad and a lot of it's good. But I promise you this, love... one way or another, it all works out. Somehow... it always works out.

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The Crow and the Cardinal-5 ★

Synopsis:

Inspired by classic tales such as The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, and the many works of E.B. White, The Crow and the Cardinal is a bedtime story of what friendship and sacrifice means, what it means to give of yourself, no matter the cost, and that we can triumph over anything that comes our way.

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. 

https://www.amazon.com/stores/

https://www.youtube.com/@robertford152

Whispers of a Gypsy: A Supernatural Dark Thriller of Suspense and Horror by J.T. Patten

Rating: ★★★★★

Genre: Horror

Format: eBook

Pages: 218

Read: 05/28/23

Synopsis:

Neurodivergent, young Dwight Skinner considers his mental challenges to be a superpower, but it's a pure bloodline that will put him in danger. When a tragic event brings a mysterious Romani neighbor, Mr. Mortimer, out of seclusion and into the Skinner family's lives, Dwight and his emotionally overloaded mother find an unsuspecting protector in this dark lurking whisperer. Death and horrific secrets trail the unfolding life of Mr. Mortimer's past, and questions soon arise as to who has the more sinister of intentions, Dwight or the "Gypsy" he unconditionally trusts. The whispers have the answer.

Note: Whispers of a Gypsy is a story about how purity of heart dies in a world of hate. Using the word "Gypsy" refers to members of the Romani people (and/or their sub-groups Roma, Sina, etc.). The G-word, however, is pejorative. It is used in this case for conscious correction and to relate to an Auschwitz-Birkenau Camp book and the over 500,000 Romani killed by the Nazis. This group was one of the foremost peoples who suffered inhumane tests while in the camps. Na bister 500,000

Review:

"In the permanent place of the dead, there were no angels, no bright lights or family members waiting in the wings. He died in the blackness of regret and error, tumbling through Sheol."

World War II experimentation upon the Jews and Romani. The Nazi's created a super human to obliterate the population that was abhored. What they were not expecting was one of the biggest mistakes they could have possibly made. Their genetic alteration became what they feared and death is now upon them as revenge is seeked from the monster they created. From the war to present day, it returns over and over to collect their souls.

As many lives connect, the whispers are heard, dark secrets are revealed, and lives are changed forever. The bloodlines are still strong and the genetic alterations are still alive within. The gypsy hears the calling of the whispers and returns once again to answer the call.

The darkness that lies within this horrifying tale is unparalleled occurrences of human atrocities. The evilness of the underbelly of Nazi experimentation and the hate they held for the Jews and Romani. Moving forward to modern day, it delves into the evilness that can lie within the human heart within a family. Spousal and child abuse, alcoholism, and dark secrets surfacing from a long suffered past.

Elements of science, history, societal lifestyles, and war torn minds. Striking differences between evil and goodness, the ability to love and the ability to hate, prejudice against or choosing to embrace dissimilarities.

A menacing presence that will haunt your nightmares!

"I’m in your head. I will be in your house. And I will send you falling into a deep, dark, tight hole. I will snare you, little rabbit, or bury you where you live."

Deeply dark and foreboding, the horrors lie within this dreadful and haunting tale of terror!

From the Author:

Whispers of a Gypsy, like the Horror Classic Frankenstein, is a modern day Prometheus in may ways. Like Prometheus' sacred fire, the Nazis believed that their science would produce godlike capabilities and in time with their research, longevity beyond comprehension. As the eagle tearing out Prometheus' liver, Mr. Mortimer and those around him find loved ones ripped from their lives. And just as Victor Frankenstein's monster was liberated from his creator, so too was the Gypsy Mortimer as he escaped their confining clutches and exacted revenge upon them for subjecting him to horrific genetic alterations. Hope you enjoy the story.

Goodreads Author Link:

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

Amazon Author Link:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/J.T.-Patten/author/

Author Website Link:

https://jtpattenbooks.com/

Review Links:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5546197553

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

https://www.theboldmom.com/

Offered from:

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

The Quarry: Skulldiggery Book 2 by D.M. Gritzmacher

Rating: ★★★★★

Genre: Occult Horror

Format: eBook

Pages: 265

Read: 05/21/23

Synopsis:

Hoping to escape the horrors of World War II, Jeanne Butte and her family take refuge in an ancient Roman quarry on the outskirts of their French village. But the little girl soon finds the quarry, like her family, holds deep, dark secrets.
Nearly forty years later lost details from Jeanne’s past begin emerging, and she impulsively returns to the place of her birth looking for answers. As Jeanne digs into the local superstitions, she unearths an ageless terror you can't simply run away from. When Jeanne descends into the depths of the quarry’s black chasm a second time, she finds something had been expecting her all along.
Has Jeanne ever not been, or escaped, the quarry?

Review:

“The demon that dwells within this maze will end you all. Just ask all those around us now. This is the doorway to hell.”

War torn France. Survival is fleeting and many families must seek refuge deep underground in a Quarry. Little Jeanne is only four years old, she is confused and frightened, trying to keep up to her parents and not get lost in the darkness. As the families pack in, there is much chaos and dissention amongst the many. Tension is high and there is a deep, dark secret that lies within the Quarry. Something is lurking deep within the depths, something ancient and evil. Will they survive?

Years later, Jeanne is struggling with the loss she suffered so many years ago. She can't remember exactly what happened during those dark days within the Quarry. She travels to where it all happened to try to uncover the truth and lay to rest the darkness that lies within her mind. What she uncovers is more disturbing than she could have imagined.

Having read the first book in the Skulldiggery series, this wasn't what I was expecting. I enjoyed "The Relict", so I only assumed that I would enjoy this one, which I certainly did. The reason I say it was not what I was expecting is because this one went to some very deep dark places. Very disturbing and not so easy to read. Not only did the author provide the fear of the people during a war but also produced fear of the unknown causing a feeling of claustrophobia and shivers. When Jeanne's memories are revealed is when the story gets even darker taking us into the depths of the evilness that lies within humanity. It was some tough moments to read but certainly fits well within the story.

Moving forward to present day as there are three timelines, I love how we are then given more of the story through the eyes of Jeanne's son Russell and more insight about the true nature of the Quarry and what lies within.

This novel produces fear, anxiety, sadness, and horrifying moments, and yet, there lies within a glimmer of hope in all the despair.

"Real riches are wanting what you have, not longing for more."

D.M. Gritzmacher is an author to keep an eye on, his writing is excellent!

Goodreads Author Link:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/

Amazon Author Link:

Bookbub Author Link:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/

Author Website:

https://gritzmonster.com/

Review Links:

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

Sunday, May 14, 2023

Where Demons Dine by Sidney Shiv

Rating:★★★★★

Genre: Occult Horror

Format: eBook

Pages: 183

Synopsis:

Welcome to Dent County! Explore the streets of historic downtown Dentsville. Bask in the sun on Lake Orange. Enjoy a nature hike in Locust Forest National Park. There are plenty of attractions to lure you in!

Are you looking for relaxation, excitement, or just good old-fashioned slaughter? We’ve got you covered! Spend time along our ley lines. Join a cult. Worship the Dark Lord. We’ll never let you leave!

This is where the end begins. This is WHERE DEMONS DINE.

A collection of eight demonic tales of terror sure to satisfy your appetite for the macabre.

WARNING! This collection contains elements of extreme horror including graphic violence, sexual violence, blasphemy, gore, and mean people saying shitty things. Not intended for sensitive readers.

Review:

"If I'm not good enough for those pearly gates, and demons want to dine on my soul, so be it."

In this debut collection of single author short stories, Sidney writes with no restraint. His imagination and creativity shines through like a brand new penny.

There are many elements throughout, adding to the terrors within. Dystopian lands with an untraditional story of Adam and Eve which is disturbing at its core. Organized religion filled with utter hypocrisy and zeal. A dream within a dream where demons dwell, may all your wishes come true, you only have to sell your soul. Gaming that levels up and delves into the horrors of real life struggles ending in despair. Human monsters, terrorizing and controlling, not wanting to let go of a narcissistic behavior, but revenge is sweet in the end.

Not finished yet, but I am going to break into "Body House". This one was my absolute favorite of the eight stories included. This one was creepy as hell, and disturbingly disgusting. The whole story was engaging and the build up was exciting. Elements of occult practices, an underbelly of society, apparitions, and lots of surprises within. A satisfying ending!

I am also going to touch on "Ascension" as this one is the most heartbreaking and disturbing of them all. The subject matter is rough and tough to get through. It rips right into the soul! The redemption occurs in the end and what a damn great redemption it is! Thank you, Sidney, well done!!

Other elements include witchcraft and an everlasting curse upon all descendants. The power of a mother's love. Visceral torment and splatter galore!

Take note that there are illustrations with each story, created by Sidney, that add an enrichment and is very appreciated. The cover art was also created by Sidney, amazing, isn't it?

As you can see, the author put a lot of thought into this debut collection and it truly shows. A labor of love.

Excellent writing!

(A special thank you for including the Bonus Features, I loved reading it as it gave insight to your inspiration of writing these stories.)

Goodreads Author Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Where-Demons-Dine-Sidney-Shiv-ebook/

Amazon Purchase Link:

Link to Facebook Profile:

https://www.facebook.com/sidney.shiv

Review Links:

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

The Quiet Stillness of Empty Houses by L.V. Russell

Rating: ★★★★★

Genre: Gothic Fiction

Format: eBook/ARC

Pages: 198

Read: 05/10/23

Synopsis:

Theodora Corvus can hear the whispers of her crumbling family home. She can hear the whispers of Kingsward Manor, her place of employment. She sees the watchers by the lake, black-eyed and waiting. But Broken Oak is silent. Broken Oak is empty.

When Theodora takes the job as governess to young Ottoline Thorne, she leaves behind her beloved grandmother and the decaying ruins of her childhood home to travel far north to Broken Oak Manor. There, she finds a house filled with secrets. Under the stern eye of the foreboding housekeeper, Theodora quickly navigates the dark and winding corridors of Broken Oak, only to find herself irrevocably drawn to the mysterious lord of the manor. But someone walks the hallways late after nightfall, their footsteps leading to the attic. The only place in the sprawling house that does not remain silent. As her scandalous feelings for Cassias Thorne grow, Theodora fights to unearth the secrets of Broken Oak. Who wanders the house at night? Where is the Lady of the manor? What lies behind the attic door high up under the eaves of the house? “Where is Lady Thorne, Cassias? Where is your wife?”

Review:

"Death was no stranger to Theodora Corvus. It had gathered at her cradle, whisper-soft and unseen, to take her mother's cooling hand. Upon the eve of her eighth midsummer, beneath the old oaks near the lake as the sun slipped behind the hills, Death also took her father's hand."

Theodora's life has not been one filled with joy. Her life has been surrounded by death and darkness. Living with her grandmother in her father's house, the murky shadows surround her as she hears the whispers from the crumbling walls. She watches the shadows of those once living that hover in the mists from the brakish lake.

She spends her days as a governess at Kingswood Manor and her nights with her grandmother. When disturbing events occur, Theodora must leave her home and travel far away to Broken Oak Manor where she becomes a governess for little Ottoline Thorne.

The manor is filled with dark secrets but there are no whispers within the walls. Theodora must settle in to her new life at Broken Oak with sweet little Ottoline, the housekeeper, Ms. Rivers, and the ever elusive and mysterious lord of the manor.

There are disturbances and a presence wandering in the night that will lead Theodora to believe there is something deeply hidden within, a dark secret she longs to reveal. As she falls in love with the manor and all who dwell within, will the secret be worth revealing?

I really enjoyed this story. The prose throughout is beautifully written and the character's are endearing. The atmospheric setting is very descriptive. I could feel the deep seeded darkness, the melancholy, and the slowly creeping dread. The deep sorrow that is burrowed into their hearts and souls. I just adore little Ottoline, a sweet little child longing to be loved and cherished. Cassias is very mysterious and his troubles run deep. The love that develops between them all breaks the barriers of loneliness and yet there is something lurking within the depths of their hearts that something is amiss. Their journey reveals all that lies within.

A story filled with regrets, longing, and love. A forbidden romance that fills their lonely hearts.

The end reveal was flawless and weaves together all the hidden secrets.

Hauntingly wonderful and soulfully tragic!

Goodread Author Link:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/L.V.-Russell/author/

Amazon Author Link:

Author Website Link:

https://lydiarussell63.wixsite.com/intothewickedwoods

Publisher Website Link:

https://www.quillandcrowpublishinghouse.com/

Purchase Link:

https://www.quillandcrowpublishinghouse.com/

Review Links: