Tag: horror

The Street Between the Pines by J.J. Alo Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

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A Gulf War Veteran suffering from a string of bad luck and PTSD must investigate the mysterious creature that has begun stalking his neighborhood in author J.J. Alo’s “The Street Between the Pines”. 

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The Synopsis

A strange creature lurks between the pines of Forest Street.

Since the deadly DUI that ruined his life, Curtis Reynolds has long since struggled with sleep deprivation, debt, a failing marriage, and, frankly, justifying his own existence. But when his elderly neighbor is murdered, the Gulf War Veteran returns home to Forest Street, where a dangerous encounter sends him spiraling.

Battling insomnia and PTSD induced visions, Curtis begins an investigation of a mysterious monster, falling down a rabbit hole of folk mythology, government conspiracy, and ghosts from his past that threaten to destroy his fragile psyche and, possibly, all he holds dear.

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The Review

This was a truly rich and captivating horror thriller. The author found the perfect voice for this book’s overall atmosphere and tone, the writing really drawing the reader into the narrative as the small Connecticut town came to life on the page. The visceral nature of the creature’s attacks and the shocking realities of its origins are but two of the big mysteries the author is able to draw open in this book, and the imagery the author’s writing conjured for the reader left plenty of room for the reader’s imaginations to run wild while still providing an almost cinematic approach to the story.

For me, the core of this novel rested on the relatable character development and the chilling nature of the creature’s origins. The creature and the protagonist seemed to become the perfect mirror image of one another, showcasing the pitfalls of those who become ensured in the workings of the government machine, one a soldier left to pick up the pieces of his life, and the other a creature at war with the natural world for the failings of its creators. The web of conspiracies and haunting imagery combined to make the reader feel like they were delightfully lost in a classic X-Files-style creature feature. 

The Verdict

Thrilling, entertaining, and mesmerizing, author J.J. Alo’s “The Street Between the Pines” is a must-read horror thriller of 2023, and a contender for top horror read of the year thus far. The way the author drew out each character’s arc in a natural way felt very Stephen King to me in style, while the government mixed with horror nature of the narrative felt like an ode to iconic Dean Koontz novels, and yet the author’s unique voice and tone shone through on every page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

J.J. Alo is a commercial actor, writer, and author of the new novel THE STREET BETWEEN THE PINES. 

As a lover of the macabre, J.J. has spent several years writing award-winning horror screenplays and novels creating his interconnected “New England Supernatural Universe” filled with inherently flawed, complex characters and antiheroes. His latest novel, MISERY PLAZA, will be released in the fall of 2023, six months after his debut THE STREET BETWEEN THE PINES in April 2023.

THE STREET BETWEEN THE PINES has placed in two novel competitions: Killer Nashville Claymore Award Competition Finalist and ScreenCraft Cinematic Book Competition Quarterfinalist. His screenplay has won numerous accolades in the Best Horror/Thriller categories in several screenwriting competitions, some of which include the Los Angeles Film and Script Festival, Fright Night Film Fest, and Zed Fest Film Festival & Screenplay Competition to name a few.

J.J. lives and works out of his Connecticut Shoreline home with six insane cats and spends his time visiting coffee shops, movie theaters, and concert venues. He is a lifelong pop culture nerd, ComicCon & cosplay fanatic, avid gym enthusiast, and subpar snowboarder. (he tries!) And he’ll never say no to a perfectly shaken dirty martini. Never. 

https://www.jjalo.com/writing

https://twitter.com/jjalo143

https://www.facebook.com/streetbetweenthepines

@jjalo_

March 14th on Amazon! #booktok #book #books #bookrecommendations #bookreview #tiktokbook #scarystories #scarytiktoks #horror #horrortoker #horrorstory #horrortiktok #horrorstoriestok #bookstagram #fyp #scary #horrortok #foryoupage #horrorreviews #horrorjunkie #horrorlover #bookclub #bookclubtiktok

♬ 80’s Horror Movie Opening – Dead Bad Bunny

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in America by Louis K. Lowy Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

SPECIAL NOTE:

This is a bit of an unusual aside to make in my reviews, but I felt compelled to add this as this review has become somewhat of an emotional and surprising one. I have worked with this incredible author several times over the last few years and was contacted a few months ago by him to review his latest book. Unfortunately, I did not know that when he did so, it would be the last time I heard from him. 

It has come to my attention in the past week that author Louis K. Lowy has passed away at the age of 71. I had no idea that he had been battling an illness for some time and unfortunately has passed before I could share this review with him. He was a truly kind and encouraging author in this community, who I was not only thrilled to be able to work with as a reviewer and admirer of his work but who also supported my own ventures into the world of writing and was one of the few people I could consider a friend in this field. 

I wish I’d had the chance to get to know him more, but I am honored for the times we were able to speak and work together. So this review is in memory and honor of Louis K. Lowy, a beloved author who will truly be missed.

The bizarre and bloody tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde continues long after the conclusion of the classic Victorian tale by Robert Louis Stevenson as the captive doctor and mad killer soon make their way to a still growing America in author Louis K. Lowy’s “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in America”.

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The Synopsis

It can now be revealed that the evil and violent Mr Edward Hyde – alter ego of London’s physician Doctor Henry Jekyll – did not die at the conclusion of the classic, Victorian-era case documented by Robert Louis Stevenson. Instead, this malignant criminal not only continued to plague Britons, but soon after set his ambitions for mayhem for other nations; and so headed for the United States.Follow this story, from bustling New York City to the balmy realms of Florida, where the goodly Jekyll feels the curse of his other personae more than ever before. Witness the tale of Hyde’s influence and monstrous acts increasing and Jekyll soon realising that if he cannot find a way to resolve his bizarre duality he will be forever lost, and the suffering and bloodshed he will have been responsible for having loosed on the new, bright world of America will be a horror unparalleled. For Hyde is a man who can never be caught by authorities as he hides within the form of his maker, and holds that maker’s life to ransom.

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The Review

This was such an incredible follow-up to an iconic gothic horror classic. The settings of this novel were the first things that really captured my attention, as the story began in a classic Victorian-era London setting and kept the atmosphere of the classic, and then slowly over time shifted to a more early twentieth-century vibe when exploring the world of America and early moving picture studios, making it feel like a few noir elements were mixed into the story. The visceral nature of Hyde’s crimes and attitude was just as powerful as they ever were, and the way the story explores the criminal investigation that arises from those crimes kept me invested in the story.

Yet the heart of the narrative, as it was in the original, was the duality of Jekyll and Hyde. The desperation each feels in their mission to be rid of the other and the twist on their new connection that the author explores in this book was great to see as a new chapter of the mythos of Hyde came to life. The continuation of the experiments so Jekyll may be rid of Hyde for good leads to some unexpected outcomes, and the inclusion of a love interest that bridges the gap between the gothic nature of this original story and the updated noir storytelling was powerful and engaging to read, making the whole book feel quite cinematic in its delivery. 

The Verdict

Entertaining, chilling, and mind-bending, author Louis K. Lowy’s “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in America” is a fantastic gothic horror meets noir thriller novel. The twists and turns in the narrative and the explosive finale will leave fans delighted as the story of this iconic horror literary figure gets a fresh breath of air that feels much needed. The author’s passion for this book and the atmospheric way in which it is written made this one book I didn’t want to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Louis K. Lowy’s stories and writings have appeared in numerous public­ations including Coral Living Magazine, New Plains Review, The Florida Book Review, Ethereal Tales, Bête Noire Magazine, Pushing Out the Boat, The Chaffey Review, and The MacGuffin Magazine. He is a recipient of the Florida Individual Artist Fellowship. His humor poem “Poetry Workshop” was the second place winner of the 2009 Winning Writers Wergle Flomp Contest. 

http://www.louisklowy.com/

http://tinyurl.com/Louis-on-Facebook

https://www.instagram.com/louis_k_lowy/

Gothic by Philip Fracassi Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A struggling horror writer descends into madness when he begins using an ancient writing desk that begins to transform his personality in author Philip Fracassi’s “Gothic”. 

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The Synopsis

On his 59th birthday, Tyson Parks—a famous, but struggling, horror writer—receives an antique desk from his partner, Sarah, in the hopes it will rekindle his creative juices. Perhaps inspire him to write another best-selling novel and prove his best years aren’t behind him.

A continent away, a mysterious woman makes inquiries with her sources around the world, seeking the whereabouts of a certain artifact her family has been hunting for centuries. With the help of a New York City private detective, she finally finds what she’s been looking for.

It’s in the home of Tyson Parks.-

Meanwhile, as Tyson begins to use his new desk, he begins acting… strange. Violent. His writing more disturbing than anything he’s done before. But publishers are paying top dollar, convinced his new work will be a hit, and Tyson will do whatever it takes to protect his newfound success. Even if it means the destruction of the ones he loves.

Even if it means his own sanity.

Bookbaby.com helps independent authors bring their creative vision to the marketplace. Sell eBooks online in the biggest retail stores.

The Review

This was such a visceral and powerful horror read. The author did a remarkable job of touching upon the pressure of the writing industry and the pitfalls of fame and success while infusing the rigid horrors of the mythos the author crafted in a natural way into the narrative. The dynamic imagery the author utilizes in their writing really emphasized the terrors and spine-chilling nature of the threat that is brought into the lives of this cast of characters, making each scene feel steeped in terror. 

What really drove me into the pages of this novel were the engaging character arcs and the rich mythology the author developed for this novel. The draw of this ancient artifact and the hunt to stop its bloody reign of terror sets up the reader for an adventure like no other early on, but it is the haunting nature of this protagonist driven to the brink of madness and beyond by this powerful force of nature, and the way the horror elevates as this thing sinks its teeth more and more into the protagonist’s mind and begins to affect his relationships with the other characters that made this such a huge draw for me as a horror fan.

The Verdict

Haunting, captivating, and thrilling, author Philip Fracassi’s “Gothic” is a must-read horror novel of 2023. The chilling imagery and the buildup of tension in the narrative immediately made the book feel like a mashup of Stephen King’s The Shining and The Dark Half meets The Amityville Horror, and the shocking twists and turns in the narrative will keep readers hooked as the story progresses. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Philip Fracassi is an award-winning author and screenwriter living in Los Angeles.

His debut collection of short horror, BEHOLD THE VOID, won “Story Collection of the Year” award from both This Is Horror and Strange Aeons Magazine.

His new collection, BENEATH A PALE SKY, arrives June, 2021, and his debut novel, BOYS IN THE VALLEY, comes out on Halloween day, 2021.

His stories have been printed in numerous magazines and anthologies, including Best Horror of the Year, Black Static, Cemetery Dance, and Nightmare Magazine. His work has been reviewed in The New York Times, LOCUS Magazine, Rue Morgue and many others.

His screenplays include the Lifetime thriller Girl Missing and Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups, from Disney. Both are available as VOD.

Follow Philip on Facebook and Twitter (@philipfracassi), or visit his website at http://pfracassi.com. 

https://twitter.com/philipfracassi

Vlada: Tales of the Damned Anthology

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Six authors come together to explore the dark mythos of the Vlada universe in the new anthology “Vlada: Tales of the Damned”.

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The Synopsis

Vlada Tales of the Damned is a 6 author anthology book about the various characters from the Vlada Universe. Art by Tim Vigil, Chandra Akerblom, Don PAresi, and more. Authors included in the book are Christopher Denmead, Jenna Moqin, Don PAresi Chandra Akerblom, and more.

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The Review

This was a powerful and captivating collection of short stories. The authors not only captured the tone and atmosphere of the original Vlada story perfectly but honed in on the gothic setting and tone of the original so well. The vIsceral horror and gritty imagery the authors utilized helped bring an almost cinematic quality to the style of writing in each story, and the haunting tone of these tales kept the reader invested in these narratives. 

To me, the beauty of this series lies in both the gender-bent aspect of the twists on these iconic stories and the homages to the original mythos that the authors kept in place to add to the wealth of new storytelling that occurred. The earliest stories held great callbacks to characters like Renfield and Van Helsing, while the origins of Vlada herself were great and compelling to read, and the spine-chilling nature of the vampire lore was captured in these stories so perfectly that the authors were able to expand on the vampire mythos much more and keep the reader invested as they did so.

The Verdict

Memorable, captivating, and entertaining, the anthology hit gothic horror series “Vlada: Tales of the Damned” is a must-read collection. The twists on these iconic characters and the quick pace of the stories allowed the reader to really connect to this universe in a powerful way and leaves the reader eager for more stories within the growing Vlada universe. If you haven’t yet, grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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https://www.etsy.com/listing/1359485707/vlada-tales-of-the-damned

https://twitter.com/Vlada_GN

https://www.facebook.com/Vladagraphicnovel

Arcranium™ by Mark Towse and Daemon Manx Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Four authors enter a new form of technology that brings their creations to life in a virtual space and compete to determine who is the scariest of them all in authors Mark Towse and Daemon Manx’s “Arcranium™”. 

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The Synopsis

Four horror authors with four vulnerable egos, square off against one another, in the virtual world, to find out who is the scariest. Welcome to Arcranium™, a powerful technology that fuses with the author’s mind to stimulate their best possible creation, immersing other participants in the narrative. It’s all in good fun, but with so much pride at stake, things are bound to get a little bumpy once the gloves come off. So, strap your headset on and don’t forget the safe word. The future of literature is about to get an upgrade. The future is … Arcranium™

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The Review

This was such a chilling and captivating read. The perfect blend of modern horror and haunting psychological thrills, the authors did a wonderful job of bringing a shocking and visceral story to life on the page. The imagery and tension that layered this writing allowed the fictional worlds the main characters conjured up to come to life in such perfect detail, and the scares that occurred as a result felt natural and paid off from the developing narrative.

For me, the draw of this book came from both the stories within a story concept and the powerful themes that helped draw out the horrors of the genre into this novel. The way the narrative honed in on each character or author’s story and allowed those worlds to flourish not only moved the story forward but allowed the authors of this novel to showcase and flex their own creative work in a unique way. Yet it was the themes of the dangers of technology, the downfall of the ego, and the idea of playing god as a writer that really made the terrors of this fictional world tear into our own deep-seated fears, making this a wonderful read.

The Verdict

Haunting, captivating, and entertaining, authors Mark Towse and Daemon Manx’s “Arcranium™” is a must-read horror novel meets psychological thriller and anthology novel. The short yet powerful read immediately strikes readers with its commentary on the state of writing (and subsequently entertainment as a whole) while also delivering potent scares and thrills that will keep readers wide awake at night. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Mark Towse is an Englishman living in Australia. He would sell his soul to the devil or anyone buying if it meant he could write full-time. Alas, he left it very late to begin this journey, penning his first story since primary school at the ripe old age of forty-five. Novellas to date include: Nana, Crows, The Bucket List, Hope Wharf, 3:33, One Last Shindig, Nature’s Perfume, and Arcranium.

‘Mark Towse is an exciting new discovery. His stories are hidden gems that glint in the darkness. His characters draw you into their worlds, making you care, then plunge you into the abyss, leaving only a memory of warmth. These tales will linger in your mind long after the telling. His are heart-felt stories with an icy edge. Highly recommended.’

Trevor Denyer – Editor and Publisher – Midnight Street Press

https://twitter.com/MarkTowsey12

https://www.facebook.com/mark.towse.75

https://marktowsedarkfiction.wordpres…

Daemon Manx is an award-winning American author who writes horror, suspense, supernatural, and speculative fiction.

He was born on January 16, 1967, shortly after the very first Super Bowl, but never played the game and never had a favorite team.

Daemon has recently been nominated for the 2021 Splatterpunk awards for his debut, Abigail in the best short story category.

In 2021 he received a HAG award for his story The Dead Girl.

He is a member of the Horror Authors Guild (HAG) and has been featured in magazines in both the U.S. and the U.K. 

In 1999 Daemon was a contestant on the television game show Wheel of Fortune where he made it to the bonus round and walked away with a fully loaded Chevy Tahoe…pretty amazing, right?

On another unbelievable note, in 1991 Daemon was involved in a motor vehicle accident with Ronald Reagan’s motorcade. He accidentally crashed into the former president’s limousine on a New York City Street shortly after Ron and Nancy had stepped out of the vehicle. No one was injured, except for maybe the pride of the secret security agent who was directing traffic.

Most recently, Daemon has opened his own publishing company and works with fellow authors, Diana Olney and Jack Wells, as well as business associate, Romol Chiossi.

Daemon lives with his sister, author Danielle Manx and their narcoleptic cat, Sydney where the patiently prepare for the apocalypse. There is a good chance they will runout of coffee far too soon.

https://www.daemonmanx.com/

@daemonmanx

Book Mail. Arcranium with Mark Towse and Manxiety. Disturbing horror has arrived. #extremebooks #arcranium #extremehorrorchallenge #horrorreaders #horrorreadersoftiktok #horrortok #splatterpunk #reader #disturbing #disturbingbooks #disturbingbookrecs #marktowse #daemonmanxhorror #daemonmanx manxiety@towseywrites

♬ Eat the Rich – Motörhead

The Seething by Ben Monroe Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A family’s relocation becomes anything but relaxing when an ancient evil awakens and the people of their new town begin to disappear in author Ben Monroe’s “The Seething”. 

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The Synopsis

A family’s relocation looked like a chance to relax and regroup—but as they settle into their new home, teenage Kimmie Barnes’ special senses make her the target of something primordial, evil, and utterly malign.

Darkness…

Golden Oaks, California is a sleepy town on the shores of Oro Lake, and the residents have no idea what horrors lurk below the glittering waters.

Beneath the waves…

One by one, as people begin to disappear, the once quiet town is soon in the grips of a waking nightmare. An unimaginable horror consuming everything before it.

Hungry…

All while echoes of an ancient evil spread out like malignant spider webs, like dead hands reaching, grasping…

SEETHING…

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The Review

This book was so atmospheric and held a powerful hold on the reader as the narrative progressed. The action and horror pick up immediately, taking readers into an emotional and well-developed character arc that instantly gets torn asunder. The imagery played well into the author’s writing to not only bring the terror of the novel to life, but the rich setting as well, bringing this beautiful and serene Northern California locale to life on the page and serving as the perfect juxtaposition to this ugly, chaotic monstrosity lurking underneath the town itself.

The terror of the novel comes to life perfectly by having the right balance of world-building and dynamic character development. The connection this small family has together and the tight-knit community of the town play against the alienating nature of this evil seeping out into the lives of these people, and the mythos behind this monstrous energy and its seething hatred for the people within the town helped elevate the horrors that slowly began to crawl their way onto the page.

The Verdict

Harrowing, gripping, and entertaining, author Ben Monroe’s “The Seething” is a must-read horror thriller. The book felt like a Lovecraftian horror novel meets Dean Koontz’s “Phantoms” meets Stephen King’s It. The twists and turns in the narrative and the explosive final chapters will have the reader’s hearts pumping and serves as the perfect jumping-off point in the horror genre to send readers into spring. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy by preordering today or pick up your copy on March 23rd, 2023!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Ben Monroe has spent most of his life in Northern California, where he lives in the East Bay Area with his wife and two children. He is the author of In the Belly of the Beast and Other Tales of Cthulhu Wars, the Seething, the graphic novel Planet Apocalypse, and short stories in several anthologies. 

You can find more information about him and his work at www.benmonroe.com

https://twitter.com/_BenMonroe_

Melinda West: Monster Gunslinger by K.C. Grifant Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A monster-hunting gunslinger must traverse the Old West and stop an army of soul-devouring monsters arrive on Earth in author K.C. Grifant’s “Melinda West: Monster Gunslinger”.

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The Synopsis

In an Old West overrun by monsters, a stoic gunslinger must embark on a dangerous quest to save her friends and stop a supernatural war.

Sharpshooter Melinda West, 29, has encountered more than her share of supernatural creatures after a monster infection killed her mother. Now, Melinda and her charismatic partner, Lance, offer their exterminating services to desperate towns, fighting everything from giant flying scorpions to psychic bugs. But when they accidentally release a demon, they must track a dangerous outlaw across treacherous lands and battle a menagerie of creatures—all before an army of soul-devouring monsters descend on Earth.

The Witcher meets Bonnie and Clyde in a re-imagined Old West full of diverse characters, desolate landscapes, and fast-paced adventure.

The Review

I love this book. The author does an incredible job of finding the balance needed to connect this horror and supernatural plot with the Western setting. The imagery the author utilizes in their writing comes into play brilliantly when setting the stage of gritty old-west drama and the visceral and haunting creatures that the protagonist comes up against. The balance of tone was great to see as well, as the author was able to bring camaraderie and lightheartedness in some sections of the narrative while also providing a depth and emotional connection that keeps the reader invested in these characters.

The driving force of this narrative was not only the action and suspense that comes with these supernatural threats but the well-developed characters that inhabit this world. The immediate heroism and complexity of Melinda, as well as her leadership alongside Lance, was great to see, and her evolution as a protagonist when coming up against these larger and larger threats was mesmerizing to behold as a fan of these genres.

The Verdict

Haunting, chilling, and entertaining, author K.C. Grifant’s “Melinda West: Monster Gunslinger” is a must-read western horror novel of 2023! The story felt like a natural blend of The Witcher, the cult classic video game Darkwatch, and a mind-bending Lovecraftian story. The twists and turns in the narrative and the powerful draw of the protagonist will have readers enthralled with this brand-new saga that introduces a hero worthy of the reader’s attention. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy today or grab your copy on February 2nd, 2023!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

KC Grifant is a Southern Californian author who writes internationally published horror, fantasy, science fiction and weird west stories for podcasts, anthologies and magazines.

Her writings have appeared in magazines and podcasts including: Andromeda Spaceways Magazine (cover story for issue #70), Unnerving Magazine, Aurealis Magazine, Fission Magazine, Cosmic Horror Monthly, Dark Matter Magazine, Tales to Terrify, the Lovecraft eZine, Sley House Podcasts, and many others.

In addition to a Weird West horror novel, MELINDA WEST: MONSTER GUNSLINGER (Feb 2023), she has also written stories for dozens of anthologies, including: Chromophobia; Dancing in the Shadows: A Tribute to Anne Rice; Musings of the Muse; Field Notes from a Nightmare; The One That Got Away; Six Guns Straight From Hell; Trembling with Fear: Year One; Shadowy Natures; Beyond the Infinite: Tales from the Outer Reaches; and the Stoker-nominated Fright Mare: Women Write Horror.

In addition, she is a member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA), as well as the co-founder of the Horror Writers Association (HWA) San Diego chapter, an organization that helps to connect writers and fans of horror literature.

KC Grifant | Author of Horror, Science Fiction, Fantasy & Weird West Stories
https://twitter.com/kcgrifant

Ghost Dreams by Matthew Hughes Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A thief comes into contact with the spirit of a woman who lost her child when she was wrongfully thrust into an asylum for her inheritance in the 1940s, and together with his daughter they must contend with her vengeful spirit and the men who wronged her in life in order to uncover the truth behind her child’s fate in author Matthew Hughes’s “Ghost Dreams”.

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The Synopsis

Commercial burglar Stan Winkelman encounters the ghost of Jane Manchester, wrongly confined for life in a 1940s insane asylum by a powerful family. She wants to know what happened to Harmon, the baby boy that was stolen from her.

Aided by Jeannie, his ghost-obsessed autistic daughter, Stan and Jane begin a quest to find Harmon, or his descendants. But their search will run them afoul of Andrew Bigelow, reclusive heir to the fortune Jane was robbed of.

And Bigelow is in cahoots with a murderous crew who deal in guns and blood diamonds and will stop at nothing to keep their crimes hidden.

Stan uses his burglar skills to uncover the truth, but that will draw him and Jeannie into a deadly confrontation, with the vengeful spirit of Jane Manchester his only ally. 

The Review

This was a brilliant and powerful story. The blend of crime thriller, mystery, and horror that this story infuses into itself was captivating to read. The heavy atmosphere and compelling chemistry between the cast of characters made this feel like the perfect modern-day gothic ghost story, with a tone that felt like it could have easily fit into a more Victorian-era period if not for the modern-day Washington setting. 

The heart of this narrative had to be in the mystery components of the story and the character development, especially for the protagonist. The complexity of the protagonist’s background and journey, from a thief and morally questionable history to his somewhat heroic turn to find justice and answers for the spirit of this young woman and how they bond together in the face of this tragic backstory, made this a thrilling read. The shocking series of events that unearth the truth behind not only Jane’s history but the truth behind Bigelow’s life, in general, will keep readers hanging off of the author’s every word.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, chilling, and entertaining, author Matthew Hughes’s “Ghost Dreams” is a must-read crime thriller and horror mystery read. The twists and turns in the narrative help elevate the character growth of the protagonist and the cast of characters greatly, and readers will be invested heavily as the story and mystery unravel over time. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Born in Liverpool, his family moved to Canada when he was five years old. Married since late 1960s, he has three grown sons. He is currently relocated to Britain. He is a former director of the Federation of British Columbia Writers.

A university drop-out from a working poor background, he worked in a factory that made school desks, drove a grocery delivery truck, was night janitor in a GM dealership, and did a short stint as an orderly in a private mental hospital. As a teenager, he served a year as a volunteer with the Company of Young Canadians.

He has made his living as a writer all of his adult life, first as a journalist in newspapers, then as a staff speechwriter to the Canadian Ministers of Justice and Environment, and, since 1979, as a freelance corporate and political speechwriter in British Columbia.

His short fiction has appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s, Asimov’s, The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Postscripts, Interzone, and a number of “Year’s Best” anthologies. Night Shade Books published his short story collection, The Gist Hunter and Other Stories, in 2005.

He has won the Arthur Ellis Award from the Crime Writers of Canada. His novels and stories regularly make the Locus Magazine annual recommended reading list. 

http://www.matthewhughes.org/

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Little Miss Fortune by Sans Emmert Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange or a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

The line between reality and fiction blurs for a writer as the dark inspiration for a new screenplay brings old enemies and danger to his doorstep, and triggers darkness within himself at the same time, in author Sans Emmert’s “Little Miss Fortune”.

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The Synopsis

“Echoes of the JonBenét murder mystery permeate this exceptionally well executed, sinfully clever, and deeply absorbing psychological drama.” —Author David Aretha

‘Presumed Innocent’ meets ‘Sea of Love’ in this JonBenét Murder Whydunit

To escape the dark family secret that wrecked his childhood, aspiring screenwriter Damon loses himself in a movie world, becoming one with each character in his imagined plots. But that strength pales against the obsessive love he finds in his beautiful, can-do-no-wrong, Savannah spouse and their new son.

Haunting visions of her prior fling with an older married millionaire—who’d stolen her teenage virginity and corrupted her with dreams of the champagne life—kindle a brilliant revenge screenplay that could make Damon a millionaire.

But does the rich goliath still lurk? Damon’s paranoia redlines when the same dark secret suddenly seems to strike at his son. The eye-for-an-eye plot turns more sinister—and more real—as Damon rewrites the script to hurt his nemesis where it hurts most by stalking his pageant princess daughter. Will looking into her innocent eyes snap Damon from his deathly delusion?

“Dark and filled with a gritty tension that will leave readers feeling raw, Sans Emmert’s Little Miss Fortune is a twisted tale of love, deception, and the blurring of lines between reality and make-believe…. Sans Emmert has created an atmosphere that draws readers in, almost holding our breath as we fall deeper into the mind and perceptions of Damon’s world and his writing.

Razor taut throughout, readers will balance precariously on the edge of their seats waiting for that final shoe to fall…. Not for the faint of heart, this is a true test of the nature of man versus the nurturing of the soul. Highly recommended reading that is both chilling and haunting long after that final page.” —Tome Tender Book Blog

The Review

If I could sum up this psychological thriller and dark crime/horror read in one word, it would be chilling. Readers should first off be aware of some scenes implying acts of violence, including physical, psychological, and sexual in nature, all of which play an important role in the development of this main character. The haunting imagery of the narrative showcases the dark undertones this story hints at, and the rich development of these characters.

To me, the story excels due to the dynamic development of the main character and the essential themes the author touches upon. The horrifying backstory of the main character’s childhood and how it would impact his development and mindset overall was shocking and heartbreaking. The reason this character is so unique is that the story brings him into the role of both protagonist and antagonist at the same time, as he becomes his own worst enemy over time and the psychological impact of his past plays a role in the dark road he goes on. The themes of toxic masculinity, the impact violence, and toxic relationships can have on a child’s mind, and how young men need to be taught how to shed the mindsets that lead to those violent and dark sexual tones in their minds are all felt heavily in this narrative.

The Verdict

Captivating, haunting, and shocking, author Sans Emmert’s “Little Miss Fortune” is a must-read dark psychological thriller and horror novel. The way the story mirrors some of our own world’s true crimes will give the reader an equal amount of chills, as the author explores the cycle of violence and horror that often occurs in life, and how violence often begets violence. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Sans Emmert is a former cancer researcher and biomedical product developer with a PhD in Molecular Medicine and a passion for Spanish guitar and beach volleyball. Little Miss Fortune is his debut novel.

https://www.facebook.com/LittleMissFortunebySansEmmert/

https://twitter.com/emmertsans

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