Vampire Weekend by Mike Chen Review

 

By Mike Chen

Publisher: Mira

Review by: Shells Walter

Review done 7/20/2023

 

 

I have always loved vampires and would, still do, grab any books about them. Some were bad and to this day I just love to read over again.

 Vampire Weekend by Mike Chen is yes another book about vampires. However, this book has some interesting characters and an interesting storyline. It's not your typical vampire story.

 The story introduces you to Louise. She is a vampire who has lived many years but got turned when she was a teenager.  Louise is also, a musician who names the guitars she owns. Going about her daily life trying to fit in, and working night shifts to obtain blood, she suddenly has someone visit her. The man comes with a child whose name is Ian. Ian has issues with a dead father and mother who is in the hospital.

 The man thinks he knows the house looking for someone else. However, Louise isn’t sure about this until Ian takes an interest in her musical instruments. What starts out as another fellow music lover turns into an adventure where the rules of vampires are known, secrets are revealed and plot twists are held true.

 What was enjoyable about this story was that it was light-hearted but deep in the sense that no matter what you are you deal with issues. Chen shows how even a vampire can get through those issues. I loved learning about a community of vampires and going through the struggles that Louise sometimes faced.

 If you want a more ‘real life’ fictional type of story of the everyday life of a vampire this is your book.

 

I highly recommend Vampire Weekend and would love to read any more about Louise from Mike Chen.

 

 

Slippery When Wet's Classic Fairy Tales of Murder and Mayhem by Linda Vanek Review

 

By: Linda Vanek

Publisher: Independent Published 

Review by: Shells Walter

Review done: 11/30/2021

Nothing says scary like some old-fashioned fairytales. In Linda Vanek's collection, Slippery when Wet's: Classic Fairytales of Murder and Mayhem, you get just that. It's not surprising in her telling of the fairytale "Rapunzel," you get shook up by how the characters are. In the same regards, you understand why they do what they do. There is somewhat of a lessoned learned.

In each of her stories, characters come alive in vivid personality flaws that you end up reading these classic stories in a different way than when you were a child. The stories never fail to give you a bit of a scare, yet a satisfaction on the ending each story brings about.

It has been a long while since I have read a collection where each and every story is its own gem.

If you wish for a lesson learned through reading a fairytale not like the old, take this collection for a twirl. It will not disappoint.

 Slippery when Wet's: Classic Fairytales of Murder and Mayhem can be found on amazon.

A Leaf and Pebble by Andrew Monroe

 

By: Andrew Monroe

Publisher: Andrew Monroe

Review by: Shells Walter

Review done: 11/24/2021

Leaf and Pebble, the first in the Learners Trilogy, is a fascinating read. In this first book of the tribology, we come in contact with Nil and Volant. One is a Learner and one is a Natural. What this means is that both are skilled in art forms just differently. When we are introduced to these two, they are moving forward with a robbery. The adventure for these two continue in a world-wind and somewhat chaotic time.

What was most enjoyable about this story was watching these two characters deal with the upcoming situations in their own ways. Monroe takes you into the hearts of these characters and the characters they meet along the way. As you read, you dive deep into the atmosphere around them and live in the story as if it was happening to you personally.

You really don't want to miss the first of this tribology. You would be denying yourself a treat and who can resist a good treat?

A Leaf and Pebble is available on Amazon

A Sinister Quartet Review

Publisher: Mythic Delirium Books

Review done by: Shells Walter

Review done:4/5/2020

A Sinister Quartet, is a collection of novellas by authors: C. S. E. Cooney, Mike Allen, Amanda J. McGee and Jessica P. Wick.

In the start of the book, I was in awe by the story of ‘The Twice Drowned Saint.’ I have read many stories dealing with angels in many different genres and most always deal with the same themes. However, this particular story was not only unique, but rich in character development. I would have to say one of my favorite angel stories I have ever read. In reading this story, keep in mind that because it is so different it will take your mind on a special journey that you will never forget.

It is not hard to say good things about all the stories in this collection. I wanted to scream at certain characters for their actions, while others I just wanted to either laugh or sympathize with. It has been a long time since I have read a collection that has brought out so many great story lines and characters.

If the above does not make you want to dip your imagination into this book, than just think of wonderful fantasy and horror themes that will not only grasp your mind, but grasp your emotions. You are in for the ride of your life and without a doubt, one you have been longing for.

By Derek Muk
 Published by: Unnerving

 Review by: Robert Walter

Review posted: 3/14/2019

PRIVATE NUMBER / CLAWS are two new stories in Novella format written by Derek Muk.  These two stories are tied together by an intrepid paranormal investigator/professor named Albert Taylor.

In the first story, Private Number, Taylor is called in to help solve the mystery of some phone calls to a radio show that are received from a dead person named Faye. Her number on caller ID comes up as a private number and she is calling to have some help with how and who killed her. Her death is part of a series of unexplained ghastly murders in the area. The story grows as  the professor and the radio show team work together to solve this and the other murders.

In the second story, Claws, the professor is called into a small mining town to help solve a series of brutal murders with a unique twist, they only happen during a full moon. The local sheriff is dubious about the paranormal professor “assisting” with the investigation. It includes a varied cast of characters from the big business family man to the group of arrogant rednecks.

Both stories have a good basis for the storyline and were entertaining to read. The characters, including the lead character, Professor Albert Taylor, lends to the story telling. While both stories seem a bit rushed at the end, they were interesting and definitely worth the read.

Tooth Decay: Short Story Collection by Shells Walter

On Sale here:

           

At Shells Walter's Website

http://www.shellswalter.com/p/shop.html

At AFK Bookstore Located here:

AFK Books & Records - 4801 Shore Dr, Suite D - Virginia Beach, VA 23455 - (757) 962-1996

10th Anniversary of Dead Practices by Shells Walter

10th Anniversary of Dead Practices which can still be bought here:


http://www.shellswalter.com/p/shop.html

Review of Arithmophobia by Ruschelle Dillon

Arithmophobia is a collection of short stories by Ruschelle Dillion. The stories in this collection are each unique and very special.

Stories such as 'It Takes Two,' that talks about the issue of vanity and plastic surgery going in a different direction. Still, there are stories such as 'Four Men on Horses,' that discusses what seems to be the issues of the Four Horsemen of the apocalypse.

What I enjoyed most from these stories is the bit of introduction that this author puts in front of each story. Now if you have seen The Twlight Zone or some of those earlier mystery and horror type shows, you will know that each gives you an understanding of what is to come, what someone might do in dire circumstances and what they may feel is their only option.

I credit Dillon in taking the horror, the human nature that we possess and stretching it to the ultimate limits. I have never read a writer that is quite like this. In each story I felt as if I wanted these characters to learn their lesson or found myself saying to the characters "you should have known better." 

I loved every story. There of course was a favorite story of mine, 'Three is as Magic as can be,' that talks about a serial killer and his idea of the number three. In this story she drives the fear of being different, of not belonging in one way or another and having that feeling making a person do unspeakable things.

There is not a good enough reason why you should not get Arithmophobia. You need to read each and every story in this book and cherish what you have, maybe make some changes in your life and hope for the best in every situation. This collection is one of the best I have read and will read over and over again. Don't be afraid, pick it up and take a read. I promise you it won't hurt, not even a little.

Orphan Surfacing by Nathan Day Review

By Nathan Day

Published by: Seventh Star  Press

Review by: Shells Walter

Review posted: 8/29/2018

Orphan Surfacing, tells the story of the war between the angels and the demons. God has exited stage left and now all chaos has erupted. There are even some of the angels that left and became mortal. However, there is a child who's name is Solomon who holds special significance to both the demons and the angels. The fight wraps around this child and among the individual demons, led by Uzahl and the angels, who already are doing their own thing now that God is gone.

When reading this you are taken through different peoples' stories and then all of a sudden there is an angel.  Wait, I know this sounds a bit confusing and it was at the start, but stick through it it does get better. After awhile you realize there is a war going on between demons and angels. Yes, we know a story we have heard before. However, not how Day describes it. There are demons and angels, we know this, but there is a sense of struggle between the angels themselves. They are on their own.

What I enjoyed most about this story was Day's way of describing things. There were times when the descriptions seemed a bit too long, but they were so good that you could place yourself right into the story. 

I was also amazed after the initial background that was placed in the story, how fast the plot started to fly. It was here then there and it never stopped amazing me. Even with the story's slow start, it still was a great read. Yes, I would recommend it to anyone that wants a different take on the fight of what we consider at times to be good and evil. There is always a twist to the story and Day makes that wonderfully happen.

All I have to say to that is thank you for making what would seem like a typical angel versus demon story so much better.

Drunk Driving Champion by Eric Hendrixson Review

By: Eric Hendrixson

Published by: Eraserhead  Press

Review by: Shells Walter

Review posted: 8/22/2018

Drunk Driving Champion is a story that will drive you mad, but in a good way. If you remember the dark comedies such as "Death Race" or even "Cannonball Run," than you will love this one.

The story starts out with a race and yes folks it is a drunk race. The contestants must blow into a Breathalyzer to get their cars to start. Now before anyone goes "Oh my God you're pushing for people to drive drunk?" No, that's not what I am saying and please remember this is a fictional story. Now back to where I was.

After awhile you will get to meet some of the contestants and see where their minds are at and see just where Hendrixson has his talent, his dark humor. I laughed so hard at some of these characters that I spit out the coffee I was drinking at the time. Yes, Minus the fact I am a sucker for a good dark comedy, this story has made my prize list. 

As the story continues to unfold some of the characters tell their deepest secrets and than you get further into why this race is so important to them. What makes this such a great story and made me think of those movies I listed above, besides the dark humor, there is also a greedy sinister plot that is involved that was really behind making the underground race more mainstream. When you read this story and find that out you will just love it.

I will recommend anyone to read this who is looking for just some out of the normal humor and a day off of things. Relax, take this book, read and enjoy. Repeat as necessary.

Back by Demand

Due to demand, Sonar4 Landing Dock Reviews will now be accepting books for reviews again.

You can request a review here:

CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A REVIEW

The Haunter of the Threshold by Edward Lee Review

By Edward Lee
Deadite Press
Review by: Ronnie Tucker
Review posted 4/07/2012

I'd heard good things about Edward Lee, but had never read any of his books until now. One other thing: The Haunter of the Threshold is, by Mr. Lee's own admission, a sequel (of sorts) to H. P. Lovecraft's story, The Haunter of the Dark. Thus far there are two things that cast doubt on this book: reputation, and sequel. That's a lot to live up to.

Well, he's certainly as sick as I'd heard. No doubt about that. The Haunter of the Threshold starts off, right from the get-go, with a woman being violently raped. Later said woman and her heavily pregnant friend (and co-worker) head off, on vacation, to a shack in the forest which the pregnant woman's husband has just inherited.

The red-neck area seems quaint enough, with many a friendly villager, and with our heroine developing a crush on one of the residents. Meanwhile our pregnant, hormonally-challenged, co-star is none to happy that her husband is delaying his arrival at the house due to rifling through the papers of the recently deceased.

Our heroines crush dispenses information to her which starts the ball rolling in this Lovecraftian mystery. It's all to do with strangely lettered boxes and the mysterious 'ST'. Whatever it may be.

Haunter of the Threshold is definitely a good book. I expected it to be pulpy trash, but Ed Lee can definitely write, and write a good mystery too. By the end of the book all the loose ends were tied, even those I'd forgotten about since the start of the book, and it definitely had that Lovecraftian ending. Mr. Lee's reputation remains intact.

What I will say though is that the book is sick throughout. This is not your typical indescribable, unnameable, Lovecraft short (if you haven't read Haunter of the Dark, you'll still be OK in reading Haunter of the Threshold) Lee reveals every detail of the rape, murder and fetishes involved in the mystery. Caveat emptor!

Gargoyle Girls of Spider Island by Cameron Pierce Review

By Cameron Pierce
Eraserhead Press
Review by: Rob Walter
Review posted 4/01/2012

Gargoyle Girls of Spider Island is the latest bizarro horror fiction tale from the twisted mind of Cameron Pierce and is published by Eraserhead Press.

Let me warn you by saying this has some VERY heavy sexual and violent content.

Think Gilligan’s Island on LSD. This story is quite a trip. Oscar, Allen, Collette and Jane are four college seniors taking off for a little tropical getaway hoping for some fun. Throw in some half-witted sexual deviant pirates and sprinkle with some “natives” and an unmapped desert island and you have the beginning of this bizarre story. Of course it helps to have cases of rum and American cigarettes with you when you are lost on an island having to fend for yourself.

The natives are hyper sexual woman that turn into super strong sex crazed gargoyles with a village of men slaves.  The mayhem that ensues is truly twisted, mind bending at times and disgusting at other times.  The ending of the story is a bit obvious and is beyond bizarre in nature.

You need a strong stomach to read the entirety of this story.

Zombies and Shit by Carlton Mellick III Review

By Carlton Mellick III
Deadite Press
Review by: Rob Walter
Review posted 3/12/2012

Don’t let the title throw you as this story is “Running Man” meets “Night of the Living Dead”. The zombie apocalypse happened 50 years ago and the survivors now live in enclaves. The largest of these is Neo-New York. The island is divided into three classes, Platinum, Silver and Copper. Platinum is for all the higher muckety mucks, silver is the middle class workers and Copper is for all the rest of society. Television is finally returning and the hottest show (only available in platinum you understand) is Zombie Survival! Twenty “contestants are taken from the copper area and deposited in the middle of the zombie dead zone (mainland) otherwise known as the “Red Zone”. There can only be one survivor who must make it to a designated spot on the other side of town to be picked up by a remote control helicopter.

The story is well written and the characters have more depth than your average zombie stories. This is amazing when you remember the number of characters in this book. The twenty contestants, Zippo, Scavy, Popcorn, Brick, Haroon, Xiu, Gogo, Heinz, Alanzo, Nemesis, Oro, Junko, Wendy, Bosco, Adriana, Vine, Lee, Rainbow Cat, Laurence and Charlie are a wide sample of people. Punks, Writers, prostitutes etc. Some of the people are contestants to have them disappear. There are many twists and turns to the story not only in the red zone but also back in Neo-New York.

A unique touch is at the start of each chapter there is a table with pictures (program)of all of the contestants. Can’t tell the players without your program. As they are killed or turned to zombies, their pictures get blacked out in the following chapters.

I really enjoyed this story as it was a fresh take on the zombie story in a world of zombie stories. I strongly recommend it to anyone who loves a good zombie story especially if you have gotten tired of the “standard” zombie stories out there.

Cripple Wolf by Jeff Burk Review

By Jeff Burk
Eraserhead Press
Review by: Ronnie Tucker
Review posted 3/02/2012

Although the book is called Cripple Wolf, the title refers to one of several bizarre short stories written by Jeff Burk.

Cripple Wolf is, I kid you not, a story about a wheelchair bound werewolf on a plane. No, seriously, it is. And it's awesome! It's exactly the kind of story that, if it was made into a film (which I think it should be), I'd be the first in line to see it. You really can't go wrong when the story begins with a werewolf gnawing a chunk from a baby while people are queuing up to ride on Fetish Flights. The story begins with a Vietnam vet who likes his fetishes and is about to board a Fetish Flights plane on the night of a full moon. I'm not going to spoil the story for you as you really need to read it to believe it. The only downside to the story is the stereotypical, cardboard, Japanese band members, but other than them Cripple Wolf is a top-notch short.

Frosty And The Full Monty is a short about Frosty the snowman who's fallen on hard times and works in a strip club. Although we do learn that in his past Frosty robbed a liquor store, did time in jail, probably got snow-raped, but did learn to give good snowjobs hence his seedy life. Absolutely mad, but again, it's so mad it's brilliant.

Cook For Your Life is about contestants in a futuristic 'fighting for your life' cookery show involving cannibalism. I felt it wasn't as good as the previous two stories, but it's still good and unusual since parts of it are written like a script rather than a story.

House Of Cats is about a house made of cats. No, really, it is. There's also a house of dogs next door and, needless to say, they don't quite get along that well. This one was so-so to me but it was unusual in that it was written in a very fairy tale 'once upon a time' style.

Adrift With Space Badgers tells the tale of off-duty space badger fights and, in the end, how they (inadvertently) get their own back. Another story that's as mad as a box of frogs, and up there with Frosty and Cripple Wolf.

Punk Rock Nursing Home... well, I'm sure you can guess what it's about. One of the weaker ones for me, but I'm no punk rock fan, so maybe that had something to do with it?

Just Another Day In The Park is a bit of a Twilight Zone short with a man trying to figure out what a mute woman, on a box, with a blank cardboard sign is trying to say. Probably the weakest of the lot, but still OK.

Thankfully there are no real duffers in the book. If you like your gore odd then this is definitely a book you need to read. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Ghoul by Brian Keene Review

By Brian Keene
Deadite Press
ISBN: 978-1936383733
Review by: Rob Walter
Review posted 2/16/2012

Ghoul begins with your typical two teenagers, one the popular teen boy and the preachers' daughter having sex in the church graveyard, but with a twist. But I digress, as this is just a setup for some of the horror to come.

This is a coming of age horror story with three 12 years old. Timmy Graco, the leader of this little "rat pack" with a "normal" family life. Then there is Barry Seltzer, the muscle of the group whose father is the caretaker of the graveyard and an abusive drunk. The last is Doug Keiser, the over-weight always being picked on member whose dad ran off with a waitress from the local bar and has a family secret you will have to read the book to find out. We start with the boys at the beginning of their summer break dealing with their arch enemies the evil Ronny, Jason and Steve. We see the lesson of being careful if you are fighting monsters not to become monsters as well when the boys work together to stop the marauding neighborhood dog, Catcher, who has bitten and nipped at them for years. Then, after a fight with Mr. Seltzer in the graveyard, they come across a car hidden in the woods with a grisly cargo. Will their world ever be the same?

I enjoyed reading this story as Mr. Keene has a talent for bringing the characters to life for the reader. While the story was somewhat predictable at times, it had enough twists that were unexpected to make it entertaining.

I recommend this to all avid horror readers who are looking for a story that will keep them thinking.

Placenta of Love by Spike Marlowe Review

By Spike Marlowe
Eraserhead Press
ISBN: 978-1621050033
Review by: Terry Morgan
Review posted 2/13/2012

I have gone to several amusement parks in my time. Perhaps, I'm dating myself here. However, I don't recall going to one that is as strange as the one depicted in Placenta of Love on Venus.

The story handles Captain Carl an automated pirate robot. He is in charge of the pirate ship display at the amusement park. There are also many other rides that are for fun, some beaten down and some even for sexual pleasure. Most are with automated robots to serve the needs of customers coming in.

Captain Carl though wants to be like his creator, basically create things. He has a partner every so often in a very sexually frustrated feline who is also automated named, Jiji. Strange as it may seem, the two of them can think and at times Captain Carl tries to satisfy the cat's so called needs.

The story doesn't stop there. The Captain is lonely and discovers that he wants to help the automated ship to become his companion. So while on one of his adventures through the park he comes across a secret area and steals one of the placentas. He puts what will be his companion in there. He names her Helen. Now what happens after this is one Hell of an adventure.

It is said that parks are fun and their rides are there for our enjoyment. This book is certainly different, but focuses in its strangeness the heart and feelings of one automated being, Captain Carl and how just to find someone to love he goes through everything possibly thought of and Marlowe has thought of a lot.

With this story you will take the ride of your life. Whether or not you will end up with a season pass or with a one- time shot is up to you. Enjoy it while you can.

Deadstock by Ian Rogers Review

By Ian Rogers
Stonebunny Press
ISBN: 978-0986854743
Review by: Dana Bell
Review posted 2/05/2012

Deadstock by Ian Rogers is a fun little read full of supernatural creatures. Dryden and Raisy arrive in a small western town to help out a rancher whose cattle are being gutted and left for him to find. They meet all the members of the family before setting out to discover who or what is killing the cows.


Eventually, they discover a cave inhabited by ghouls. Yes, that's right ghouls, the proper name for what has been morphed into Zombies. There is a battle in which the creatures survive, but at least our hero and heroine now know what they're up against.

They meet Bonnie, the oldest not quite right in the head daughter, mourning the loss of her sister who dies because a rattlesnake bit her. She is found naked and muttering at an old creek bed.

Although, short, the tale is delightful and set in the wild west, complete with a mysterious sheriff who seems to know something about the Dryden and Raisy, but who allows them to do what they were hired to do. And thus the question arises, who was the man really and was he the true sheriff of the town?


Truth be told, the reviewer was expecting a UFO tale of mutilated cattle in the old west and was delighted to discover the true culprits were ghouls. The ultimate twist of the story is an interesting turn and keeps the real perpetrator a secret until almost the very end.

Not to mention an unusual use of a wolf who is summoned to help the hero and heroine. Oh, and a mysterious cat who travels with Raisy and has its own roll heroic roll in events.

 
A highly recommended read for fans of ghouls, zombies and old west supernatural tales and not as graphic as one would expect. Kudos for the writer. 

Party Wolves in My Skull by Michael Allen Rose Review

By Michael Allen Rose
Eraserhead Press
ISBN: 978-1621050068
Review by: Terry Morgan
Review posted 1/25/2012

When it comes to the strange and just plain out there, Michael Allen Rose tells the best tale in  Party Wolves in My Skull.

Norman Spooter wakes up one day to find something wrong with his eyes. They not only sting, them seem to be alive. Several small beings are fighting, falling in love with each other and basically trying to rip out of his eyes. Not only can he not see because of this mess going on, he runs into Zoe, a woman who is running away from her out of control boyfriend. What becomes a chance meeting turns into a bizarre adventure of wits and survival through a mess no one can describe better than Rose himself.

Not only will a person want to read this just because it is such a different story, but will just want to see what happens to poor Mr. Spooter who never seems to have any luck and frankly haven't we all had one of those days?

The Walking Wounded by Robert Devereaux Review

By Robert Devereaux
Deadite Press
ISBN: 978-1936383856
Review by: Ronnie Tucker
Review posted 1/23/2012
  

Walking Wounded, by Robert Devereaux, is a bit of a strange one. It begins with one woman who has decided to kill her husband. Good start, but then it seems to slip back in time by twenty years and has characters chatting via BBS. I'm old enough to know about pre-Internet civilization, but I think he'll lose many a reader with that. Also a fair chunk of the book is taken up with showing us how the characters are chatting, via text, in their little BBS world as in every line of chat. Complete with smilies. Really I think that it may well be down to pulling out an old story for current release. The cover is copyright 2011, but the story is (according to the second page) from 1996.

Some people out there will love this book, but it just wasn't my thing. It seemed to me to be written from a female perspective (ie: love, divorce and massages) possibly with female readers in mind. At 200 pages, it was a tough read for me.