Review: Small Town Horror

3 stars. I hate to say only 3 stars - because I really loved Bone White and am a Ronald Malfi fan in general. People say he writes like Stephen King and yeah, he sort of does! But this one just didn’t click as well for me. It’s good horror - classic, even. It utilizes tropes in fresh ways and has a real banger of an ending. Something about it, though… I’m getting ahead of myself.

Small Town Horror is aptly named. Andrew Larimer is our primary narrator, called back to his childhood hometown to help a friend whose wife has gone missing. It’s immediately clear that some dreadful secret, some shared traumatic experience, haunts Andrew, his friend and a few other old acquaintances - literally, it haunts them. As the terrifying encounters add up, the dark past comes to light, and Andrew must face (so cheesy): the ultimate reckoning.

Many, many others have pointed out the whole “group of childhood friends reunite to fight evil” thing - sometimes it’s really fun to read a story that pays adequate tribute to It, other times it’s way more fun to just read It. I think where this differs is how unlikeable the characters are - they are not heroes, and it’s kind of hard to root for them, so reading sort of feels like watching dirty water circle a drain.

But there are some really fun moments along the way. Malfi lovessssss incorporating a lot of horror elements. I wonder if he was influenced by The Fisherman… there are some interesting water-based scares. I predicted the major twist early on, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad twist, only that my brain works that way.

So, yeah. I liked it! And again, great, great ending. Tig’s arc was particularly nasty and wonderful. I’m really excited to read more by this author. I could see fans of Jennifer McMahon enjoying this.

Small Town Horror on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Horror Movie

5 stars. I've had a few days to chew on this, and I'm not sure if five stars is the right move, but I really can't ignore a few facts: 1) it's the first book to really compel me in a while. I could not put it down. 2) When I finished it, all I wanted to do was turn back to the beginning and start all over again. And also to purchase a copy immediately. 3) It's a lot of things I really love, admire, and look for in horror: found footage-esq, incredibly meta, a borderline psycological study of the genre (and its fans), and reminiscent of one of my favorite authors, SGJ. 

This is my fifth Tremblay. I feel like he's a uniquely controversial author: a lot of readers out there find him to be hit-or-miss, and also, a lot of his books are both adored and hated. People really disagree about his work. In reading the reactions to this book in particular, it seems like many readers took issue with the ambiguity? But also, hated everything else he wrote and for some reason decided to read this anyway? And in some cases, literally didn't even understand the narrative? (Guys: he didn't get his pinky cut off twice. He's an unreliable narrator. He leaned into the lore. It's twisted.)

So, since we all apparently love to talk about it, here's how my scorecard looks: loved A Head Full of Ghosts. Was really shocked and impressed by the audacity of The Cabin at the End of the World. Enjoyed the really zippy, straightforward horror of Survivor Song. Found the writing - the figurative writing - to be incredibly immature in Disappearance at Devil's Rock. I know now to expect ambiguity, maybe an experimental format, some genuinely creepy moments, and a great premise. IMO, Tremblay delivered successfully here on all of those levels.

There's a lot to be said about art, and the making of it. It's probably worth noting the type of art we're talking about here: deep, dark, disturbing horror designed with, and designed to inspire, obsession. The story is about this, and also tries to be this. As someone who has always been far more interested in the analysis of creation than creation itself, yeah, this is right up my alley. So please go in knowing it's not just a "cursed film" trope story - it's got a bit more philosophy woven into the fabric.

Let's get into specifics: Horror Movie is about the making of a low-budget horror film in the 90s, the minds that went into it, its pseudo-release into the world, and the cult following it attracted. It contains the written recollections of the only surviving crew member, The Thin Kid, along with excerpts from the "original" script. We as readers are escorted through the origins of The Thin Kid's participation, the production, the aftermath, and finally the inevitable reboot. 

Rather than trying to defend this book with like, arguments (you can never actually win anything on the internet), I think it might be better to just make a couple of points about what this book is not: as mentioned, it's not a traditional cursed film book. It is not written in a traditional format. It does not give clear answers upfront, throughout, or at the end [some people took issue with Tremblay dropping hints?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! Guys, what?!?!?!? Authors drop hints all the time without full context - roll with it, live with it?!?!?!]. It is not even that scary, at the end of the day. 

If it's not for you, great. But I really enjoyed it. If you want to pick it apart with me, even better. But if you want to hate for the sake of hating... smh. Don't be the guy at the convention who demanded to see his finger. Don't be that guy.

Horror Movie on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Rolling in the Deep

3 stars. How fun is this?! Reads just like the beginning of a classic monster movie. Perfect for summer and perfect as a palette cleanser in-between long fantasy books and heavy literary horror. I have yet to read Drowning Deep but it's on my shortlist and I look forward to appreciating it even more with this context. 

Imagine Networks commissions a documentary on mermaids (real or myth), and sends a well-equipped, expensive expedition to the Mariana Trench to capture some footage and/or scientific evidence. There's a production crew, a ship crew, a group of scientists of various specialties, interns, and some actual mermaids - outfitted with tails and everything - to ensure the network draws in the viewers they need no matter what. You know the rest.

It's an excellent premise. I enjoyed the clear research and commitment to detail. It's very front-heavy, with a very long intro to the characters that somehow makes it seem draggy/like the action is very delayed AND like the climax/action/ending is rushed. It's true that for the first 50% you're just waiting, and for the final 50% you're like... wait what? Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye.

I always admire and respect Seanan McGuire's intent to represent. She does a nice job in certain stories, in others it's a little heavy handed. Here it's the latter. Granted, some folks truly need to be hit over the head with some of this stuff - sometimes I do too!!!! But the way she incorporates her lessons/messages - unsubtly - feels ungraceful, and even distracting sometimes.

It's just my opinion. This is a silly review for a somewhat silly story. It's fun - it really is. While I wouldn't call it scary, there are some delightfully creepy moments. Read it on a hot summer day at the beach. Read it on a boat! I dare you to read it and stare into the ocean without wondering what might be staring back.

Rolling in the Deep on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Craft: Stories I Wrote for the Devil

3 stars. Very, very interesting piece of literary horror here. It's extremely meta - writing for writers, I think - and references current events, politics, cultural touchpoints, etc. But even at its most proselytizing / sanctimonious, I kind of dug it. Horror is not a new lens through which to examine very real-life things like racism, immigration, sexism, injustice, politics, etc., but this felt really fresh all the same. Would be great on a college syllabus.

Craft is a collection of short stories woven together by a writer who slept with the Devil one Halloween night decades ago. These stories feature a wide range of premises, concepts and formats - from magical realism to body horror to hauntings to surrealism - and they are all incredibly captivating in their own ways. I wouldn't exactly call it subtle or particularly groundbreaking, but it is fascinating, eye-opening and unique.

And what a week I picked to read something like this. My American bones ache these days and I am grateful for brilliant stories to help me process. They are surprisingly warm for taking place in such a cold, dark world. I recommend.

Craft: Stories I Wrote for the Devil on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Arm of the Sphinx (Books of Babel #2)

4 stars. Okay, so I'm chipping away at this series despite continuing to deal with pregnancy-related concentration issues and also - as discovered during my many, many (many) failed reading challenges to finish series I've started - I GET BORED, OKAY?! But here we are, halfway through the Books of Babel, and I do have really good things to say. This series really is everything people say it is. Creative, swashbuckling, full of heart - almost sickly sweet! - exciting, fantasy at its finest. 

Thomas Senlin, in book one, ascended the Tower of Babel in search of his wife Marya, from whom he was separated almost immediately upon arrival. He survived the beer-soaked and thief-laden grime of the Basement, the dark treachery and trickery of the Parlor, the seduction and humidity of the Baths, etc. etc. etc. He also made some friends along the way. And those friends are now his pirate crew on a banged-up airship, trying to survive long enough to help their captain rescue his long lost wife. The quest continues.

The crew members take on bigger roles in this book. Their perspectives are very welcome, and well-written. It's less trope-y than you'd expect: of course every character brings his or her own strengths and weaknesses and quirks, but they are refreshing and consequential and play into the narrative really nicely. I'm eager to see each of them handle the inevitable twists to come.

I mentioned that I chipped away at this: for the personal reasons I shared, it did feel like a bit of a laborious effort. When I step back, though, I think there's a pretty safe argument in favor of some editing. It's very long, this book, and I do think there could've been some... shaving. Carving. Narrowing. Focusing. Etc. I also had a very hard time picturing/grasping both the action sequence set pieces, and the more complicated depictions of anything technological. This author has a vivid imagination, and probably pictures each scene with great, incredible detail, but it wasn't translated successfully for me. 

This did not really take away from my reading enjoyment, or my ability to follow the story. I have absolutely zero regrets and I'm so excited to see where things go. 

Arm of the Sphinx on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Senlin Ascends (Books of Babel #1)

4 stars. Full disclosure: I'm pregnant, and reading - very tragically - has taken a huge hit. I persevered and made it through this fun fantasy, sooo slowly, and I'm hoping to continue on with the series as my energy (fingers crossed) returns for a bit. 

Quiet Thomas Senlin travels with his new wife Marya to the famous Tower of Babel, considered the pinnacle of civilization and the greatest marvel in the world, for their honeymoon, only to lose her almost immediately. Driven by desperation and disheveled by the chaotic reality of the Tower itself, Senlin begins a quest to find her, and - forgive me - finds himself along the way.

Even though it's clear from the beginning what type of hero's journey we're on, it was still extremely wonderful and satisfying to witness Senlin use his wits, and intellect, and sense of morality, to ascend the Tower. It's almost a little cheesy, in a charming way, how stubbornly he clings to his values and his desire to right wrongs. He's a great protagonist - lovable and imperfect and loyal. 

If it isn't clear, I highly recommend this book. It's inventive, entertaining, thoughtful, and interesting. I gave it 4 stars because I felt like something was missing - maybe around Marya, or her dynamic/relationship with Thomas - which will probably be improved in the next book(s)... the author did a great job of incorporating flashbacks and keeping her spirit present, but... did she also not seem a little too quirky/manic pixie/perfect? 

But there's so much to enjoy. Steampunk elements that aren't too cringe-y. Multiple worlds in one. A real sense of revelry and partying, which, as someone who can't drink right now, made me really miss it. Found family in that heartwarming D&D maybe-we-should-team-up sort of way. A beating heart at the center of it all. 

It just really is super fun and fantastic and a must-read for fantasy fans. I'm so excited to continue the journey.

Senlin Ascends on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Dark Tales

4 stars. Proud of myself for finishing a book, although it probably took me twice as long as it normally would have to get through these wonderful stories. Nobody needs me to talk about why Shirley Jackson is an icon - truly, there isn't a single word out of place in any of these bangers - and now that I'm sort of used to her cadence, I'm going to miss being able to rely on her satisfying twists. 

There's an assortment of delights here, some focused on the spooky and supernatural, others dark fantasy, still others the disturbingly dark side of humanity. Some of these stories are predictable - telegraphed by the title - and others sneak up on you, landing with a heart-thumping jolt. Some will really stick with me. I woke up one morning thinking about Louisa, Please Come Home, and The Bus - my favorite - will probably dance around in my head for weeks. I'll defend the perfect end of The Summer People to anyone who asks.

As always, Shirley explores - I would maybe even say, turns upside down - themes such as family, memory, small towns, marriage, friendship, and seems to delight in painting for us the many faces of evil. Each story is like an episode of The Twilight Zone, with slightly different levels of noise and flavor and tone. Not all of them are accessible (The Honeymoon of Mrs. Smith is kind of opaque), but all of them are a joy to read. She's a master at distracting you - immersing you - before pulling out the rug.

Dark Tales is a classic that belongs as part of the horror curriculum. I look forward to slowly making my way through all of the Shirley classics, because it's nice to gulp down her crunchy prose, but also, it's fun to see how her legacy lives on in the horror it has inspired. Don't make my mistake - this is not meant for April/May. Read this in October.

Dark Tales on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

Programming note: I took a little forced hiatus from reading due to some major life and health reasons, which really, really impacted my reading habits. More soon, when I can stomach it. Feeling rusty but let's get to it.

5 stars. In this beloved 1967 children's story/urban fairy tale, Claudia Kincaid and her younger brother Jamie run away and settle in at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Resourceful and delighted by their freedom, they quickly find ways to stay clean, fed, and "educated," for the most part. And even better - helpful, to the Met, as they try to help prove that its latest acquisition is actually a piece of work by Michaelangelo. 

Can you imagine this story had it been written today? In modern times? There's no way - it's an interesting thought exercise that only leads to depressing outcomes. Despite feeling very classic, and more classic every time I read it, many of the lessons and feelings it evokes still resonate. It's funny, too, looking back on this and wondering if it even partially inspired an interest in art history and museums. I didn't even know how to pronounce Michaelangelo when I read it the first time, but maybe it sparked something that still burns decades later.

It's really nice to see the kids' competence and intelligence on full display. They each have slightly different approaches to problem-solving, but they do fit together nicely. They are so witty, and smart, and capable, and driven by wonderfully relatable motives. I know this isn't considered a perfect piece of writing - complaints about the narrator's role, for example, and the plot structure - but I didn't spend a single minute considering any of that while reading. I was way too entertained.

Looking for more of this energy in 2024.

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Gothic

3 stars. Horror about horror writers irks me a bit - Stephen King does it (and everything else) well, but think like... Kill Creek, or that one episode of Creepshow about the hat - eerily similar to this book, actually - these premises, they smell like... stale desperation, and maybe even a little resentment. I get it - writing is fucking hard!! the pressure!! the reality of it!! sounds pretty horrific!! - but I've read or encountered enough of these premises that I react almost like ... yeah, I get it. Writing is fucking hard, the pressure of it, the reality of it, yadda yadda yadda. Sure, why not, let's go meta with it. Fine. You were staring at a blank page, so you developed a concept around staring at a blank page. Girl, I guess so. 

This book is about an evil, murderous desk. Acquired by an aging, formerly best selling horror author - after being hunted down and chased by various evildoers and powerseekers over the centuries - the desk wreaks havoc on the author's life, career, and relationships. Previously some sort of sacrificial altar, the desk uses the author for its nefarious purposes and spreads its darkness and damage throughout society.

A few things that also really grated: the female characters, the try-hard humor in the inner monologuing of every character, the commentary on romantic relationships, the oddly-placed sexual references (as well as some of the other instances of, shall we say, low-brow jokes - not against them in general! Just when they give me the ick), and the excessive use of figurative language. There is also some pretty seriously awful fatphobia. Maybe this stuff was meant to be a throwback to the pulps from the 70s/80s, but it fell really flat for me. And structurally, I think this could've been better as a short novella, or a much longer, expanded, epic saga, with fleshed out characters and longer arcs.

All that being said: sometimes you just really need a bloody, angsty, feudal, vengeful, crazy, twisted, disgusting, basically classic piece of horror. Just the usual stuff - soaked in a delicious type of inky evil that's fun if not fresh. A fun horror beach read, if, like me, you enjoy reading the dark stuff in the sun.

Gothic on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Lone Women

4 stars. I love a good mystery box - in this case, a literal mystery box - and I love when it's utilized in unique ways. In this book it's blended nicely with horror and lends itself to a nearly perfect premise; it certainly kept me engaged for the first half of the book. The big reveal was interesting and fascinating. Lone Women is bound to make you think.

It follows Adelaide Henry on her move from California to Montana in the early 1900s. She carries an impossibly heavy steamer trunk, and is looking to disappear. Big Sandy welcomes her at first, providing a sense of community in the town's quest to survive the harsh landscape. But Adelaide can't settle, nor can the town be at peace; her trunk holds a very dangerous secret, and they all must learn to survive it.

A must-read for horror fans, especially ones looking to scratch an itch for something Western. It's compelling, unique, and intense. I docked a star because it felt a little like the author... pantsed it, for lack of a better word - no outline, no plotting in advance, just writing as the narrative came to him - and I think the characters suffer slightly for it. This isn't necessarily a complaint, but certain elements felt very... random.

Still, it's so much fun. Definitely unpredictable (except for one certain character's "twist"). Maybe a little cheesy. The opportunity to explore this time and place is very welcome. I'm a little unclear on a few things, but that's fine. What I gleaned and learned and chewed on reading this book made it entirely worthwhile.

Lone Women on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads