Book Review: 'Elevation' by Stephen King

✰✰✰½ All Scott Carey wants to do is enjoy his home as he recovers from a nasty divorce. Unfortunately, who can work from home with the new neighbor's dogs running amok in your lawn? With all that is going on, it's little wonder that Scott is losing weight. Or is he? The bathroom scale registers a loss in weight, but Scott looks as pudgy as ever. By the time Scott tells his friend, Dr. Bob Ellis, that he's losing weight on the scale, but still looks the same, he is sure there's something unusual going on. As a retired medical doctor, Ellis is skeptical at first. However, as the days and weeks pass by it's evident Scott is indeed losing weight.

As Thanksgiving approaches, Scott weight loss continues, and he is still at odds with his new neighbors. While Missy is approachable, her wife, Deirdre, seems to have a chip on her shoulder. It's no wonder though; their restaurant is fast approaching inevitable failure due to the town's prejudices. Just when it looks likes their animosity can't get any worse, something magical happens during the annual Thanksgiving 12K run that will forever change Scott, Missy, and Deirdre's lives. 

The Bottom Line: With a bittersweet ending, this easy-to-read novella is a suspenseful weekend read. If you enjoy a mashup between horror and science fiction, check out this book. It will make you think about finding common ground between people who are at odds with each other. 

Details: Elevation by Stephen King. Hardcover published by Scribner in 2018. 160 p. ISBN: 978-1-9821-0231-9 

Book Review: 'The Sisters of Straygarden Place' by Hayley Chewins

✰✰✰½ Winnow, Mayhap, and Pavonine Ballastian have been living alone at Straygarden Place ever since their parents left them behind seven years ago. The house is surrounded by strange, silver grass and floating trees, and their parents warned the three sisters never to go outside. The girls never want for anything as the magical house takes care of their every need, but then one day Winnow goes outside. When she returns, it's obvious to Mayhap and Pavonine that something is very wrong with her. Mayhap is determined to help her ailing sister, but what she uncovers may destroy their very existence. With time running out to save Winnow, the young girls must make decisions that will change everything.

The Bottom Line: Despite a slow start, the author eventually drew me in with her haunting prose, and the book turned into a real page-turner. The setting features a bit of creepiness as the children grow up with everything taken care of for them. However, what really shines through in this book is the bond of sisterly love. Recommended for middle grade readers and young adults who enjoy reading fantasy and horror. There are a lot of magical elements in this story that readers will appreciate as well.

Details: The Sisters of Straygarden Place by Hayley Chewins. ARC published by Candlewick Press in 2020. 208 p. ISBN: 978-1-5362-1227-3 NOTE: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.

Book Review: 'Tales of Japan: Traditional Stories of Monsters and Magic' by Chronicle Books

✰✰✰✰ Chronicle Books presents 15 tales of horror from classic Japanese literature. The stories are divided into three sections (Journeys, Ghosts & Monsters, and Justice), with each story beginning with an original illustration by Kotaro Chiba. The stunning artwork is reminiscent of woodblock prints and demand the reader’s attention. In sum, this is a nice collection of folktales with twists of horror and enchantment, but the real attraction is the illustrations.

The Bottom Line: This is a gorgeous book; however, I unfortunately found the translated text to be quite stilted. Rather than racing through this book, I read the stories over time. Overall, I have given this a rating of 4 stars (5 for the illustrations and 3 for the text). It is important to note that the texts are readily available in the public domain with about half of the tales from Yei Theodora Ozaki’s Japanese Fairy Tales and another half from Lafcadio Hearn’s Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things. This book will appeal to those interested in Japanese folktales, literature, and culture.

Details: Tales of Japan: Traditional Stories of Monsters and Magic by Chronicle Books, illustrated by Kotaro Chiba. Hardcover published by Chronicle Books in 2019. 168 p. ISBN: 978-1-4521-7446-4 [NOTE: I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.]  

Book Review: 'Young Scrooge: A Very Scary Christmas Story' by R. L. Stine

✰✰✰½  Rick Scroogeman thinks he's the life of the party. He likes to joke around with his friends, but can't understand why they don't appreciate his humor. That's because Rick is a twelve-year-old bully. He thinks teasing his fellow classmates at Oliver Twist Middle school is funny just as long as the joke's on them.

Rick doesn't tolerate it when other people tease him. Take Christmas, for example. Every year the other kids get their chance to get back at Rick when the class watches the classic old movie, A Christmas Carol. All the kids start calling him Scrooge, and Rick gets all prickly about it.

This year Rick is ready to retaliate with even more teasing. What he doesn't know is that things are going to be different. Just like in the movie, Rick is haunted by three ghosts who whisk him away to different eras and try to teach him a lesson. Will Rick change his bullying ways, or is he a lost cause? Only time will tell as Rick tries get back to his family in time to celebrate Christmas.

The Bottom Line: This ghostly retelling of a holiday classic (A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens) features a scary twist with a modern lesson to learn. Middle grade readers will identify with the characters on both sides of the bullying issue. Recommended seasonal reading for young fans of horror.

Details: Young Scrooge: A Very Scary Christmas Story by R. L. Stine. hardcover published by Square Fish in 2016. 208 p. ISBN: 978-1-250-12955-0

Book Review: 'Tales From Beyond the Brain' by Jeff Szpirglas

✰✰✰✰✰ Going to school is just a part of daily life for most kids, but some schools are different from others. Some schools harbor secrets that could be dangerous to the average student. In the terrifying world of author Jeff Szpirglas, kids need to be on the look out for abandoned brains, holes in the universe,and old films. Even bringing your teacher a traditional apple can have disastrous effects. If this sounds like your cup of tea, pick up this book and dive right in for some frighteningly good fun.

The Bottom Line: This delightfully creepy collection of thirteen tales of horror is perfect for the middle grade set. The stories are short and engaging. Kids will easily relate to the troubles the main characters have. Every story features at least one spooky, black and white illustration. These bone-chilling stories remind me of the ones featured in the television series, Tales from the Dark Side. Highly recommended for young fans of horror stories. NOTE: Not for squeamish readers.

Details: Tales From Beyond the Brain by Jeff Szpirglas & illustrated by Steven P. Hughes. Advance Reading Copy published by Orca Book Publishers in 2019. 192 p. ISBN: 978-45982079 NOTE: I received a free advance reading copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible by the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.

Book Review: 'The Dark Missions of Edgar Brim' by Shane Peacock

✰✰✰½  Edgar Brim is an orphan who has suffered from night terrors for as long as he can remember. Things only get worse when his guardian sends him to a school for boys on The Highlands of Scotland. Life at school is miserable for Edgar until a new student arrives. Tiger is everything Edgar isn't. Tiger is brave and athletic. The two soon become fast friends, but as graduation nears, tragedy strikes and secrets are revealed. With guidance from a trusted teacher, Edgar and his friends set off on a dark, supernatural mission that leads them to the Royal Lyceum Theatre in London. Here Edgar will have to confront the very terrors that have haunted him his entire life. And just when Edgar and his friends think they are in the clear, a surprise twist sets the stage for the second installment of the trilogy. 

The Bottom Line: From the author of the Boy Sherlock Holmes series comes a new Gothic trilogy for teens. Readers will identify with the characters as they struggle to face both their fears and awkward social angst. Although parts of the book drag at times, there are plenty of thrills, mystery, and creepy moments to keep you turning the pages. The book also highlights themes of teamwork and friendship. Recommended for teens and adults who enjoy Gothic literature, horror, and the supernatural. I'm looking forward to reading the next one.

Details: The Dark Missions of Edgar Brim by Shane Peacock. Paperback edition published by Penguin Teen in 2018. 368 p. ISBN: 978-0-7352-6311-6 NOTE:  I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.

Book Review: 'The Strange and Deadly Portraits of Bryony Gray' by E. Latimer

✰✰✰½ Bryony Gray is not your average thirteen-year-old girl. She is a gifted artist. With no parents around, her aunt and uncle take full advantage of her gift by locking her up in the attic and forcing her paint. When clients begin to go missing, rumors about Bryony begin to swirl. It seems that everyone knows about Bryony's family, but Bryony herself. As she struggles to break free from the tight grip of her aunt and uncle, something mysterious happens. Bryony's portraits take on a life of their own and terrorize the city of London. With the help of the brother and sister duo from next door, Bryony tries to reign in her paintings before time runs out. Will Bryony and her friends be successful? Only time will tell.

The Bottom Line: This historical adventure is a fast-paced read. There are lots of challenges that the main character and her friends must tackle together. Like most teens, Bryony just wants to be fit in and have friends, but sometimes just being ordinary is a challenge in itself. Kids will relate to the awkwardness of just trying to be yourself. Recommended for both young adults and adults who enjoy a little bit of horror or paranormal in their historical mysteries.

Details: The Strange and Deadly Portraits of Bryony Gray by E. Latimer. Hardcover published by Tundra Books in 2018. 336 p. ISBN: 978-1-101-91928-6 NOTE:  I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible via the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing.

Book Review: 'Beware, The Snowman (Goosebumps) by R. L. Stine

✰✰✰ After losing her mother, Jaclyn DeForest lived with her aunt in the crowded city of Chicago. She was happy there. Unfortunately, her aunt suddenly decides to uproot the middle schooler and move to the wintry, isolated village of Sherpia. With nothing to do, Jaclyn goes for a long walk. Along the way she notices that there are identical creepy snowmen in front of every house. When her new friends offer to help her build one, Jaclyn decides there is something weird going on. At night there are strange howling noises, and it's always snowing. Jaclyn feels like there is something her friends aren't telling her. With danger lurking just up the way, Jaclyn comes face to face with an evil so dark, there just might not be a way home.

The Bottom Line: This fun, quick read is perfect any time of the year. Middle grade readers will enjoy the surprise twist ending of this supernatural tale. Recommended for kids who enjoy horror.

Details: Beware, The Snowman (Goosebumps) by R. L. Stine. Hardcover published by Scholastic Inc. In 1997. p. ISBN: 978-1-4242-3699-2

Book Review: 'Revival' by Stephen King

✰✰✰✰½ Jamie Morton was only six years old when the shadow of the Reverend Charles Jacobs darkened his childhood. From that day forward, Jamie could never really escape the darkness. At every turn of his life, the preacher would be there.

After a heartbreaking tragedy, Charles Jacobs turned away from God. After delivering the "terrible sermon," the preacher was cast out from his flock and set out in search of answers. Meanwhile, Jamie grew up and struggled with a drug addiction. When his path finally crossed with the preacher again, he finds out that Jacobs has become a healer of sorts.

Charles Jacobs has been drawn into an obsession with what lies beyond death, and as he experiments with the healing effects of electricity, he descends into insanity. Jamie reluctantly assists as the preacher commences a final, electrifying experiment. The chilling climax will haunt Jamie for the rest of his life.

The Bottom Line: This novel is an electrifying, quick read. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't put it down. This is a story of faith, addiction, and obsession that is both moving and horrifying at the same time. Highly recommended for fans of horror and the supernatural.

Details: Revival: A Novel by Stephen King. Paperback published by Gallery Books in 2014. 416 p. ISBN: 978-1-4767-7039-0

Book Review: 'The Ghost Prison' by Joseph Delaney

✰✰✰ Billy Calder is the new prison guard at the castle. Everyone knows the castle is haunted, but there aren't many jobs available for orphans. In fact, Billy is lucky to have found this one. After preliminary training, Billy is dismayed to be transferred to the night shift. Scary things have happened at the castle; people have died there. However, Billy doesn't have a choice. Billy has heard all the stories about the haunted cells in the castle. He also knows how to take precautions, until one night when he is the only guard on duty to make the rounds. Even though he has been warned to stay away from the Witch Well, it's up to Billy to feed the evil creature within. Whether it's nerves or something else, Billy makes a mistake that will change his life forever.

The Bottom Line: Supplemented with spooky black and white illustrations by Scott M. Fischer, this ghost story is fun for late night telling. This quick read will appeal to kids in middle school. 

Details: The Ghost Prison by Joseph Delaney. Hardcover published by Sourcebooks Fire in 2013. 112 p. ISBN: 978-1-4022-9318-4

Book Review: 'The Amityville Horror' by Jay Anson

✰✰✰ The Lutz family moved into their dream house nearly forty years ago. At the time, George and Kathleen knew that just one year earlier the entire DeFeo family had been murdered in the house by the eldest son. Nevertheless, the price was right. George and Kathy were far from superstitious, so they went ahead with the purchase. They were optimistic that this would be the perfect home for their new family. 

Almost immediately after moving in, strange and terrifying phenomena began to happen to the family. Less than one month later they fled the house in fear for their lives. Believe it or not; this is their story.

The Bottom Line: While I have seen the movie countless times, the book has a more frightening quality about it. Written in a journalistic style, the book is a quick read. Anson's descriptions of the psychic phenomena are quite spooky, and the information about what Father Frank Mancuso experienced was interesting. Also, the book includes plans of the house. Recommended for fans of true crime, paranormal, and horror.

Details: The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson. Paperback published by Pocket Star Books in 2005. 256 p. ISBN: 978-1-4165-0769-7

Book Review: 'Substitute Creature' by Charles Gilman

✰✰✰✰½ Middle school students Robert Arthur, Glenn Torkells, and Karina Ortiz, the school ghost, have returned in the fourth installment of the Tales from Lovecraft Middle School series. Lovecraft Middle School is not just any ordinary school. It was built upon the remains of Tillinghast Mansion, the home of renowned mad scientist Crawford Tillinghast. The school grounds contain hidden portals to other dimensions, and the school itself is teeming with demons, monsters, creatures, and an assortment of creepy crawly insects. While seventh graders Robert and Glenn have survived several near-death experiences over the past few months, nothing can prepare them for their current adventure.

It’s Valentine’s Day and the school has a special treat for the students; it’s a surprise concert. When Glenn notices that the choir robes look mysteriously like the garments worn by Tillinghast’s servants, they find themselves stepping through another portal and into a new adventure. Just then a blizzard suddenly descends upon their town trapping Robert and a few others inside. Faced with freezing temperatures, little food, and no electricity, the trio of friends must confront a mysterious substitute teacher and the most frightening monsters they have encountered so far. Before all is said and done, Robert will be faced with the most difficult choice of his life, and their lives will be changed forever.

The Bottom Line: The fourth book in the series is just as fun and full of adventure as the previous installments. Authentic characters and dialogue make this book appealing to both boys and girls in grades 4 – 7. Author Charles Gilman expertly weaves the themes of friendship and teamwork into the story. While illustrator Eugene Smith’s black and white pencil drawings are spot-on.

Although there are references to the previous adventures, young readers can dive right into this installment without having read the other books in order. This very quick read is highly recommended for kids who enjoy monsters, horror, and adventure fiction.  For more creepy fun, check out Lovecraft Middle School.

Details: Tales from Lovecraft Middle School #4: Substitute Creature written by Charles Gilman & illustrated by Eugene Smith. Hardcover published by Quirk Books in 2013. 176 p. ISBN: 978-1-59474-614-7 Note: I received a copy from Quirk Books in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible by the Early Reviewer program at LibraryThing.

Book Review: 'On the Day I Died' by Candace Fleming

✰✰✰½ Mike Kowalski is just your average high school teen with a midnight curfew. Glancing at his car's dashboard clock, he realizes that he is running late again. Ignoring his ringing cell phone, he steps on the gas. Suddenly his car's headlights spotlight a girl standing directly in his path. Slamming on the brakes, Mike narrowly misses her. That's when things begin to get strange. The pale girl is wet, cold, and needs a ride home. What is Mike to do? He can't just leave her there.

After dropping her off, Mike notices her brand new saddle shoes on the floor of his car. He returns to the girl's house only to be told by her mother that she died many years ago. If Mike wants to return the shoes, he'll have to go to White Cemetery, a place just for young people. When he arrives, the cemetery seems forgotten and abandoned, but soon he realizes he's not alone. One by one the ghosts emerge all around him. Mike is horrified to discover that he cannot leave until he hears their stories...their death stories. Before the night is through, Mike will have heard them all, but will he be allowed to leave or will he become one of them?

The Bottom Line: This collection of short ghost stories takes place in the Chicagoland area; some are even loosely based on well-known urban legends and lore. Since Fleming's characters span different decades from 1853 - 2012, each short story is like a time capsule. While Mike's character is used to bind the stories together, each ghost has a unique voice. Thus, the short stories could easily stand alone; you could even skip a story or two without missing beat.

Although some of these stories are more original than others, all are fun and creepy. This quick read is recommended for kids in middle school who enjoy horror, paranormal, historical, and even science fiction. The characters are almost evenly divided between male and female characters appealing to both boys and girls. And don't forget, short ghost stories are always a hit around Halloween. Also, for those interested in Chicago urban legends, the author includes a notes section.


Details: On the Day I Died: Stories from the Grave by Candace Fleming. Hardcover published by Schwarz & Wade Books (an imprint of Random House) in 2012. 208 p. ISBN: 978-0-375-96781-8

Book Review: 'More Than Midnight' by Brian James Freeman

✰✰✰✰✰ Relinquish your imagination to five tales of horror by master storyteller Brian James Freeman. Included in this collection is a demon waiting to escape, a music teacher gone temporarily mad, monsters taking over the world, an escape from an asylum, and phone calls from the other side. These stories contain abandoned buildings, creepy basements, stormy nights, supernatural forces, and lots of darkness.

This is horror at its very best. These vivid tales were written to scare the reader, and they do. You will be compelled to get up in the middle of the night to check the doors and windows and make sure there’s nothing hiding under the bed or in the closets. Best read on a dark, stormy night, this is a very quick read that will leave you longing for more.

The Bottom Line: All of these short stories have been previously published; however, the stories complement each other so well they were meant to be together.  Each story takes the reader on a short journey into darkness where your imagination takes over and gets the better of you. Freeman builds suspense like few authors can, and Glenn Chadbourne’s pen and ink illustrations heighten the horror. Read this collection for your enjoyment and fright. Very highly recommended for fans of horror.

If you have not read any of Freeman’s work before, I would highly recommend starting with this collection. Also, check out my review of The Painted Darkness, which is one of my favorite reads.

Details: More Than Midnight by Brian James Freeman. Advance uncorrected proof published by Cemetery Dance Publications in 2012. 175 p. ISBN: 978-1-58767-331-3

Horrorfest of Books 2013

The days and our shadows are slowly getting longer while the leaves are changing to hues of gold, red, and orange reminding us that Autumn is here. With the arrival of this special season, Mini Book Bytes Book Reviews is once again pleased to present a carefully chosen selection of books focused on Autumn, Halloween, and horror. We'll be taking a look at books that feature black cats, ghosts, hauntings, pumpkins, recipes, and spooky short stories.

Some of the 13 titles we will be reviewing include:

• More Than Midnight by Brian James Freeman
• On the Day I Died: Stories from the Grave by Candace Fleming
• Betty Crocker Halloween Cookbook
• The Resurrectionist: The Lost Work of Dr. Spencer Black by E. B. Hudspeth
• Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Marisa Montes

These books feature spooky fun for readers of all ages. So settle in with a hot apple cider and some roasted pumpkin seeds and dig into a scary read for a spooktacularly good time. Oh, and don't forget to leave the light on! You'll be glad you did.

Happy Reading &

Note: The free Halloween clip art is from Squidoo!

Book Review: 'Tales from Lovecraft Middle School #3: Teacher's Pest' by Charles Gilman

✰✰✰✰½ Twelve-year-old middle school student, Robert Arthur, and his friends Glenn Torkells, the school bully, and Karina Ortiz, the school ghost, are back in the third installment of the Lovecraft Middle School series. It's just another normal school day at Lovecraft Middle School. Normal, that is, until Glenn gets stung by a wasp, and not just any wasp, mind you, but one with a purple abdomen. That's just the beginning. 

Soon ants, head lice, flies, gnats, wasps, and fleas are taking over the school and, of course, the janitors are on strike. This buggy situation quickly goes from simply annoying with most of the students have to get their heads shaved to downright dangerous as student council president, Howard Mergler, summons even more bugs to the school. As a giant bug in the disguise of a kid, Howard has enlisted the insects to help him accomplish his Master's sinister plan of revenge. Robert, Glenn, and Karina must figure out how to save the school from certain disaster before the bugs take over everything. In a race against time, the trio, with the help of the school librarian, Ms. Lavinia, and Robert's two-headed rat, must work as a team to thwart the Master's plan.

The Bottom Line: Author Charles Gilman includes plenty of action and adventure making this the perfect book for kids in grades 4 - 7 including boys and reluctant readers. While I did not read the first two books in the series, I was easily able to pick up this one and read it without missing a beat. That being said, I enjoyed this one so much that I will definitely be checking out the others. This book's focus on friendship and teamwork make it a winner. Additionally, the black and white pencil drawings are realistic and a fantastic complement the text. Highly recommended for young fans of horror, especially those who are fans of Goosebumps or The Bailey School Kids.

For additional fun, Lovecraft Middle School is now enrolling students online!

Details: Tales from Lovecraft Middle School #3: Teacher's Pest written by Charles Gilman & illustrated by Eugene Smith. Hardcover published by Quirk Books in 2013. 176 p. ISBN: 978-1-59474-614-7 Note: I received a copy from Quirk Books in exchange for an honest review. This was made possible by the Early Reviewer program at LibraryThing.

Book Review: 'Halloween: New Poems' by Al Sarrantonio

✰✰✰½ Celebrate Halloween with this collection of 41 poems from horror writers including Tom Piccirilli, Steve Rasnic Tem, Brian Freeman, T.M. Wright, and more. In addition, the first poems ever published by Joe R. Lansdale are included. Many different styles of poetry are represented in this slim book allowing the reader the opportunity to experience the many emotions of Halloween from terror to silliness. The poems are organized around seasonal themes including: "Trick or Treat," "Pumpkins," "Samhain," "Dead Leaves," "Ghoulies," and more, making it easy to find a poem that suits your mood.

As with many collections, some of these poems were outstanding while others were not; thus, it all evens out. The standouts include: "Beggars' Night" by Gary A. Braunbeck and Lucy A. Snyder, "On Hallows Eve" by Peter Crowther, "Cap'n Hook" (A Tale of the Prairie) by Bradley Denton, and my personal favorite "The Lady DeWitt" by Joe R. Lansdale.

The Bottom Line: The festivities of the Halloween season are well suited to be expressed through poetry. However, as mentioned above, some of these poems were hits, while others were misses. Nonetheless, there's a little bit of something for everyone. Most of the authors included in this collection are not known for their poetry, so it was interesting to read their work. Also, the collection includes different styles of poetry including many poems written in blank verse. Additionally, I enjoyed the fantastic interior illustrations by Keith Minnion. Halloween: New Poems is fun, seasonal reading for adults. However, due to the inclusion of violence and some profanity, these poems are not recommended for the little ones. 

Details: Halloween: New Poems edited by Al Sarrantonio. Hardcover published by Cemetery Dance Publications in 2010. 112 p. ISBN: 978-1-58767-205-7

Book Review: 'Deadfall Hotel' by Steve Rasnic Tem

✰✰✰ Ever since Abby Carter perished in a house fire, Richard  and his daughter Serena have been searching for a place to call home. When Richard responds to an ad seeking a proprietor for the Deadfall Hotel, he is surprised to be offered the job. Together Richard and Serena pack up their meager belongings and move, but nothing could have prepared them for what awaits at the Deadfall Hotel.

You see, the hotel is no ordinary inn. Through the guidance of Jacob Ascher, the previous proprietor, Richard slowly begins to learn the ins and outs of the hotel. While guests do come and go as expected, some guests never leave. Stranger yet, some guests have peculiar and even dangerous habits that must be catered to. Richard learns that being the proprietor of the Deadfall Hotel includes so much more than manning the front desk and overseeing the staff; he’s also the recreation director and the gardener to name a few of the many hats he must learn to wear.

Eventually, as the seasons change, so do Richard and Serena. They become accustomed to the idiosyncrasies of the hotel, which serves as a kind of safe harbor for lost souls. By living in an environment surrounded by death, Richard and Serena learn how let go of their own “ghosts” and live again.

The Bottom Line: Deadfall Hotel is a peculiar, different kind of book; each chapter tells its own story and all the chapters are woven together to form the book. While I enjoyed the eerie atmosphere of this book, I found myself longing for more information about the hotel, its guests, and Jacob, the previous proprietor. Recommended for fans of horror and for those wanting to read something new and different. This one is intriguing and a bit odd. Finally, sensitive readers concerned about the treatment of animals will want to steer clear of this one; it does contain scenes of animal abuse.

Details: Deadfall Hotel by Steve Rasnic Tem. Paperback published by Solaris in 2012. 304 p. ISBN: 978-1-907992-83-4

Book Review: 'Blockade Billy' by Stephen King

✰✰✰✰ The orange signs said it all: ROAD CLOSED BY ORDER OF BLOCKADE BILLY. However, no one remembers William "Blockade Billy" Blakely today, and his team, the New Jersey Titans, have long since been forgotten. But when Mr. King interviews the elderly George "Granny" Grantham, the team's former third base coach, strange things come to light.

It seems that back in the day, Blakely was a great ball player; in fact, he was on his way to breaking every Rookie record in Major League Baseball history. It didn't matter that there was something just a little bit off about him. Neither did it matter that Blakely had a habit of repeating everything other people said or that he referred to himself in the third person. As the Titans' last minute replacement catcher, no one cared about his peculiar habits as long as he kept hitting home runs and could save the season. Unfortunately, Billy had a very dark secret to hide. Once uncovered, the scandal was so great that his scores were wiped off the record books forever.

The Bottom Line: This story is written entirely as a monologue, which is one of the reasons I liked it so well. While Blockade Billy is not a particularly scary story, it is an enjoyable, quick read. I read it in one sitting and especially enjoyed the twist at the end. There is nothing supernatural about this well written baseball yarn, and you don't need to be a baseball fan to appreciate this novella. Since this book includes profanity, it is recommended for adult fans of Stephen King, baseball, horror, and short stories.

Details: Blockade Billy by Stephen King. Hardcover published by Cemetery Dance Publications in 2012. 112 p. ISBN: 978-1-58767-228-6

Book Review: 'Island Funeral' by Keith Minnion

✰✰✰✰½ On their honeymoon, newlywed Sarah makes her new husband, Tim Moser, promise that if she should die, he will see that she is buried in the family plot on the mainland. It's so important to her that he agrees. But promises are made to be broken, and just four years later, Tim replays that conversation in his head as he follows the hearse carrying his wife's body back to her hometown. Tim does his best to follow through with her request, but when an accident puts Tim in a coma, Sarah's family proceeds with the funeral without him. As Tim slowly makes his physical recovery, he has an uneasy feeling that the townspeople are hiding something from him. As soon as his broken body will allow, Tim begins to search for answers. When he finally learns the horrifying truth about the difference between a mainland funeral and an island funeral, he knows that nothing will ever be the same.

The Bottom Line: Keith Minnion's chapbook is the perfect read for a stormy autumn night. It's an eerie delight and quick to read, but it stays with you for a long time. I finished it in about an hour, but I've reread it several times. Island Funeral is reminiscent of Stephen King's Pet Sematary and will appeal to fans of horror and those who enjoy well-written stories. Very highly recommended.

Details: Island Funeral by Keith Minnion. Paperback published by Cemetery Dance Publications in 2011. 40 p. ISBN: 978-1587672682