Splattered Beauty by Brandon Ford, Available Now!
| POSTED BY: shanediablo | POSTED ON: 12/16/08 15:01:52 | ||
Get Splattered Beauty Here Synopsis Splattered Beauty is the story of Alyssa Peyton, a minor celebrity in the B-film industry. With a career spanning more than a decade, she has accumulated over two-dozen films in the horror genre, receiving cult status in the process. It appears, though, that days of happiness and success have long forgotten her. Her cherished producer/director husband, Peter, has left her for a younger, more attractive actress. Now, Alyssa finds herself for the first time without work. In the two years it has been since setting foot on a film set, Alyssa has fallen into a maddening depression. Her substance and alcohol abuse accelerates and she begins to alienate those closest to her, including Joyce, her agent and longtime friend. That is when she meets Taryn, a teenage fan who is smitten with her immediately. The two form a bond and within days, Taryn finds herself living under the same roof as her favorite cult celebrity. Soon, the lead role in a film Alyssa would be perfect for is offered. It appears as though things are beginning to fall into place for the first time in so very long. But when Alyssa learns that this role has been awarded to Jessica, Peter’s new wife, she is pulled deeper and deeper into an insufferable psychosis and attempts suicide. When that fails too, she realizes what must be done. With the aid of Taryn, Alyssa begins a string of brutal and sadistic murders. Manipulating Taryn into doing her every bidding, Alyssa pulls the impressionable youth into her own twisted game of murder and deception and it appears there is no escape for either of them. His follow-up to Crystal Bay, Brandon Ford, a lover of all things horror, has written Splattered Beauty as a sort of love note to his favorite scream queens. The novel contains a foreword praising genre favorites Linnea Quigley, Debbie Rochon, Tiffany Shepis, and more. Available now in paperback and Amazon Kindle from Arctic Wolf Publishing. Alyssa watched as he began to inch toward her, his hands out in front of him as he tried to calm her, his voice soft and dripping with nurture. “I heard what happened to you, Alyssa,” he said. “I’m really very sorry. But there are people that can help you. People who’ll understand. Please, you’ve got to trust me.” Watching as he took continual glances at her wrists, she relived the moment she slid the razor across them, seeing the moment with crystal clarity. He thought he was to blame for what she’d done. She knew. She could tell by the manner in which he spoke. She could tell by the words he chose. He still believed he was her everything. Moisture drew her attention and she looked down to see the blood soak through the fine cloth. “You’re hurt...” Peter mumbled, gently taking her left hand in his own, watching as the blood trickled. Still clenching the knife, she tightened her grip on the handle, staring into the eyes of the man she’d once loved so dearly. Her contempt overcame her and she gnashed her teeth. Gripping his hand, she slid the blade across his wrist and watched as the blood began to flow. He dropped to his knees in pain. “Now you’re hurt, too,” she said, towering over him. Jessica shrieked, placing both hands over her mouth. She ran to his aid, pulling his arm toward her, studying the deep gash. “Oh, my God,” she wailed, watching the fountain of blood pour from his veins. “Jessie, call the police,” he begged her, his voice shaking. He knew he’d lose consciousness at any moment. Jessica turned and rushed toward the door, nearly tripping over her own heels, as she gasped in a panic. “Stop her!” Alyssa commanded Taryn, who, still in shock, almost didn’t hear her. A single thought so far away, Taryn leapt forward, tackling Jessica onto the hard marble as she released a masculine grunt. Jessica shrieked again, but her cries silenced the moment the back of her head met the cold, hard ground. In an instant, her neck snapped and her skull split like an egg, blood spilling from the open wound. With the minimal amount of strength he could muster, Peter yelped her name one last time as he began to crawl towards her. “Oh, Jessie... Oh, please, God, no...” he continued, pulling himself forward on his chest. About the Author  Brandon Ford made his debut in the Leucrota Press anthology Abaculus 2007. The collection, featuring the year’s best in science fiction, fantasy, and horror, includes his short story, “Elmer’s Grue.” Soon after, his first novel, Crystal Bay, was released by Arctic Wolf Publishing. The horror/suspense story has been praised by the likes of Garry Charles, author of Summer of the Massacre, who called the book “a well-crafted story that hails back to the old horror/thrillers of the late ‘70s,” and filmmaker Ryan Nicholson (Live Feed and Gutterballs), who calls Ford, “the new Prince of Horror, soon to be King.” Ford has also contributed to Twisted Dreams, an independent literary magazine founded by best-selling author Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc, as well as the anthologies Sinister Landscapes (edited by Alan Draven, author of Bitternest), and Raw: Brutality As Art (edited by Adam Huber, co-author of Snuff). Brandon Ford on Blogspot Praise for Brandon Ford And His Debut Novel “Crystal Bay” “Brandon Ford is the new Prince of Horror, soon to be King.” --Ryan Nicholson, writer/director of Live Feed and Gutterballs “Brandon Ford… has created a well-crafted story that hails back to the old horror/thrillers of the late ‘70s… I can’t wait to see what he does next…” --Garry Charles, author of Summer of the Massacre “Brandon Ford paints a vivid picture… This book is superb. I'm proud to own a copy…” --Jim Dodge, Jr., Mass Movement “Crystal Bay is a strong debut, one which I highly recommend… It is the perfect summer read.” --Alan Draven, author of Bitternest “…suspenseful and intriguing…” --Mary Menzel, Book Hunters Blog “…vivid… compelling…” --Jennie Milojevic, Bloodtype Online “Mr. Ford is certainly gifted when it comes to suspense…” --J.B. Kohl, author of The Deputy’s Widow “Ford shows a knack for setting suspense… He’s a promising new talent…” --Kevin Lucia, Book Blurbs “Crystal Bay is a page-turner that reels you in and keeps you reading to the end.” --Front Street Reviews |
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Who Framed Boris Karloff? By: Dwight Kemper
| POSTED BY: shanediablo | POSTED ON: 01/23/08 15:49:59 | ||
 Who Framed Boris Karloff? By: Dwight Kemper Midnight Marquee Press www.midmar.com Reviewed by: Josh Haney Copyright 2008 For a lot of us, murder mysteries were how we got introduced to horror in the first place. Edgar Allen Poe was well known for his mystery writing long before becoming the father of horror. And some of Agatha Christie’s books were more intelligent precursors to the modern stalk and slash genre. Yes, my friends, horror and mystery are siblings in more ways than any of us know. And that is why it should come as no real surprise that someone has taken the two, meshed them together with just the right hint of reality, and much like the chocolate and peanut butter of a certain candy, the results are quite good. The story starts off on the set of Universals 1938 masterpiece Son Of Frankenstein. Boris Karloff is once again in the role as the monster, with every ones favorite Sherlock Holmes, Basil Rathbone, playing Baron Von Frankenstein. And of course, to round out this all-star line up, Bela Lugosi is hired to play Ygor. But just as the filming gets underway, moody production manager Martin F. Murphy is murdered on the set. Like any good mystery the cast of characters all seem to have a tie to his murder. The director wanted to replace him, Lugosi wished him dead, and the studio executives wanted him to get is **** in gear and finish their film. But it’s Karloff whose found standing over the body, so of course they eye of suspicion is cast squarely on him. So, banding together like The Three Musketeers (and at times The Three Stooges), Karloff, Rathbone and Lugosi set out to track down the real killer. This leads them all over Hollywood; from seedy underbellies to studio back lots and everything in between. Unfortunately, to tell you any more of the story would be a disservice to the awesome tale that awaits you between these pages. Dwight Kemper, already a rather famous stage actor, illusionist, and all around monster nerd (like most of us), has created something very magical in this book, mostly a suspension of disbelief that is utterly enjoyable. The characters come to life under his control, and are pretty damn funny at times, painting a picture of a grand old Hollywood that many of us are far to young to ever contemplate remembering. And it’s not all fiction either! Kemper has gone out of his way to drop in tidbits of Tinseltown fact throughout. And, as with any great detective novel, of course you’ll keep guessing right up until the end. Even Sara Karloff, Boris’s daughter… for anyone that lives in a cave somewhere, says in her introduction that she followed the wrong path and picked the wrong person. Now if that isn’t praise, I don’t know what is. This mix of horror hoopla, Hollywood history and mystery mirth will totally suck you in from page one, as you share an adventure with masters of the monster age. Believe me when I say this is a must read for all monster kids. Visit Dwight online - Murder Mystery Theatre Get the book on Amazon.com - Click Here  "Who Framed Boris Karloff" has been nominated for a Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Award  |
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The Pumpkin King by Mark Dickinson
| POSTED BY: shanediablo | POSTED ON: 11/22/07 09:17:12 | ||
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By: Mark Dickinson Illustrations by: Christopher Urban Mark Dickinson Publishing ISBN: 978-0-6151-6372-7 www.lulu.com/DarknessEmbraced Reviewed by: Josh Haney Copyright 2007 
First, let me take you back in time a little bit, to a time when you were younger and the entire year revolved around one day. Now, if you’re anything like me that day wasn’t Xmas, Easter, or some other hokey ****. It was Halloween! Ghosts, goblins, things that go bump…sure they made my skin break out in goose bumps, but they also sent the imagination soaring. That crisp autumn air would start to blow in, and you could taste the holiday approach, promises of mischief, madness, and untold mysteries lurking on the breeze. Now, back to reality…for just a moment or two. You, like me, are grown now, still a monster kid at heart (possibly churning out horror fiction or ghoul rock), but easily pushing thirty, or even worse, the dread 4-0! Maybe you’re just searching for a way to go back to that one time of the year when all was right with the world? Or maybe you have children, desperately in need of something to believe in… a hero full of morals that any Pagan would be proud of. Well, gather one and all, and hear the tale of The Pumpkin King! The end of summer has come, and the Pumpkin King rises from his patch to dole out what man deserves. But this isn’t an evil apparition bent on chaos; it’s a joyous spirit come to seek warmth by our fires. Treats in hand for the good, tricks for the bad…after all you get what you deserve! In his new book (based on an original poem) for the young and young at heart, writer/poet/horror rocker Mark Dickinson conjures up the ideal elements necessary to capture the season, and creates a great way to spend an October night with the ones you love. The prose, while easy to follow and understand, has a dreamy quality to it that lulls you into Halloweens of yore. Add to that the superb illustrations by Christopher Urban, created especially for this tome, and you have the makings of a true holiday classic. Believe me when I say that reading this aloud while gathered around a roaring fire will quickly become an annual tradition in your household. So, rush out and pick up your copy of this fantastic tale of magic and wonder. Because sometimes, when the veil is down, dreams really do come true. ________________________________________________________________________________ The Pumpkin King by Mark Dickinson Illustrations by: Christopher Urban http://www.lulu.com/DarknessEmbraced Mark Dickinson Publishing ISBN: 978-0-6151-6372-7 Review by Troy Usher copyright 2007 Set against the back drop of fruitful lands and children’s laughter comes an epic tale of paying it forward and how all good deeds do not go unnoticed. This is the moral woven throughout a brilliant new literary masterpiece from the mind of Mark Dickinson and the artistic genius of Chris Urban. Based on Mark’s poem “The Pumpkin King” you will be transcended into a time when the world was so much simpler. Where friendship and a child’s imagination were the keys to a bountiful future. “What you give is what you get” and I can say you will be getting nothing but smiles and a renewed feeling of the human spirit after reveling in the pages of this amazing story. |
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Zombie Terror by Catrina Lawrence
| POSTED BY: shanediablo | POSTED ON: 11/21/07 18:29:05 | ||
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By: Catrina Lawrence www.freewebs.com/catrinalawrence www.lulu.com/catrinalawrence Reviewed by: Josh Haney Copyright 2007 
I’m a total sucker when it comes to zombie stories. I love the survivalist mentality, the panic of never knowing who’s infected, every aspect of it really gets to me and has me longing for an outbreak in real life. Here in the U.S., dealing with an onslaught of the undead would be a fairly easy thing. Break out the guns and ammunition, and have ourselves a hunt. But the U.K., that’s a whole other kettle of fish. Guns aren’t plentiful, or for that matter readily available, to the citizenry. So, what would happen if the pastoral landscapes of suburban England became overrun with white-eyed fiends longing for the taste flesh? Well, Catrina Lawrence takes us on a guided tour of one mans Zombie Terror. In her short little bio from the book it states that she’s worked as a cook and manager for restaurants. What is it with those of us who have braved the culinary profession? I know quite a few horror writers, myself included, who started out there, only to abandon it in favor of writing grotesqueries. Weird! Someone should really do a study about this. The story starts out simply enough, with Paul saying goodbye to his wife Cath and heading out for a day of fishing. He nods off sometime during the day and awakes to dark clouds and a feeling of dread. Upon returning home, everything seems normal, until his life is literally turned upside down by a blonde man who attacks Cath while the two of them are out on a walk. From here on out the story is exactly what the title implies, Zombie Terror. The tale certainly doesn’t skimp on the gruesomeness, as Paul attempts to survive in a world he was never prepared to enter. This is why I like zombie fiction so much, there are a million different ways you can take the story. You can create heroes, villains, or poor old bastards who just happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Lawrence utilizes her skills as a poet to describe some very unsettling events, and her everyman writing style makes this a very enjoyable read, one that would be perfect as a short film. Board up your windows, load the rifle, and curl up with Zombie Terror, the perfect way to await the zombie apocalypse. |
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Blood Stained Pages by Troy Usher
| POSTED BY: shanediablo | POSTED ON: 11/21/07 18:25:21 | ||
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By: Troy Usher www.lulu.com/indexofthedreggs Reviewed by: Josh Haney Copyright 2007 
To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect of this. My good friend Mark had talked this book up to me, and I was certain that there was no way that it could be as good as he said it was. I like poetry as much as the next writer; I’ve even dabbled in it myself a few times, but an entire novel length book of poetry? I figured there was no possible way that it would keep my attention (as anyone who knows me can attest to). But I’m here to tell you that I was not only rapt with attention but also enthralled by the lyrical prose of Troy Usher’s Blood Stained Pages. The book is subtitle The Scars Of Humanity, and further broken down into two chapters, Scribed In Sickness and Bled Til’ The End, and each of those contains roughly fifty plus poems! Just let that sink in for a moment. And these aren’t your average rhymes and couplets; these are brutal and sometimes poignant verses dealing with the darkest sides of society and human nature. With titles like From A Frayed Thread To A Fitted Noose, Buried At Birth (How Was I To Know) and My Needle, My Friend to give you an idea, this is hardcore writing straight from a child of the atomic age. Sure, you could attempt to compare Usher to other poet’s, maybe a member of the Beat generation, but his stuff transcends that. If there was anyone at all who even came remotely close to Usher’s realization of the state of the human condition it’s poet/serial killer G.J. Schaefer, whose poetry was really thinly veiled confessions of his crimes. I honestly don’t even know how to describe what I’ve read; they could be lyrics for the most intelligent of rock bands, a suicide note, musings on the decline of western civilization, or a ghastly combo platter of all three, sickly sweetened with the acrid almond taste of cyanide. There are many striking stanzas hidden away within the depths of this work, and any attempt to paraphrase them would do a serious disservice to both their author and the works themselves. I will, however, tell you the three that have wormed their way into my brain and refused to leave…The Exploding Man (Because The World Needs A Hero), Call This A Mercy Killing, and last but by no means least Evil Finds A Way (Follow Me). For whatever reason, these stood out like the veins on a junkie’s arm, but feel free to judge for yourselves. Poetry is a very subjective thing, and great poetry is even more so. Put away the mindless drivel for a few moments and read something that bites, something that grabs you by the balls, something that makes you think. It may not be long before doing so will be considered a crime. |
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