Horror Books

This book is one of the ultimate companions to the blockbuster show of the same title.

In a day and age when show creators and producers have gotten into the habit of talking down to their ausiences, Whedon again breaks the mold by sharing the direct scripts with us, the loyal fans.

I remember how happy I was when I heard that BTVS was going to be a television series and this book brought back the early euhphoria that I experienced with the revival. Thank you again Joss for everything.

Of course it's not all in the dialogue. You've got great acting, directing, editing, costuming, etc. HOWEVER, the Buffy writers obviously not only love what they do, but are also very good at it.

The pop culture references mingle freely with the historical. Renaissance Poetry class was never so much fun.

These scripts give you a chance to catch anything you might have missed the first time around. It's peppy. Is Poppy a word? Well, I know it's a word, but is it a word the way I mean it? Anyhow, I would recommend this book for any Buffy fan.

Watching "Buffy" T.V. series or cassettes is huge enjoyment already. Reading this script brought pure delight: sharp wit, self-derogatory under-/overstatements, punch and speed - this script is, quite definitely, for lovers of language. Stage directions, as indicated between parts of dialogue,are about as savoury as dialogue itself. I've just one reservation:I suppose, to really relish this book as it should be relished, one should obviously have seen related episodes on either TV or cassette. One then remembers Charisma Carpenter's studied drawl, Sarah Gellar's brisk deadpan humour, and Nicholas Brendon's fantastic "fool's faces". Only then does one realize, not just how good the writing is, but also, how brilliantly the whole cast has done its job. Yes, this definitely does show just how brilliant the whole "Buffy" act was - and still is. Can we PLEASE have scriptbooks of what follows?!...

The good news is that original shooting scripts of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" are available, as in this volume offering up the first six episodes of Season One. But the bad news, relatively speaking, is that we just get the scripts without any extras. The pages are your traditional Courier style font (including the title page), and while the pages are not in blue, pink, green, yellow, goldenrod and salmon to reflect the various revisions, if you follow the revision dates on the top of the pages you can figure that part out. Therefore, while I appreciate having the original scripts in front of my while watching the episodes so I can see what has been deleted/added/changed (these are not transcripts; big difference), I would have really liked to have a bit more such as introductions by the writers talking about the genesis of the script ideas or problems they had to overcoming in putting the script into production, beyond the production notes and stage directions. Certainly some of what I am looking for can be found in "The Watcher's Guide," which covers the show's first two seasons, but given how first-rate the BtVS companion volumes have been I am rather surprised this is a comparatively bare bones effort.

Included in this volume for those of you who do not have the first 100 episodes totally memorized are "Welcome to the Hellmouth" and "The Harvest," both written by series creator Joss Whedon, "Witch" by Dana Reston, "Teacher's Pet" by David Greenwalt, "Never Kill a Boy on the First Date" by Rob Des Hotel and Dean Batali, and "The Pack" by Matt Kiene and Joe Reinkemeyer. After the two-part pilot these other episodes reflect a time when the Buffy mythos was just starting to get organized. After all, Buffy has yet to find out about Angel's true nature and the emphasis is on how high school is a living hell if you are a teenager, but even more so when you are perched on the Hellmouth. Besides, once you get the first half of Season One you have to pick up the second half as well. Then there is Season Two...

It's valuable for fans of Buffy, full of hints and descriptions that make the tv episodes even more enjoyable; it's also a very cool book for anyone interested in writing tv scripts who're curious about the format, or looking for insight into how to blend comedy and suspense and juggle an excellent ensemble cast without shortchanging anyone.

Carly is a city girl who moves to the country and finds some puzzles that lead to her discovery of the ghost of a girl who lived there long ago. I liked this book because the title doesn't give it all away, like other books sometimes do, and it's not like every other book. Read it and you'll be thrilled!

Carly's ghost is a beautifully written tale that takes me back to being Carly's age. Full of wonder and an emerging sence of self are two things that drive the reader into the feeling that you've been there before. I read this story aloud to a class of fourth graders and they all wanted more of the story when it was over. The author paints a picture of a place that continues to shape itself to the reader at nearly the same pace the characters discover their surroundings. It naturally takes you to the deepest thoughts that creep in and out of the heads of pre-teen youth. The chapters each play like an episode of a thrilling drama. Many of the chapters actually lend themselves to being portrayed in group play.

I finished Carly's Ghost in one sitting. Peggy Tibbetts has a way with mystery and suspense. Sibling rivalry, slamming doors, and ghostly atmosphere just doesn't let one close the book and wait until tomorrow. I think kids will love Carly's Ghost as much as I did....

Carly's Ghost is both pleasing and suspenseful in an entertaining way. Characters that are age appropriate and realistic make this persuasive story a must for young readers. Alluring hints of a ghost presence right from the beginning, along with slamming doors, a secret room under the stairs and mysteriuos happenings in an isolated rustic cabin, set the stage for a ghost story that keeps the reader turning the pages. Young Readers will delight in this haunting tale and look forward to up-coming books by Peggy Tibbetts.

Slamming doors echo through the new cabin that Carly, her sister and her parents have moved into. But, if it's not Carly slamming the doors, who could it be? Carly discovers evidence in a secret room under the stairs. She knows who's slamming doors but no one believes her. Will they listen before it's too late?

This was a fun, entertaining read with just the right amount of suspense for pre-teen readers. The use of Carly's parent's first names was a little distracting but otherwise the book is wonderful. I can't wait to see if there is a sequel.

I love this book!!! I think all of the Geronimo books I've read are funny. These are the funniest books ever!

I am in[..]and I read the Geronimo Stilton book called Cat and Mouse in the Haunted House for my final book report of the year. It was the best book ever! My favorite part about reading this Geronimo Stilton book was that it was very mysterious and had mummies, witches, and ghosts! That made the book even more exciting! I was holding my breath, waiting to see how the book would end. When I was reading, I could hardly wait to turn the page! I just couldn't read quick enough! Geronimo is a fun character, and I love reading about his adventures! Once I finished the book I was sad that it was over. I am so glad that there are many other books in the series! I definitely recommend this book and the rest of the Geronimo Stilton series to anyone reading this review. If you love great mysteries, I'm sure you will enjoy this book as much as I did! I hope my review was helpful and that you have a great time reading this book and other adventures about Geronimo!

Geronimo Stilton:
Cat and Mouse in a Haunted House




He's too fond of his fur! Cat and Mouse in a Haunted House is a spectacular book for anyone who loves fiction. The famous Geronimo Stilton, a mouse by the way, is also known for many other books such as the following: Curse of the Cheese Pyramid, Merry Christmas Geronimo and many others. On this adventure, Geronimo is off to see his great Aunt Sugarfur. On his way home, a storm blows in a Geronimo is stuck in the woods; which were deserted; or so he thought. That's when he discovers Cannycat Castle. Geronimo is a `fraidy mouse, but it's wet and cold outside and Geronimo is not liking the weather, so he decides to try out the castle. He finds the castle is haunted with past residents, including one with only one paw! He calls up his sister Thea, his cousin Trap, and his nephew Benjamin. Together they fight off ghouls, goblins and other creepy things to stay alive. If you like Harry Potter, you'll love this! This book is funny, scary, and action packed all rolled into one. It's number three in his fur-raising adventures, and another one you just don't want to miss.

Boo! Hi,I'm the ghost of Casey Gray.I just read a book called Geronimo Stiltion, Cat and Mouse in the Haunted House. It's a furr-azing book. If you like this book, there are over 20 others!!! I give it two thumbs up.In the back of the book, there is a map of were Geronimo works, what city he lives in, and what island he lives on. Oh No!!! The books are runing away!!! Come on, they're fast.

It's smart, it's humourous and it's clumpsy most of the time!

Kids of all age will love Geronimo. We have a quicker full set in Hong Kong printed in Chinese and I figure it's a great way to put the 2 language versions side by side to get kids interested in a 2nd / 3rd / 4th language! (Much easier than to get them sit down in front of TV in a foreign tongue.)

Don't I wish that I know Italian as well to apprecitate the original version.

The entire series rocks! If you like vampire romances, you'll likely love these books. It's great to watch the characters mature over the series. ;-)

This book draws you into solving the mystery with Nikki and Michael, and before you know it, you are wishing that they would hurry up and get together.

Book 3 of the Nikki and Michael series. This time the case Nikki deals with hits closer to home. Nikki also tells Michael that she wants to be with him, but he has to accept her as a full time partner in their cases. Great read, really keeps you hanging. There is a little bit of romance in this series, but it isn't too heavy. Book still falls under sci-fi/fanstasy.

This was a real good book. Can't wait for the Fourth Book Kiss the Night Goodbye. Keep up the good work.

This was my first Keri Arthur book, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised. The plot was fast paced, well-crafted and believable. The romance (which was also well done and well developed) wasn't the main thrust of the book, the story was. The only problem I had with this particular book is that I didn't get a complete mental image of the three main characters, Jake, Nikki and Michael. I suspect that the problem was that I hadn't read the other books in the series published before this one. But, since I loved this one so much, I intend to not only read those books, but the rest of Ms. Arthur's books. A great read!

This book is enjoyable not only for the kids but also for the adult reading it....my son found it funny enough to laugh out loud and he is only 3 years old....it was very cute...highlly recommend for all readers.

the book is an amusing way to pass the time. basically it's a story about a mouse, but there is a cat who keeps interrupting with the story because he wants it to be about him. so he writes over the author's words and scribbles over the pictures until at the end he takes over the book.

I bought this as a gift for a young lady. It literally had her rolling on the floor laughing her rear off. If you don't buy it now, at least put it on your wish list to pick-up later!

The author is trying to write a book about a mouse, but a mischievous cat named Chester, who is very handy with a red marker, keeps changing it to be about him! Chester has a very high opinion of himself. He and the author go back and forth trying to take charge of the story. It's a really fun read, funny to the last page. I will read more books by this author.

This book was phenomenal and so unique!!! The children were cracking up at what Chester did to Melanie's story. We need more books that are "out of the box" like this one. This is a must for every children's library!

Nick Hemsley wrote a rich intellectual book, bringing a unique literary style and voice to the book-reading world. I regret I won't be able to enjoy future works from this bright mind as Nick suddenly passed away in early October '07.

This author is really one of those gems you have to seek out to find. He is rare, dark and very valuable. His work simple, full of beautiful details and finely woven intricacies. There are many characters, each of whom we grow more intimate with as the novel progresses. Learning about their ideas of the world, how they operate, who they really are. With each page we evolve in our imagination, each sentence we grow just a little more in our humanity.
I highly, HIGHLY recommend 'Clock' to anyone who wants to be inspired by the human condition.

Reviewed by Kelley Anderson for Reader Views (1/07)

Nick and Elizabeth, a married couple, are having a few problems. Elizabeth has insomnia, is a workaholic and is sleeping with a client. Nick is a school teacher who runs down a little girl with his car and becomes haunted by that night until he no longer has a solid hold on reality. After some soul searching and sharing of secrets, Nick and Elizabeth realize they don't love each other any more.

Elizabeth buys a painting from Korinne, who is an assistant to "Mad Jim," a painter who has figured out that a reputation for being insane sells a lot of paintings. Korrine paints a haunting picture of a little girl's terrified face in the rain, which strikes Elizabeth, because this is the girl who has been haunting her husband.

Mad Jim's mother, Emily, takes up friendship with Henry, a closet cross dresser. With Emily, Henry feels accepted and appreciated. He hides his fetish from his wife Ivy, a nurse that is having an affair with Norman, a patient under her care. Norman has a fascination with fixing clocks, caring for one until it is perfect condition and then restoring another and another.

When I was finished with the book, I felt very sad for all of these characters. Nick and Elizabeth seemed to find out the hard way that love will not stay alive unless you continue to nurture it. They had been living together, day after day, and never really thought about one another. When a crisis came along to challenge their existence, instead of holding strong together or leaning on each other, they crumbled and fell apart.

There are so many characters and so many subplots, it left my head spinning. Nick and Elizabeth were the only characters I really felt a strong pull toward. The other characters seemed to insert themselves at random times, and while I was thinking "That's a coincidence," I didn't enjoy their presence, nor did I especially want to know what happened to them.

Also, the style of writing the author used made this a very hard book to read. Each paragraph is a thought fragment of one of the characters without transitions between. You are never really sure who is speaking to you until toward the end of the paragraph, or in far too many cases, ever. There is some very good writing in the book. For example, "Weather forecasters are all thin; they have to be, to fit in between the west coast of Ireland and the edge of the screen," really stuck out to me as clever. Jim's fear of airplanes described as "Jim's fear came from the fact that he didn't believe it and if everybody ceased to believe it then maybe the thing would come crashing to the ground like a stone." is another one of those gems stuck in the middle of random thought bubbles. I enjoyed the writing immensely, I just wish there had been a better flow to the entire book. I can see the direction the author was trying to go with the book. The random thoughts lent an air of mystery and you felt as if you had been knocked sideways at each new revelation. Some of the jumps from one character to the next really needed some transition as there are still some paragraphs that I am not sure who is speaking.

I think this book would be most appropriate for college-aged people. It requires time and attention to fully digest and there are many parts that really make you take a look back at your life experiences and challenge your preconceived notions about the people around you. College students are critical thinkers and could make the most of this story. Seeing the pain and despair the characters suffered through takes a great deal of digestion and questioning and students are young enough to not have their beliefs set firmly in stone.

"Clock" smashes eccentric characters and troubling circumstances together and lets fate take its course. "Clock" is neither ordinary nor conventional and challenges you to reexamine yourself and people you think you know well. The characters can teach us a lesson in kindness to others and not judging others by what we see. It takes us deep into the minds of the characters; looses the very thoughts that should never be spoken, but still cross all of our minds.

There were too many high points to list; too many perfect observations. I didn't find it at all perverse; maybe that says more about me than about Clock! The characters, despite their foibles, are caring, warm and optimistic. I love the way all the separate sub-stories gel into the same global point... It's a powerful read; it depicts the inevitable pain of relationships in an undramatic, non- cynical way. It made me feel immensely sad on completion, despite one huge laugh out- loud just before the end. I think the sadness comes from immersion into a gripping yarn of profound humanity. Whenever I read a novel that grabs me like that, I feel like I'm coming down towards the end.

Clock is unique in many ways; it's structure, its narrative and its ability to ensnare the reader, to name but a few. For me the most endearing quality of this remarkable book lies with the author's ability to blend the covert side of human dynamics in a manner that doesn't demean or ridicule the story's protagonists. In many ways, and I'm certainly not demeaning this in any way, the narrative flows like a multi-perspective myspace blog. Hemsley is able to net his audience early and even when the book has finished never really sets them free. This is an author to watch. And I'll be one of those pulling up a seat for his next novel.

Maybe it was just me, but when I purchased this book on line I assumed it was going to be a book, you know the type with chapters and well thought out paragraphs. What I got was a book that is made up of day by day humorous quotes from the news sources of the time. So I was a little disappointed at the start just because my expectation was not met. With that out of the way I dug in and found the book provided a number of laughs and brought back a number of memories. The author picked up on mostly political issues to populate the book, but he does toss in a few pop culture items that usually show the ridiculous side of American life. The humor the author uses is rather dry and sarcastic, which fit very well with the news reporting style blurbs.

Overall the book is an easy to read, fun review of the 1980's that brought back a lot of memories for me. The author does tend to focus on a small group of topics, Geraldo Rivera, his dislike of popular music and Michael Jackson all seem to get repeated mentions. The book is the type you can have around and pick up every now and then and read a few pages. It is light fair and shows a 10,000 feet view of the 80's.

If I owned a time machine, I'd go back to the late seventies when Reagan was starting his campaign and drop copies of this book all over the country.

Perhaps it could have helped.

The idea that someone so incompetant and clueless could become PRESIDENT is a sobering thought.

Paul Slanksy evidently hates everyone, and the 80's supplied him with more than enough material to nail them all. Obviously, Republicans take far more abuse because the book IS about the Reagan era. This book is funny and really cuts through the nostalgia many (GOP in particular) hold about the 80's. Great Read.

The cover has been crudely taped on backwards, the cover laminate is gone, the pages are dog eared, but my copy still holds together after countless re-readings.
Chronological, exhaustive coverage of the gaffes and shocking lies told to the american public that made reagan so memorable (or should have), combined with gems of pop culture, entertainment, crime, and so on. An illustrated, cynical diary of soundbites and factoids. If you were under the general impression that reagan wasn't that bad of a president, you will walk away from this a changed person: he WAS'NT the president! The ascerbic commentary may seem occasionally unfair, (more so if your a republican), but 9 times out of 10 it hits straight on, attacking both democrats and republicans with their own quotes and foolishness. But mostly reagan.

I've lent this book to countless friends who all regarded former President Ronald Reagan as "a great man." Few of them adhere to that opinion today. It's astonishing to think that anyone so out of touch with reality could have been elected to two terms as President. Slansky's brilliant book combines seemingly unrelated pieces of information into a cohesive whole that reveals, once and for all, the astonishing incompetence of the Reagan administration. As a bonus, Slansky also manages to skewer virtually all aspects of popular culture of the 1980's. Since those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it, this book should be required reading for all, lest we get another presidency like Reagan's. My copy has been read so many times that it is literally falling apart. One of the great books of the last fifty years.

I was sipmly taken... really... this book breaks the mold and steps on and over every boundry you might imagine. What a hoot! I laughed, I cried and I was hooked from the start. You MUST buy this book. I will never view a footnote in the same way again! This will make a great movie....

Take one flock of zombiefied chickens, with an uber-rooster at the head. Throw in one inept wannabe farmer living in a haunted house. Top it off with an order (no pun intended) of secret zombie chicken hunters, with a particularly talented mortal off on a solo crusade to end the plague of undead fowl once and for all. Mix well with a good dose of off-the-wall humor, some camp, and enough talented description to give you a movie in your head, and you have the makings of one very fun read.

It started out a little questionably. While Knapp is a talented author and does a good job of describing what's going on, the intentionally campy writing got to be a bit much to slog through, especially after the umpteenth time there was a description of a zombie chicken moving in such a way that a random body part fell off. Camp doesn't really translate over to writing nearly as well as film, as far as I'm concerned, though Knapp made a really good effort of it. Additionally, the backstory took a while to build up to an interesting point, though for good reason-the story behind the story is actually somewhat complex, and made what could have been a relatively simple zombie chicken novel into a more solid read.

I urge prospective readers who find the beginning to be a bit tough to get into to hang in there; it all makes more sense the more deeply you get into the story. The second half of the book grabbed me much more firmly, and it was hard to put it down after that point. The writing, though still campy, had more going on plot-wise, so I was less distracted and more enthralled. While I think the ending (which I won't spoil for you) came out of left field to an extent, it was satisfying, and left me with a good feeling about the entire adventure through zombie chicken land.

Overall, while it has a few flaws and could use a bit of tightening up in the first half, "Cluck" is definitely an amusing read. It's particularly commendable as a self-published work, and is among the best self-pub works I've ever read, nonfiction or fiction. And, as I said, Knapp is very good with descriptions, and I had a clear mental picture of what was happening the entire time, even if it didn't make sense at first. Pick this one up if you have a long plane flight, need something to read on the morning commute, or simply want something entertaining to read over a weekend. It has good re-read potential, too, so you'll definitely get your money's worth.

They're chickens. They're zombies. What - you need more? Okay, there's more - an all-powerful rooster, a car that reads Ian Fleming, a possessed house, a prophecy-fulfilling chicken exorcist, and witty footnotes (yes, footnotes).

This was truly one of the most original books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Full of intriguing characters and a wonderful story, 'Cluck: Murder Most Fowl' by Eric D. Knapp is an expertly written horror-comedy that will leave you begging for a sequel.

Eric D. Knapp's "Cluck: Murder Most Fowl" is one of the best books we've reviewed so far on Odyssey Reviews. This tongue-in-cheek (or beak) work of brilliance will surely make you laugh. The writing is on par with the likes of Terry Pratchett. The story is brilliant, the writing unbelievably good; and a nearly 100% spotless manuscript peppered with delightful egg-shaped illustrations by Ian Miller. The sheer professional sheen of the book itself, down to the artwork on the cover - is the standard all independent/self-published authors should strive for.

You will find yourself in a bizarre world of zombie chickens, Poultry Exorcists, hicks, an ancient secret organization of frauds, and a car with a bit of an attitude. There is a restless house, and something else, another force thrown into the mix just to keep it interesting.

Armand/Arnold, who is the first true "Exorciste de Volaille" in generations, discovers, after years of ridding the world of pesky undead fowl, that he's possibly met his match. A convergence of mystical forces brings together a massive rooster who's been to Hell and back, his flock of subordinate ghoulish chicken zombies; a mysterious, vengeful force; a fidgety house and a less-than-intelligent hick by the name of Bobby--and Arnold has just stepped into the filthy thick of it.

Rotten eggs, tomatoes and stumbling, rotting chickens... this bizarre world is waiting for you to discover it. I think it should be an obligation for all independent authors to add this book to their library as an example of a professional, self-published product.

This book has effortlessly earned its five medallions (stars)

I figured I could use the "best zombie chicken book ever written" quote, which would be entirely accurate, but instead I will lead this review with a warning. I DARE you...no, I double dog dare you...to look at a batch of chicken nuggets or a KFC drumstick the same again after reading this story. If this book does not put you off on eating chicken...ah, forget it. I am still a chicken eater and will probably always will be, even after reading this. In fact, I have a hankering for a spicey chicken sandwich right about now.

I did ponder during this story whether the author has a fondness or hatred for poultry based on the tone and tenor of this original recipe (yes, I went there) of a novel. It is hard to tell, because he makes it abundantly clear that there are three things you need to know about chickens from the outset: They are dirty, they are loud, and they are stupid. But that does not necessarily make them evil or in any way bad. Tasty maybe, but not destined to be diabolical.

In this epic tale of supernatural bantams, supernatural houses, and supernatural beings that dwell inside Chicken Exorcists (the ghosts of chicken exorcists past?), we are given the chance to see the world from both the chicken eye view (very low to the ground, where flying tomatoes and rotten eggs are downright irresistable) and the humans who challenge them.

While this story was perhaps a bit long in the beak from the standpoint of overall length, the author gives us a tremendously detailed farce that reminds me somewhat of something that Terry Pratchett might produce, footnotes and all. The sly, somewhat serious but not taking itself serious tone is pitch perfect for a story of this magnitude. For a independently produced work the editing and flow of this story is outstanding, with both likeable and dispicable characters including annoying, arrogant Frenchmen, which is something every story should have.

Overall, a terrifically amusing and entertaining tale of a man, his chickens, a rooster on steroids, the house they live in, and the exorcist who would somehow dare to save them all.

This was the first Christa Faust book I have ever read. I was not disappointed with the story, and I found the plot unpredicatable, not getting to the identity of the killer in my mind until it was presented to me on the page. This was a plus. The story moves well, with realistic, believable dialogue and interesting characters and scenes of SM (not S&M) that I won't soon forget. There is an obvious connection in the naming of two of the main characters to Faust's real-life friend and fellow writer Caitlin R. Kiernan. You'll find out soon enough. The only flaws I found were in editing, with several typos, most of which amounted to nothing more than misspelled or added words. But these were only momentary distractions. Here, the story's the thing, and it's a good one. I've given it five stars, because I found it to be one of those books that I read late into the night and picked up first thing in the morning. What could be better?

Control Freak is a very interesting book. It was recommended to me by Amazon after I bought The Scolds Bridle - and I couldn't be happier for the advice. Here, a young girl is murdered, with two protagonists attempt to find the answer. One uses typical police procedure, while the other uses her sexual skills for answers. As she investigates further she finds herself being drawn deep into the fetish lifestyle. Unfortunately for her, one of her bondage contemporaries is a murderer with a sadistic streak... Normally, I am not a huge fan or "erotic literature", however make no mistake - this is a book about murder -not sex... As the plot unfolds the reader is treated to a great deal of suspense and mystery - more than enough to make anyone lose control over their fears...

Relic113

This book personifies the lost highway of youth and the sexy side of S & M and the errays of private jokers.

With a non-stop story and a heroine to die for, Christa Faust's debut novel shows the world that her talents aren't limited to S&M dungeons. Faust's words are as lush and ornate as the characters they describe; a bold and dangerous style for a bold and dangerous thriller. _Control Freak_ will have you tied up for days.

I must admit that even though I had heard about this novel before it was reprinted, I was not very eager to delve into it. I've never been too terribly interested in the murder mystery, "whodunit" genre, and from the synopses I had read, it seemed to be yet another rehashing of a cop style drama. However, I'm very glad I finally did give this novel a chance, for that is a truly misguided preconception.

Caitlin is a writer looking for the next big real-crime novel. Of course, it helps that her current love affair is with a detective named Mike. When Mike gets a call about a the murder of a young girl which involves sexual mutilation, Caitlin is eager to get the gory details for her next book. Through the help of her internet-savvy friend Wilson, Caitlin learns that the murdered girl, Eva, was a hacker known under the alias Apocrypha who had a penchant for sadomasochism. In the name of research, Caitlin decides to immerse herself in the underground world of SM.

Upon meagerly stepping into the Crypt, a mild SM fetish club, Caitlin becomes enthralled with the whole new world of sights and sounds around her. Being a dominant person at heart, she very quickly finds herself at home in a domineering role within the subculture. However, this eager submission into this whole new world may cloud Caitlin's better judgment and suck her in too deep.

Christa Faust has crafted a truly amazing, genre-transcending novel. Yes, Control Freak is part gritty crime novel, and part thriller, with a splash of romance thrown in for good measure, but it doesn't fit completely into any of those niches. Control Freak is an intimate dive into the SM scene, one which those already familiar with the scene can relate, and those new to SM can use to get a taste of this underground subculture. Faust displays a truly intimate knowledge of not just the scene itself, but the deep-rooted emotions involved with empowerment and submissiveness. Therefore, contained herein is also a tale about finding oneself, and accepting one's true place in the world.

I anxiously await any further novels by this talented writer, and highly recommend Control Freak to fans of good genre-bending literature.

Sitting in a café in the city of his birth, George is remembering the days before his family moved to the United States. He is just a bit depressed because none of his friends from school seem to remember him. When he speaks, they walk on by. In the café, a very pretty young woman named Clara approaches him. He is shocked to find that she is a prostitute and even more disturbed to find that he remembers her. That's when she explains to him that they are both dead and they cannot cross the meadow until they take care of unsolved problems they left in their lifetimes. She needs to know why she is dead at such a young age. George, on the other hand, has been bothered most of his life by a recurring nightmare where he sees a dead girl buried under the bathtub of his old house. Together the two set out to solve the mystery.

CROSSING THE MEADOW could be a depressing novel of death and despair; instead, Kfir Luzzatto has made it a testimony of hope and a promise of better things to come. There is something oddly peaceful about dead people who can see the living, stand next to them and even get them to do certain things. The living, for the most part, are unaware of the proximity of the dead. The exceptions are small children who have not lost their ability to see and believe in another world and of course, animals. This novel is great easy reading for a relaxed summer evening.


Reviewed by alice Holman
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

I've often wondered about the journey that we take when we pass away. Does everything fade away or do the memories that we've harbored begin to come to light; causing you to seek answers to forgotten questions? I've often heard of restless spirits roaming our dimension unable to crossover due to problems or unfinished business. I've heard of spirits who refuse to move on, but not of spirits who choose to enroll in a job placement program to continue working in the realm between death and paradise! This fact is the one that comforts me the most and it is a refreshing theory.

The previous paragraph describes one of many sub-plots that the author uses in combination with other characters and situations to develop this story. There are many characters and plots that weave the complex fabric that will become this well written story. The central story revolves around the plight of George, our main character.

George returns to his hometown after a long absence. He wants to make peace with the childhood home that he was forced to leave abruptly. He also has a desire to discover the origin of a nightmare that has haunted him for several years. He meets Clara at a café and she becomes his guide. She leads him through the streets of his hometown and also towards the startling realization that George had not yet acknowledged. Unbeknownst to George - he is dead.

Clara and George search for the origin of the haunting nightmare and then realize that their destinies were intertwined. They have to solve a murder case that has remained unresolved for three decades. They utilize details from two very unique perspectives. George is a witness to a horrific murder while Clara is the victim. They investigate this mystery through contacts within the spiritual world and psychic contact with those of the living world. Once that mystery is solved they will have the option to cross the meadow, passing on to the other side with millions of other spirits who realize that their time is up.

The plot is complex and well thought out. This book is entertaining and worthy of every second of your time. Kfir Luzzatto has written a winner and I look forward to reading his next book as well!


Reviewed by Tyrone Banks of Betsie's Literary Page.

I spent my saturday afternoon "crossing the meadow." I read the book from cover to cover in one sitting with only a few short breaks -- what an incredible experience. I highly recommend that you buy the book and read it all at once -- this intensifies the fear factor. The book is an easy read -- the time will fly by and before you know it you will break out in a cold sweat.

Who hasn't wanted to return to their hometown for old time's sake? It's never quite the same as one remembers, of course, but in Crossing the Meadow, those who return for a last look are in for some shocking discoveries.
As George wanders through familiar streets and revisits the places of his past, things look and feel a bit strange to him. For one thing, he doesn't really recall traveling back to this town. And when he tries to call home to speak with his wife and daughter, he can't communicate with them.
Many of the people he sees -- people he knew years ago -- don't recognize him. In fact, they don't seem to know he is there. And the terrible dream that has haunted him for years suddenly seems more vivid than ever in this setting.
It is Clara, a young woman he meets in a diner, who helps him to understand that they are living in limbo after death with a cast of other resident souls who walk the streets, communicate, gather to support each other in the midst of "real" people, and wonder how soon, if ever, they can "cross the meadow" to their eternal reward.
George and Clara discover they are linked by a past tragedy, and they must figure out how to solve a 30-year-old murder case before they, too, can go on. Their only recourse is to try and communicate with and enlist the help of those still living. What follows is an enchanting tale, in turn sad, humorous, suspenseful and a bit eerie at times, yet always engaging.
Kfir Luzzatto wastes no time at all in trapping the reader in this world that exists after death, and writes so convincingly of it that you begin to wonder if it could really be there. It's a haunting story that will linger in your mind long after you've turned the last page.

I have read many books on 'crossing over,' but I have to admit this one definitely had a new twist to it and one I found fascinating.

We start the story with a man named George who finds himself back in his hometown, where he had been a child, sitting at a Cafe. Soon he becomes involved in conversation with a woman named Clara.
It seems George has been plagued with a nightmare for years and he believes that he has come back to try and solve the mystery of that nightmare. He does not know at first that he is dead, as is his companion Clara. Together they will solve the mystery of his nightmares and in doing find out that Clara is an important figure in them.

Crossing The Meadow is a story of the dead, working their way to eternity, as they put to rest unfinished fears, turmoil's and bitterness that they harbored in life.
You see them walk side by side with humans, who are usually unaware of their presence. Creepy!

I loved the way the author worked all of his characters into the storyline, and I thought they were some of the most colorful ones I have had the pleasure of meeting in a long time. Dead or alive! George's teacher and uncle were my favorites. Great job!
This work was quite eerie, yet had some deep meaning. Perhaps we need to make sure that we don't leave things unfinished for too long on this side. We don't want to have to wait to 'cross the meadow.'

Very good read! Mystery with just the right touch of the supernatural. I'll remember this story for a long time to come. Highly recommended.
Shirley Johnson/Senior Reviewer