Horror Books

This book is pretty much a retread of The Season of Passage with some dashes of Monster mixed in and toned down for the younger folks. I'm not complaining - those two were some of the best books I've ever read, though definitely not meant for the same age group The Cold People was meant for! ^.^
Anyway, if you like stories where monsters can disguise themselves as your friends and family, you will like this one.

Springville a.k.a. Spooksville is experiencing a bizarre summer cold snap. Adam Freeman, Sally Wilcox, Cindy Makey and Watch set out for a hike up in the hills and out into the forest where they discover huge blocks of ice shaped like coffins that number into the dozens. The gang investigates and discovers the blocks are frozen at a temperature lower than that of the air. They wonder if these anomalies could have something to do with it and decide to build a fire and thaw one out to find out what's inside that is generating the frigid temperature. They discover a pale man inside the block with strange powers, who kidnaps Watch and nearly freezes Cindy. From this experience, she gets the impression that the alien hates them for being warm.

The gang seeks answers from Bum, the former town mayor, in order to save their friend. He tells them people from the Pleiades star cluster originally settled the Earth. Two great civilizations sprung up Atlantis and Lemuria. Springville was an eastern city of Lemuria or Mu. Neither got along with the other. At the behest of technologically advanced star people, who happen upon them later, the two went to war against one another. Lemuria cut a deal with the visitors that would make them immortal and allow them to win the war but their deal came at a terrible price.

An interesting theory of why the two civilizations disappeared that makes for an exciting read!

The Cold People was my personal favorite in the entire series. I couldn't put the book down. It was very exciting and adventurous. i totally recemend this book.

The Cold People was my personal favorite in the entire series. I couldn't put the book down. It was very exciting and adventurous. i totally recemend this book.

Adam and his friends are exploring the forest near Spooksville, when they come into huge block of ice hidden in the trees. They decide to melt one of the ice in the woods. When they do, a strange man appears and tries to grab them. This man has very cold hands and his eyes are not warm either. Soon there are dozens of COLD PEOPLE running in Spooksville. The Cold People are also freezing people. It seems there is nothing Adam and his friends can do. poor Adam and his friends, Why did they melt the ice. Will they freeze to?

If there is any justice in this world- and I think that there is- Gifford is going to become a household name over the next year or two. Yes- he is that good...As the other reviews here testify. With a bit of polishing he will become as good as horror writing gets in my opinion.

Sarah

This is a remarkable collection of short horror tales. Gifford raises the art of short fiction to a much higher level. Each tale is solid, although only averaging a few pages, and manage to pack a punch.

Thius book is strongly reccomended for fans of Stephen King or E.A. Poe, and this is a writer who is certainly going places.

This first offering from this rising star, has the thrill built into every story, and has made me a new collector of anything P.S.Gifford wants to write.
When it comes to understand what scares a reader, and where the reader wants to be after that scare, Mr. Gifford has no equal.

This book now has a place of honor in my liberary and I have made room for the next.

If you like a great campfire tale, you need this book.

Roger Haller
CEO of Cowboy logic Press.Diamonds in Time

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

A Darkly Entertaining Read, February 19, 2008

By Kevin J. Hurtack (Denver, CO United States) -


PS Gifford's collection of short stories quickly grabbed hold of my attention and didn't let go until I had finished the book. He does this with a strong and engaging narrative style that flows in a natural manner. He writes the way his characters would speak. He also has a flare for good descriptive passages and creating tension/suspense in his tales. Although he doesn't use it excessively Gifford has a definte knack for the macabre/gore and uses it effectively in his stories.

The use of 'The Imaginary Friend' to introduce and follow each story is a clever way to loosely connect all the stories. In some ways it reminded me of Tales From The Crypt and Twilight Zone. But Gifford's style and tales are uniquely his own.

If you like clever, well-written Horror then check out this book. Definetly an author worth the time and money.




:
Master of the U turn, February 10, 2008
By Roger - See all my reviews

This first offering from this rising star, has the thrill built into every story, and has made me a new collector of anything P.S.Gifford wants to write.
When it comes to understand what scares a reader, and where the reader wants to be after that scare, Mr. Gifford has no equal.

This book now has a place of honor in my liberary and I have made room for the next.

If you like a great campfire tale, you need this book.

Roger Haller
CEO of Cowboy logic Press.Diamonds in Time Help other customers find the most helpful reviews




2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Classic Old School Horror Stories, December 31, 2007
By Mr. S. Wilkins "click click drone" (UK) - See all my reviews


I first discovered P.S Gifford's work a few years ago and was amazed at the time as to his wonderfully fertile imagination and perpensity for adding the most glorious twists to his tales.
In the years that followed, his tales continued to deliver that lovely old school style of horror. Not your "gore and guts, swearing every second word" type horror that is so fashionable these days, but charmingly atmospheric tales, filled with weird and wonderful characters in situations that often imply the horror rather than shove it down our throat. Often with twists that will leave you speechless.
Now, for the first time, Mr Gifford has collected many of his best tales into this top notch compendium that reads like an episode of shows like The Twilight Zone or Tales From The Crypt, the cleverly interwoven narrative of the Imaginary Friend, binding the whole thing together.
For fans of old school horror, i can't recommend this book enough.
Well done Mr Gifford. I can't wait for Part 2! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews





10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
The Curious Accounts of the Imaginary Friend, November 7, 2007
By D. Dixon "BOOK-HOUND" (Bakersfield, CA USA) - See all my reviews


As a collector of first editon crime and horror books, this one rates among the top of the list. This new writer is at the infant stage of a budding career that has no end. He is full of imagination, therefore the title fits the contents perfectly. It is rare for me to review a book, but in this case it is a must. My congratulations for a job well done and my best wishes to you and your career. Your book sits amongst several thousand books in my library. A terrific read. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews




10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
Warped and Witty, October 30, 2007
By Kimberly Raiser "Stranded, now available at a... (St. Augustine, FL) - See all my reviews


P.S. Gifford brings a breath of fresh air to horror with suspense, adventure, gore, and knee slapping laughter. Brilliantly written! Be on the lookout for this author in the future, and know you were here for the beginning.

All my best to Paul,,,,,,,,,,,,,Kimberly Raiser




By Deanna Crews "Smartysmurf" (Nashville, TN USA) - See all my reviews


Remember how much those old episodes of Twilight Zone and Tales From the Darkside scared you? Back when horror wasn't all gore, shock and brutally bloody? Times when you could read a story that would make you look over your shoulder to make sure the eyes you felt staring at you weren't really there? The Curious Accounts of the Imaginary Friend will put you back in that era of quality chills and terror without blood soaked walls, profanity and gratuitous gore.

P.S. Gifford has mastered the short story, every story inside is evidence to the fact. While reading you will feel a calm come over you as you realize you've figured out the end of the story; however, the now infamous "Gifford Twist" will come out of nowhere and leave your head spinning in wonderment. The strangest, most curious things can be found in the simplest, most mundane of situations - beware, man is capable of concealing much darkness in their souls.

Above all the next time you hear something go bump in the night, you will be less afraid and more curious to discover the darkness within. One day you too might get to relay a story to the Imaginary Friend.

PS Gifford's collection of short stories quickly grabbed hold of my attention and didn't let go until I had finished the book. He does this with a strong and engaging narrative style that flows in a natural manner. He writes the way his characters would speak. He also has a flare for good descriptive passages and creating tension/suspense in his tales. Although he doesn't use it excessively Gifford has a definte knack for the macabre/gore and uses it effectively in his stories.

The use of 'The Imaginary Friend' to introduce and follow each story is a clever way to loosely connect all the stories. In some ways it reminded me of Tales From The Crypt and Twilight Zone. But Gifford's style and tales are uniquely his own.

If you like clever, well-written Horror then check out this book. Definetly an author worth the time and money.

This is an exemplary novel about the path of one woman, Sally, as she goes through a humbling loss of innocence. The reader travels with Sally to Africa and experiences the culture shock, a corrupt government and a disasterous relationship. In some ways she broadens herself and in other ways comes full circle back to her original problems. The imagery is vivid, e.g. "'Sure,'" he pulled up a velvet captain's chair for her. She noticed that his shoulders were relaxed" so that we are led to take the words as truth and through seeing, believe.If you take Sally's simplistic outlook, throw in Africa, the result is a thin grey line that cannot be explained or defined but rather felt and uncovered. Dr. Sally's Voodoo Man will change you and it's worth far more than fifteen dollars because of the lessons it provides to ordinary people, lessons that cannot be taught but ony discovered through a novel such as this.

When I first read Dr. Mary's Bruce's book, I was in Alaska on a vacation. Even though I was really enjoying my vacation, the time was enhanced by the fact that I was reading Dr. Bruce's book. Her stark realism and amazing character detail make for a brilliant read. I didn't know much about Africa, but after reading this book I feel like I have been there. I like the way she describes the geography. She makes the reader feel like they are with the narrator and characters. I high recommend this book

Jane Elizabeth Hames

This is one of those rare books that I wished would never end. I was not ready to part with the characters. This story will be forever in my heart and mind.

The author has an outstanding talent for telling a story. Her insight into people and ability to put it into words is a true gift to the reader.

I am anxiously awaiting the next novel by Mary Hartford Bruce. It can't come soon enough!

Wonderful first novel set in Africa by a woman who has been there. Contains mystery, romance, adventure and excitment. Captures the essence of a culture foreign to many of us. Development of the main character quickly catches your interest and holds it to the fast paced ending.

To enter a world where our obsession with "have to" and "getting things done" is undercut at every turn is a humbling joy. This book is fun to read and offers a window on how cultural assumptions may shatter, and reassemble, as a gift.

Bram Stoker's Dracula is a classic among classics. Put into print in 1897, it has never been out of print. Why? Because, it is simply that good. Dracula was written for a Victorian audience with subtle nuances of sex, violence and immorality and not surprisingly what shocked audiences then still appeals to audiences now. All one has to do is look at the proliferation of vampire novels on the shelves to know that. Bram Stoker created a creature so hideous,unnatural and undead, yet so alluring that young beautiful women were unable to resist his call. His very bite is sensual yet deadly. Well done is Stoker's use of journals and diary's from his main characters to build tension and suspense as the novel moves along. The story begins with Jonathan Harker's visit to Castle Dracula and his unfortunate experience with the Count. Through his journal we learn of the Count's plans for the future. His fiance Mina who embodies in this novel, all that is good, waits patiently for him to return home. A mysterious boat lands ashore in England and the Count's plans are set into motion. His unholy meeting with Lucy Westerna, at once sensuous as it is hideous propels the story from grimness to horror as the characters slowly realize what is happening to her. Unbelievably but with the help of Dr. Abraham Van Helsing, they realize that poor Lucy is being victimized by a vampire and is herself at risk of becoming one of the undead. It is Van Helsing who guides the group who is bound together by their knowledge of who Dracula really is and ultimately propels the main characters into the exciting climax between good and evil. Readers may find the stilted language and role of women somewhat off putting until they remember what era it was intended for. As stated before, there is a reason, Dracula is still in print, it still has the capacity to make your heart beat just a little more rapidly and sleep come a little more slowly as you make sure you shut your window tightly against any breeze or whatever will blow in.

While this novel, is, of course, about the Count, it is the ghost busters in the novel that tell the story, even if that is not what they are to start with. Except in the case of the important character in the history and tradition of ghost busting and monster hunting, in Van Helsing.

Dracula is an important enough novel to include from that point of view, here, as he educates and motivates the group of poms and a yank to get down and stakey.

After getting into some The Undead and Philosophy: Chicken Soup for the Soulless (Popular Culture and Philosophy), I decided that I had been greatly remiss in not reading Bram Stoker's classic "Dracula".

Surprisingly, this was only one of many novels written by Stoker, though by far the most popular. It has not once been out of print since it was published. Not a bad achievement, really.

The book is written through documents, and covers a large range of changing viewpoints. Those documents include journals of the main characters, (such as Jonathan Harker), letters, telegrams, newspaper reports, and so on. I thought it strange, but this style of writing works exceptionally well and is a mark of Stoker's ability. It gives a greater air of authenticity to the plot, which is creepy enough, in itself.

The basic plot is a creepy tale of Count Dracula who decides to move to England and start a new "life" there. Buying up properties, Jonathan Harker has to travel to the Count with the papers. What follows is a series of strange and mysterious events that leave people puzzled and wondering. Dracula is hatching his own vile plans for the land of England.

The narrative flows along very well, and keeps the right level of tension. In some places, things just get freaky, but it all adds up to a very eerie and tense tale. This is among the best books of the type I have read.

Set in later Victorian England, the heavy duty sexuality that exudes from the book was something of a surprise. Never crossing the line into crass obscenity, Stoker weaves a sexuality throughout the vampire encounters that is almost palpable and would have been shocking in his day. One can see where the inspiration for Lestat and more modern vampires comes from, (if one had missed the obvious, that is!).

There was one thing that made the book a little tough to get through in places: the dated and very 19th century English. Of course, to change it into a more modern dialect would be verging on sacrilege, but a potential reader would need to be aware of it. Some parts I found a little tough and I had to really think about the meaning. However, in some ways, this added to the charm of the book as the language is actually quite nice for the most part.

"Dracula" is truly a classic, and definitely comes with this reviewer's unreserved recommendation. It is simply a great read and it is a pivotal book for all the immitations that it spawned.

A wonderfully written, original, and wholly different novel. 100 plus years later it is still a great read. Scary as hell too!!

There have been many books that have made impressions on me, especially when I was a young reader - I think this is the 1st horror story I read, and I periodically read it just to be reminded how really cool Stoker's story is. As a matter of fact, I used to keep a journal, in homage to the characters in the book. The movies about Dracula had never done Stoker's book proud - with deference to Bela Lugosi - until Coppolla's Bram Stoker's Dracula - this book is mesmerizing, taut, frightening. And if you are like me, will bring it out every so often and enjoy the experience all over again.
Kostova's Dracula is worthy of Stoker - still keep looking around for a notebook with a dragon burned into the cover...
Read Dracula - it is the classic of classics.

Un libro increible, fue mi companhero de viaje a Siberia y me ayudo a sobrevivir la depresion. Desafortunadamente me lo robaron con todo mi equipaje en Moscu y no lo pude terminar de leer. Si lo tiene en su biblioteca por favor prestemelo con el serio compromiso de devolverlo.

I read this book when it first came out.I misplaced it and have been searching for a copy ever since. Hooray for Amazon!

From start to finish, Jennings takes the reader back to an old world....experience the past more vividly than any previous saga. Journeyer is a delicuous journey of the senses. For those with a trained mind's eye, there is no experience more delectable than a well developed scenery and Jennings takes his readers to new levels.

Garry Jenning's "The Journeyer" has become one of my favorites. It has everything! True romance, adventure, perill and heroes. Not to mention it is an extremely erotic novel. I was given this book by a friend.....two years later...I still have it!! Mr Jennings has the ability to transport you back in time to experience first hand the travels of the Polo's. By the time you are done with this book you feel as if you "know" the characters. You hate to put it down. I read all 1000+ pages in less than a week.....the first time. Each time I go back to it , it feels as if I'm seeing an old friend.

The Journeyer is an incredible book. It ranks up there with The Good Earth, Shogun, and Tai Pan. If you're into old China, epoch adventure, sex, romance, and suspense, and an if you like the notion of following several story threads each embodying a clever cast of characters this is the book for you. I lost count of how many times I've read the book and how many times I have recounted the doings of the Fondler.

If you are an HP Lovecraft aficionado, this book is indispensible. It should definitely be on your bookshelf next to your collection. I can't believe this hasn't been done before but if you haven't checked out this book you are really mising out! Bravo Daniel Harms!!!

I am rating this book so highly because of its exhaustive nature and usefulness as a resource. There were many terms that I had been confused about and was glad to find a reference for. The MOST useful aspect, though, was to discover which stories included settings or characters that I wanted to read more about (the Severn Valley comes to mind). The Cthulhiana has been excellent in that respect, as I now know which authors and stories to pursue further. My biggest problem with this book is the ridiculous mythologization of Lovecraft's deities (I think this is primarily due to Lin Carter). There's a an awful lot of "and so great Cthulhu mated with Asdfgh to produce the hideous offspring Qwer'ty-Zxc'vb, who did reside under Mt. Nyctalopolis until 1953..." The combination of endless run-on names ("I'd like to buy a vowel"...) and unnecessary family relations, like some sort of Jerry Springer show from the Xothian system, induces humor rather than horror in me. Perhaps Chaosium would print an expurgated version, without Carter's mythology crap (it seems there's an expurgated version of every OTHER text floating around) ...

For all of us who enjoy reading the 'Cthulhu Mythos' of Lovecraft/et al, Daniel Harms has done us a great service. His book, THE ENCYCLOPEDIA CTHULHIANA is a comprehensive guide to all the beings, entities, creatures and races which dwell in the tales of the Mythos and Dreamlands; the far worlds and dimensions from which they came, and all the forbidden books, texts and grimoires which spoke of such things through the ages. Concluding each entry are detailed bibliographic references to the stories in which the subject appears. Harms also includes an appendix of an incredible timeline/history of the Cthulhu Mythos spanning billions of years.

ENCYLCOPEDIA CTHULHIANA is a fascinating and fun book, indispensible for fans of the Lovecraft Circle and those who play the Chaosium game CALL OF CTHULHU as well.

_Even though I've been reading Lovecraft, and the later contributors to the Mythos, for over a quarter of a century, there were still fine points that I could never quite get straight. This is understandable seeing how you often have to piece the fabric of the whole out of off-hand remarks and vague hints and references. In a way that does contribute to the mystery of the corpus, but it can be dissatisfying, if not maddening at times. That is why this excellently written and designed reference is truly a treasure to the serious reader.

_Finally, I know the difference between the Elder Gods, the Great Old Ones, The Outer Gods, and the Elder Things. You finally get the associations in the pantheon spelled out. You know how Cthulhu, Tsathuggua, Hastur, and Ithaqua (the Great Old Ones) differ from Azathuth, Nyarlathotep, Shuh-Niggurath, and Yog-Sothoth (the Outer Gods.) And of course you learn never to associate Nodens, Kthanid, and Yag-Thaddag (the Elder Gods) with any of these.

_Come to think of it I probably shouldn't have spoken these names aloud while I was typing. What is that noise in the

First published in 1998, The Encyclopedia Cthulhiana, written by The Necronomicon Files co-author Daniel Harms, is now in its second and expanded edition. It's a meaty 425 page volume, part of Chaosium's collection of Cthulhu Mythos fiction, and presents itself unapologetically as an encyclopedia of the Cthulhu Mythos, including not only the canon stories and poetry, but also embracing games, essays, comic books, movies, television shows, and occult books. With a note on 'How to Use this Book in Call of Cthulhu', the author sets a tone that is in keeping with the self-effacing humour that one can only find in a labour of love.

The majority of the text is an A-Z encyclopedia of the major entities, protagonists, and books in the Cthulhu Mythos with a merciful pronunciation guide. Like any good encyclopedist, Mr. Harms cautions that this material, as carefully written as it is, doesn't substitute actually reading and knowing firsthand the source material, which is well-referenced at the end of each entry. Each entry is not only a description, but also endeavours to harmonize conflicting sources. For example, the entry for the 'Elder Sign' includes a discussion on its application and significance in the Mythos, the controversies around its origin and use, a brief discussion of H.P. Lovecraft's original branch symbol and Derleth's pentagram, and a reference to the 'Star Stones of Mnar' found elsewhere in the book.

The Encyclopedia Cthulhiana has a significant Appendix, which in my already fragile mind greatly expands upon usual notion of an Appendix as supplemental to the rest of the text. While supplemental, this material is no less essential in its comprehension of the vast scope of the Cthulhu Mythos. The Appendix is divided into five parts, which is devoted largely to Mythos' most significant artifact, the Necronomicon. Three-fifths of the Appendix relate to its history, location, and contents. In the Appendix, you will also find Shannon Appel's very useful 'Timeline of the Cthulhu Mythos', which presents the reader with a staggering list of the Mythos' most significant events starting with the arrival of Cthuga when the Earth was newly-formed, to the 'Fall of Man' after the events recounted in Clark Ashton Smith's 'Zothique'.

Without hyperbole I conclude that The Encyclopedia Cthulhiana belongs in the library of every 'Call of Cthulhu' gamer and Lovecraft fan. It is an especially readable pleasure when one randomly flips through its pages. It is simply one of those books that you will find yourself reaching for again and again and again. I could easily re-envision this book in a future edition as a coffee table volume with additional illustrations. I am also pleased to report very few typographical errors.

The author's 'Suggestions for Further Reading' is a nudge to the reader to do some of their own research. Though an encyclopedia could have easily encompassed a multi-volume series suitable only for Lovecraftian scholars, the author seems to realize that the limits of a useful encyclopedia are best expressed and guided by practicality, accuracy, and concision.

I wonder how many others will notice that Edgar Allen Poe's Dupin has a relative in this one. Didn't expect to like it as much as I did. Good mood with some intense moments. Wouldn't mind seeing more about the Dupin character.

This is definitely an intriguing piece. It is well worth the few minutes to read it. I will definitely buy more of his works.

This is my second story by this author, and I think he's great in the horror category.

Using his awesome imagination, Wilson takes the very infamous Jack the Ripper and brings him to life again ... to entertain us and horrify us.

Great job, Mr. Wilson. You scared me out of my hot pink capris! Keep up the good work and you'll be as famous as THE RIPPER was infamous! - Betty Dravis, author of the Amazon Short, V.O.

Wilson has been a solid writer for many years, and this one, which features detective Antoine Dupin on the trail of Jack the Ripper, is tight, engaging, and unpredictable. The tale's drips with Poe-esque atmosphere, yet there's no hint of pastiche or imitation. If you're looking to read David Wilson for the first time, this might be the one to get you irrevocably hooked. If you're a long-time fan of his work, you'll no doubt be thrilled again.

"Ennui", a wonderfully frightful tale about history's most infamous bad boy, Jack the Ripper. Mr. Wilson has dedicated this story to Walter Sickert and Patricia Cornwell--Cornwell, of course, being the best-selling author who has staked her reputation on what she feels is irrefutable proof that the artist Walter Richard Sickert was actually Jack the Ripper. Maybe so, maybe not. David Niall Wilson's fog-laden, gaslit meditation upon the murders rests upon a single word: "Ennui", and his beautifully wrought story concerns a psychiatric doctor, Dr. Antoine Dupin, who is consumed by the savage crimes. Dupin's interest in the Ripper killings leads him to The Artist, but the outcome of their encounter is anything but what you might expect. Absolutely superb horror fiction about art, madness, evil and...ennui. Bravo!

after reading this book. After all, they have tiny brains. My daughter (6) is very afraid of the dark and started talking about monsters when she was about 4. They would come and go, but were always very scary. Now she is an expert on them. She is still scared of the dark, but not because of the monsters. The illustrations and text are very funny. I enjoyed reading this book almost as much as she did.

My boys love this book. My boys are like most 4.5 year old boys filled with imagination. There are always monsters in our house usually about 5 years old and under 4 feet tall. The pictures and illustrations are hilariously funny. Even us parents have enjoyed this book. The boys love to make up monster names in the back of the book. This is a book that will be read for many years in this house. And yes if you are wondering everytime there is earwax coming out your ears your imagination must be running wild.

My son checked this book out from the library. They loved it so much we ended up buying it. It takes any childhood fears of monters away. The book is fun and silly for children and adults.

My six year old thinks this book is great. I bought this and "Everything I know About Pirates" and he loves both.Recommended for boys aged 5-9.

This is just a plain FUN book!!! I loved it from beginning to end. I've got to get the one he did about Pirates now! The kids I've showed it to, loved it! The illustrations are well done and very funny. The text is hilarious!

I really didn't know what to expect from this book, though the salesperson at my favourite bookstore on Coventry had it displayed in pride of place and recommended it.

"You'll never look at the case the same again" she said.

No kidding! Living here in Cleveland for the past 10 years, of course I've heard a lot about the case - and have been reading the nonfiction books, but THIS book makes an already creepy case all the more eerie. I don't want to go into details and ruin it for others, but be prepared for some neat surprises and twists (I especially like the 'real' identity of "The Head" - the real-life victim's death mask is still on display at the Cleveland Police Museum, for anyone in Cleveland who's interested). A good read, and Mr. Swiniarski shows his knowledge of the area well. Toss in the fact that you'll never look at the East Ohio Gas Fire of 1944 the same again, either, and you've got a ripping good read! Three friends who've also read it all love it, but be warned, we ALL found it disturbing, as well.

...as an aside, just last night I heard one of my 20-something neighbours call to her 7 and 9 year old kids "Be home by dark or the Torso Man will get you!" Maybe she should read this book...

I read Raven by this author and loved it so much that I went on a search for other books by him. I found this book and loved it just as much. It is based on a real case in the 1930s that was never solved. Dubbed the torso murders, Elliot Ness has his work cut out for him when dozens of decapitated and mutilated bodies are found along the railroad tracks and waterways of Cleveland, Ohio over the period of four years. What makes the case even stranger is they all have been drained of blood. The citizens of Cleveland, Ohio are panicked and Ness hits deadend after deadend. In Swiniarski's world, vampires are the culprits. Detective Stefan Ryzard can't believe what he's uncovering as he investigates the case. I won't give any more away but it is good reading.

I bought this as a library copy. I'm pretty sure that I read it before but it didn't stick in my memory. It makes for a decent read. I was able to lose myself in it and that counts for a lot. The back cover makes it come across as a crime novel. You are told of the 1930s when countless bodies keep turning up in Cleveland, Ohio. You are tossed the name of Eliot Ness and even a defiant police officer. One named, Stefan Ryzard. That is only the surface of the story. A read for horror fans. The more so for fans of stories of bloodless bodies. If you are such a fan then you know of what I speak.

Leann Arndt, Reviewer

My hat is off to S. A. Swiniarski, he really blew me away with this book. I read Mr. Swiniarski's other book, "Raven" and enjoyed it so much that when I saw this book, I just picked it up. Thinking that it was a sequel. It wasn't until I got home that I realized that I had been duped. What a nice dupe! This is a wonderful book. I'm not a vampire fan per sec. I do enjoy a good book and interesting plot. "The Flesh, The Blood and The Fire" is just that. Mr. Swiniarski does a great job in developing characters and plot once again with this book. I loved the way that he worked fact and fiction together. I didn't realize that so much went on in Cleveland, Ohio! The 30's and 40's were a rockin' time for Cleveland. After I finished this book, I rushed to the net to find out how much of it was fact. I love history tossed into my fiction Mr. Swiniarski gives you a good dose of it. It is tough to cover so much time, a little over ten years, tying so many events together into a cohesive story. The author gets many kudos from me for such an outstanding job. His main heroes Stefan Ryzard and Nuri Lapidos are great characters; I felt so much for them all during this story. The author also does a great job of invoking the era. Those of us, who didn't get a lot of exposure to the depression and WW II, will enjoy the way that Mr. Swiniarski brings this time alive. I highly recommend this book. This is a wonderful book, weather you are a Mystery, History or Horror fan. If you like tight plot and good character development, this book is for you!

This one will thrill mystery, history and horror buffs alike. Swiniarski creates characters, both human and undead, who are fascinating, realistic and dynamic. He also calls upon history to set a chilling background: the unsolved Cleveland Torso Murders, the media-frenzied career of Eliot Ness, and the mix of emotions surrounding the Depression and the world at war.

The novel takes a look at the unsolved series of murders in the 30's and asks "what if they weren't solved because the killer wasn't human?" Enter Stefan Ryzard; he's one of a few Cleveland cops who isn't corrupt. He does his job well all the while playing the dark, brooding cop with a sad history (dead wife and child). Along with his partner, Nuri Lapidos, he sets out to find out who is decapitating the locals. The body count rises, Eliot Ness is assigned as Safety Director to try to clean up the law enforcement and "fix" crime, and Stefan figures out that the killer isn't your average sick madman. What he uncovers is a secret vampire society regulated by a Covenant now broken by an old nemesis who is hell-bent on world domination. Our main vamp just happens to be as good with a sword as he is with his fangs. This is a roller-coaster read that is quite often downright chilling. The vampires are hungry. Dingy, nighttime Cleveland is creepy. And actual history morphs with an alternate reality to create quite a unique horror novel.

Don't read this if you want a fast, in-your-face slasher novel! This isn't it. There are a lot of characters to track, and Swiniarski does a remarkable job of giving us just enough information along the way until all the pieces fall into place. This is a great one for any fan of vampire fiction. But if you like good, solid horror that actually provides a surprising twist, get this now!

Words cannot begin to describe how funny this book is, I could not put it down! Rushed to purchase additional autographed copies for Christmas presents while still chuckling loudly over WAR. Wish that it was available on tape or cd for certain vision impaired friends & relatives. Very much looking forward to the sequel!

This chapbook is a marvelous mixture of writing and performance art, with pictures of the writers standing in for pictures of their characters, and working together to meld four fun stories and prologue and epilogue into a terrific short work.

The premise is that the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (who apparently weren't the sharpest tools in the box) died in an accident and the contract binds their widows to take over their husbands' jobs (does it really surprise anyone to learn that Hell has a first-rate legal staff?) And the one who does the best job has the opportunity to take Satan's job while she (again, does it surprise anyone that Satan is a woman?) retires to a little volcanic island.

So the new face of War is Bunny, whose plans, such as they are, tend to be defeated by their own flaws. Butterflye, the new Pestilence-Plague, is businesslike but squeemish, not a happy start for someone whose clothes are constantly emitting an army of bugs. Zoe, the new Death, is the only one who seems to have a real aptitude for her new calling but is almost as squeemish as Butterflye, and Sara Lee is to famine what George Bush is to comedy.

This is a very funny little book. The only problem I had was whether to give the book four or five stars. This little volume did its job -- to entertain the reader -- with verve and panache. On the other hand, writers like Zelazny and Crowley raise the bar for everyone, but I had no problem at all with giving it four stars, not can I disagree with those who gave it five.

4 Stories all woven into one. Even Hell has rules you can't break! The 4 horseman fall under some bad luck and their wifes must take over to keep things running. How would you handle an apocolyptic job with no experience? I couldn't put the book down! I am waiting for the sequal.

This is a fun book. Take four spicy redheads who inadvertently survive the deaths of their hapless husbands and inherit their jobs...as the new Horsemen of the Apocalypse. But Butterfly hates the bugs that come with being Plague-Pestilence, and Sara Lee is not cut out for Famine, Bunny would rather make love than War, and Zoe looks pasty in black...but it's whats expected of Death. What's a girl to do? Scheme for a way to take over the Boss' job. Who will be Satan's successor? Only time will tell.

These four ladies have written a series of intertwining plots that will leave you laughing and thinking that maybe Hell wouldn't be that bad a place...to visit. Spend some time there with them.

The Four Horsemen (Death, War, Plague, and Famine) have died. As next of kins, their wives must now take on the duties. Problem is that these four redheads (well, one is blonde and colors her hair red) have absolutely no clue how to do the jobs! Satan wants to retire, but cannot until she finds someone else to take over her position. (Yes, Satan is female. No man can be bitchy enough to do the job well. Trust me on this.) So Satan not only hands the four women their new duties, but also hands over a contest. Whichever of them does the best job in their new positions will have Satan's job and all its perks when she retires.

(First story is War's, written by Linda L. Donahue.) Bunny is the new "War". Since Bunny is at a disadvantage with the other ladies, Satan gives her a bit of help in the form of an unlimited expense account and a bit of advice: No matter how it starts, no matter how it ends, a war is a war. All you've gotta do is start something. So Bunny goes Earthside and crashes the UN Security Council Meeting in progress. Unfortunately, Hell's accountants are less than pleased with the results.

(Second story is Death's, written by Rhonda Eudaly.) Zoe is the new "Death". If nothing else, Zoe is the busiest of the four. She has to show up, on schedule, to collect the dead. When she fails to show up to a huge car wreck, everyone (miraculously) survives! To say that the Grim Reaper, Zoe's Chief Minion, is upset is putting it lightly. So Zoe becomes determined to get better and win Satan's job! She is sick to death (pardon the bad pun) of having to deal with dead people. Reaper can have the job once she gets Satan's office!

(Third story is Plague's, written by Dusty Rainbolt.) Butterflye Plague-Pestilence is the new "Plague". She had been an attorney back when she was actually alive. So you would think that Butterflye would have read the fine print on her document before marrying Ossy. Alas, she did not. To make matters worse for her, Butterflye has a fear of bugs! Every time a cockroach rubs against Butterflye's leg in a show of affection, she cringes! This gives her extra motivation in winning the contest. But it is hard to get things done when her minions keep quoting rules and regulations from the various Unions they belong to. She finally decides to create a modern day plague, a computer virus unlike any before. The results thrill Bill Gates!

(Now comes Famine's tale, written by Julia S. Mandala.) Sara Lee is the new "Famine". She never had a weight problem until she became Famine. Now she has constant hunger pains and, if she is Earthside, everything she touches turns to dust. Sara Lee's minion is a too perky and cute little girl named Debbie who is constantly handing Sara Lee sugary snacks. It seems that every time Sara Lee comes up with an idea to spread famine Earthside, it backfires. Worse, often the backfires seem to HELP the other three Horsewomen.

***** I found this to be an over-the-top comedy with the quirky flavor of a Mel Brooks film. I highly enjoyed it! There are many pros and cons for this novel though. As for the cons, the book is less than a hundred pages and it is all in fine print. The cover art shows all four women with champagne glasses (and I could tell which woman was which Horsewoman by what is within the glass) but I had to look closely because the black and white photo makes it hard to tell what the item within each glass is! Lastly, this book is not bound by glue. Instead, staples hold it together. Yet the price is still high. As for the pros, each story is so hilarious that I could not help laughing long and loud while enjoying it. The bad puns are so good (pardon my oxymoron pun) that they would make Mel Brooks proud! My husband read the short blurb on the front of this book and told me to be sure to give it to him when I finish reading it. One of my co-workers, who happens to be a huge fan of Mel's, wants it after my husband is finished. The people who asked for it after that were told (nicely, of course) to go get their own copy. Also, if you happen to be lucky enough to know the author/publicist Selina Rosen, then you will enjoy Satan's character. I kept picturing Selina as Satan while reading and was tickled when I later found out that Selina is exactly whom Satan's character was based upon! (Kudos to me!) All-in-all, I highly recommend this short novel to all fans of comedy who are over the age of seventeen. Killer story! (Groan. I did not just say that!) *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.