Review: 'The Best Horror of the Year Volume Seven' edited by Ellen Datlow

The Best Horror of the Year Volume Seven edited by Ellen Datlow
Night Shade Books (August 18, 2015)
416 pages; $7.64 paperback/$7.26 ebook
Reviewed by Frank Michaels Errington

BestHorror7The Best Horror of the Year Volume 7, edited by the amazing Ellen Datlow, brings together twenty-two diverse authors in a collection that features a little bit of everything the horror genre has to offer. It truly does have something for everyone. Ellen has been at this for a long time. An editor of science fiction, fantasy, and horror short fiction for more than 30 years and has more than 50 anthologies to her credit.Continue Reading

New Bentley Little Novel Receives STARRED Review in Booklist!

New Bentley Little Novel Receiving Rave Reviews!
The Consultant by Bentley Little

STARRED Review in Booklist!

Hi Folks!

The ConsultantThe reviews are rolling in for The Consultant by Bentley Little, his brand new 400+ page novel that has never been published anywhere in the world, and the critics are loving Little’s take on workplace horror!

Here is the latest, a STARRED REVIEW from Daniel Kraus in Booklist:

Starred Review “Why aren’t more horror novels set in the workplace? Surely few things strike fear into the heart more than the squeak of the boss’ shoes rounding the credenza, a memo about an emergency sales meeting, or an accidental reply-all e-mail. Craig Horne didn’t think software firm CompWare’s downtick in business warranted the hiring of the consulting firm BFG Associates, but now it seems they’re stuck with them. Or him, to be precise: Regus Patoff, a bone-thin, flat-topped, bow tie–clad Mephistopheles whose initial thousands of e-mails and hundreds of meetings only hint at what’s to come. As he did in The Mailman and The Influence,Little wrings his premise for every drop of blood and sweat. PowerPoint presentations—with gory crime-scene photos. Mandatory blood drives—conducted with rusty knives. Staff weight-loss programs—with naked weigh-ins. Training sessions—on proper toilet-papering technique. Little understands the ominous undertones of companyspeak like initiatives, streamlining, and, most of all, termination. As suicides and “accidents” mount, it becomes clear that BFG intends to radically restructure (another eerie euphemism) CompWare, even if it means infiltrating employees’ personal lives, as Craig learns when Patoff begins consulting at both his wife’s job and son’s school. This is ink-black dark comedy at its chortling, devious best. Bosses who get the joke should be handing this out with the Christmas bonuses.”
Booklist, Daniel Kraus (starred review)

Read more or place your order today!

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and enthusiasm!

Review: 'King of the Bastards' by Brian Keene and Steven Shrewsbury

King of the Bastards by Brian Keene and Steven Shrewsbury
Apex Book Company (July 2015)
182 pages, e-book $6.99, paperback $15.95
Reviewed by Frank Michaels Errington

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000037_00021]Brian Keene, a name synonymous with horror, and Steven Shrewsbury, best known for his work in the sword-and-sorcery genre, have combined their considerable talents and given us King of the Bastards. Told as a story to a small group of children, it was to be about their grandfather, the king…

“Was grandfather king of the entire old world?”

“No, he ruled but a small part of it. But he was known, feared, and lusted after throughout the entire old world. Kings, women, brigands, and bards—all knew his name. It is KING OF THE BASTARDS.”Continue Reading

The Bazaar of Bad Dreams by Stephen King Includes Several Previously Unpublished Stories!

The Bazaar of Bad Dreams
by Stephen King

Includes Several Previously Unpublished Stories!!

Hi Folks!

If you missed the news earlier this summer, we’re pleased to report we WILL be receiving copies of The Bazaar of Bad Dreams by Stephen King, which is due out later this year, and it’s turning into another amazing collection from the King of Horror! There are several BRAND NEW stories in here and also several that have never before appeared in print:

The Bazaar of Bad DreamsTable of Contents:
Author’s note
Introduction
1. Mile 81
2. Premium Harmony
3. Batman and Robin Have an Altercation
4. The Dune
5. Bad Little Kid – New
6. A Death
7. The Bone Church
8. Morality
9. Afterlife
10. Ur – First Time In Print
11. Herman Wouk is Still Alive
12. Under the Weather
13. Blockade Billy
14. Mister Yummy – New
15. Tommy
16. The Little Green God of Agony
17. That Bus is Another World
18. Obits – New
19. Drunken Fireworks – First Time In Print
20. Summer Thunder

Add A Special Exclusive Slipcase To Your Order To Protect Your Book!

Even though The Bazaar of Bad Dreams by Stephen King is being published by another publisher, we will be producing one of our popular custom-made slipcase for this title like we have for the last few Stephen King books!

The easiest way to add a slipcase to your purchase is by selecting the “Trade Hardcover Edition with Exclusive Slipcase!” option above — you’ll also save on shipping by ordering this way! (You can order just the slipcase by itself on the The Bazaar of Bad Dreams custom slipcase product page.)

Don’t know what a slipcase is? That’s okay! You can see some sample images of other slipcases we’ve made below. We’re using the same high-quality materials we have used for our previous Stephen King cases, with one color hot foil stamping. The company who makes these for us is the best in the business and you won’t find a better way to protect your investment! (If you are new to collecting, you can read more about slipcases on our Book FAQ page.)

We’re selling these special slipcases for just $24.95, making them an extremely affordable way to protect your book.  These cases will be produced after the book is published because we need a real copy of the book to get the sizing just right. Your book and slipcase will ship together to save you on shipping. It takes approximately twelve weeks for the cases to made and we think our collectors will be very pleased with what we have in mind for this production, so don’t wait to place your order!

Sample Slipcase Photo:

Sample Slipcase Photo

Place your order today so you don’t miss out!

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and enthusiasm!

Horror Drive-In: Pros and Horror Cons

HorrorDrive-In-web

Pros and Horror Cons

When I mention that I am going to a horror convention, I am invariably asked the same question: Are you going to wear a costume?

Once upon a time, back in more literate days, fantasy conventions mostly consisted of professionals in the field–writers, editors, artists, publishers, etc.–getting together to talk shop. Fans also came to meet and hang out with with the authors whose works they loved.

It’s not so much like that anymore. Oh, most cons have readers, and you’ll see self-published writers along with pros trying to sell their wares. However, the focus has largely shifted away from the written word.Continue Reading

Review: 'The Hunt' by Tim Lebbon

The Hunt by Tim Lebbon
Avon (July 2015)
400 pages, paperback $6.68
Reviewed by David Simms

HuntThe transition from writing horror to thrillers sounds like it should be an easy move, yet very few authors have mastered the art of actually “thrilling” the reader from the first page to the last without letting up. Tim Lebbon pretty much pulled off the task in his first attempt in a definite departure from horror and fantasy. That might be due in part to Lebbon’s training in endurance sports, entering triathlons, Iron Man, and Outlaw competitions. The man knows how to sustain pace and suspense.Continue Reading

‘Salem’s Lot: The Deluxe Special Edition Is 660 Pages Long!

‘Salem’s Lot: The Deluxe Special Edition
A Collectible Limited ONE TIME PRINTING featuring an Introduction by Stephen King, an Afterword by Clive Barker, Color Paintings by David Palumbo, and Special Bonus Features including Deleted Scenes and Two Short Stories!
Weighing In At 660 Pages, This Is Our Second Biggest Stephen King Collectible Edition EVER!

 

Hi Folks!

'Salem's LotWe’re very pleased to report that ‘Salem’s Lot, the second book in the Stephen King Doubleday Years Set, weighs in at 660 oversized pages, officially making it our second largest Stephen King special edition ever! (The biggest was IT, which has gone on to be a great collectible for our collectors!)

‘Salem’s Lot: The Deluxe Special Edition by Stephen King will feature a Collectible Limited ONE TIME PRINTING with an introduction by Stephen King, an afterword by Clive Barker, color paintings by David Palumbo, and Special Bonus Features including Deleted Scenes and a map of the town by Glenn Chadbourne!

Special Features For This Deluxe Special Edition:
• an introduction by Stephen King
• an afterword by Clive Barker
• many deleted scenes that were cut from the original manuscript
• deluxe oversized design (7 inches X 10 inches) featuring two color interior printing as part of the page design
• printed on a heavy interior specialty paper stock that is much thicker than the paper in a normal trade edition
• custom-made slipcase for the Gift Edition, custom-made traycase for the Numbered Artist Edition, and custom-made three piece traycase for the Deluxe Lettered Artist Edition
• epic wrap-around full color dust jacket artwork by David Palumbo
• a different full color dust jacket for the Numbered Artist Edition painted by David Palumbo
• full color interior paintings by David Palumbo
• interior artwork will be printed on a heavy glossy stock and tipped into the book
• an original map of the town drawn by Glenn Chadbourne exclusively for this special edition
• signature sheet artwork for all three editions by Glenn Chadbourne
• high-quality endpapers and fine bindings
• an exclusive reproduction of the first reader’s letter to point out the Father “Cody” error and several internal memos from Doubleday about changing the pricing after the first edition of the book was already printed
• extremely collectible print run that is a tiny fraction of the TENS OF MILLIONS of copies of this novel you’ve seen in bookstores over the years!

Artwork

Artwork

Read more or place your order while supplies last!

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and enthusiasm!

Cemetery Dance Publications Launches Brand New eBook Series!

Cemetery Dance Publications Launches Brand New eBook Series:
The Cemetery Dance Select Series!

First Titles Include Michael Marshall Smith, Peter Atkins, Terry Dowling, John R. Little, Lisa Morton, Jeff Strand, Lee Thomas, Lisa Tuttle, Kealan Patrick Burke, Bev Vincent, and Kaaron Warren!
Available For IMMEDIATE DOWNLOAD!

Hi Folks!

We’re very pleased to announce a brand new eBook series that is exclusive from Cemetery Dance Publications, the Cemetery Dance Select series!

Cemetery Dance SelectThis new series invites some of our favorite authors to spotlight a sampling of their own short fiction: award-winners, stories they consider their best or that had the most impact on their career—or neglected favorites they feel deserve a second look.

Long-time fans will enjoy revisiting some classic tales. New readers will find this series a handy introduction to each author’s best work.

Each Cemetery Dance Select mini-collection includes an exclusive Afterword where the author explains the reasoning behind each selection, and provides insights into the writing of each story.

This series is launching with titles from these authors, which are available for immediate download from your favorite eBook stores:

Michael Marshall Smith
Amazon.com * Amazon.ca * Amazon.co.uk * Nook * iBooks * Kobo

Peter Atkins
Amazon.com * Amazon.ca * Amazon.co.uk * Nook * iBooks * Kobo

Terry Dowling
Amazon.com * Amazon.ca * Amazon.co.uk * Nook * iBooks * Kobo

John R. Little
Amazon.com * Amazon.ca * Amazon.co.uk * Nook * iBooks * Kobo

Lisa Morton
Amazon.com * Amazon.ca * Amazon.co.uk * Nook * iBooks * Kobo

Jeff Strand
Amazon.com * Amazon.ca * Amazon.co.uk * Nook * iBooks * Kobo

Lee Thomas
Amazon.com * Amazon.ca * Amazon.co.uk * Nook * iBooks * Kobo

Lisa Tuttle
Amazon.com * Amazon.ca * Amazon.co.uk * Nook * iBooks * Kobo

Kealan Patrick Burke
Amazon.com * Amazon.ca * Amazon.co.uk * Nook * iBooks * Kobo

Bev Vincent
Amazon.com * Amazon.ca * Amazon.co.uk * Nook * iBooks * Kobo

Kaaron Warren
Amazon.com * Amazon.ca * Amazon.co.uk * Nook * iBooks * Kobo

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and enthusiasm!

Review: 'Goblins' by David Bernstein

Goblins by David Bernstein
Samhain Publishing (August 4, 2015)
210 pages, e-book $4.24, paperback $14.99
Reviewed by Frank Michaels Errington

GoblinsDavid Bernstein makes his home in NYC and is likely hard at work on his next novel. David writes all kinds of horror, from hair-raising ghost stories to gore-filled slashers to adventure-filled apocalyptic tales of terror. Recent works include The Unhinged, Witch Island, and Apartment 7C.

His latest book, Goblins, is a genuine monster-fest featuring…are you ready for it? GOBLINS. I don’t think you can call that a spoiler since it’s the title and there’s a nice picture of one right there on the cover.Continue Reading

Dark Screams: Volume Four Available For IMMEDIATE DOWNLOAD Now!

Dark Screams: Volume Four
Featuring Clive Barker, Heather Graham, Lisa Morton, Ray Garton, and Ed Gorman!

Just $2.99 and Available For IMMEDIATE DOWNLOAD Now!

 

Hi Folks!

As you might remember, Richard Chizmar and Brian James Freeman of Cemetery Dance Publications have joined forces with the cutting edge team at Hydra, a division of Random House, to launch a series of horror eBook anthologies called Dark Screams that features the best horror authors working in the business today!

Dark Screams: Volume Four is now available for IMMEDIATE DOWNLOAD and we hope you’ll check it out! (Dark Screams: Volume One, Dark Screams: Volume Two, and Dark Screams: Volume Three are also still available!)

Dark Screams 4About Volume Four:
Clive Barker, Heather Graham, Lisa Morton, Ray Garton, and Ed Gorman lead readers down a twisted labyrinth of terror, horror, and suspense in Dark Screams: Volume Four, from Brian James Freeman and Richard Chizmar of the revered Cemetery Dance Publications.

THE DEPARTED by Clive Barker
On All Hallows’ Eve, a dead and disembodied mother yearns to touch her young son one last time. But will making contact destroy them both?

CREATURE FEATURE by Heather Graham
What could be better publicity for a horror convention than an honest-to-goodness curse? It’s only after lights out that the hype—and the Jack the Ripper mannequin—starts to feel a little too real.

THE NEW WAR by Lisa Morton
Mike Carson is a war hero and a decorated vet. He doesn’t deserve to be trapped in a hospital with some black thing sitting on his chest as patients die all around him. His only hope is to take out the nurse—before it’s his turn.

SAMMY COMES HOME by Ray Garton
It’s what every family prays for: a lost pet returning home. But when Sammy, the Hale family sheepdog, appears on their doorstep, he brings back something no parent would ever wish upon his or her child.

THE BRASHER GIRL by Ed Gorman
Cindy Marie Brasher is the prettiest girl in the Valley, and Spence just has to have her. Unfortunately, Cindy has a “friend”… a friend who tells her to do things… bad things.

Download from Amazon (US)Download from Amazon (Canada)Download from Amazon (UK) Download for the Nook Download from the iBookstore Download from Kobo

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and enthusiasm!

Review: 'Devil's Pocket' by John Dixon

Devil’s Pocket by John Dixon
Gallery Books (August 4, 2015)
352 pages, e-book $8.99, paperback $10.99
Reviewed by David Simms

DevilsPocketJohn Dixon gave the YA world a much needed punch to the throat last year with Phoenix Island, a novel that was filled with brutality, humanity, and intelligence. It launched the television series Intelligence, but even better, won the Bram Stoker Award for “Best YA Novel” this past May.

Sequels in book series usually tail off a bit, even in the most successful books, typically a rehashing of the first book. What does Dixon do? He takes a wide left turn into uncharted territory where it could have been disastrous for the many fans he accumulated.Continue Reading

Paper Cuts: Option This! Vol. 1

PaperCuts-web

Paper (n): material manufactured in thin sheets from the pulp of wood or other fibrous substances, used for writing, drawing, or printing on
 
Cut (v): make (a movie) into a coherent whole by removing parts or placing them in a different order.

Option This! Vol. 1

Welcome back, this is the second installment of Paper Cuts, a column about horror film from a horror reader’s (and writer’s) perspective. Huge thanks to everyone who shared the last post, read it, or sent me their thoughts, whether public or private. I was really overwhelmed by the response.Continue Reading

An Interview with Del Howison: Revisiting 'Nightbreed' with 'Midian Unmade'

An Interview with Del Howison:
Revisiting Clive Barker’s Nightbreed with Midian Unmade

MidianUnmadeCoverDel Howison is the co-founder and owner of Dark Delicacies, an independent horror bookstore in Burbank, California. Howison has co-edited several collections, including Midian Unmade, his recent collaboration with Joseph Nassise. Recently, he took a few moments to discuss this latest project with Cemetery Dance Online.
Continue Reading