Review: Mister Magic by Kiersten White

Mister Magic by Kiersten White Del Rey (August 8, 2023) 304 pages; $25.20 hardcover; $13.99 e-book Reviewed by Dave Simms Reminiscing about the children’s shows many grew up with is a blurry experience. From The Magic Garden to Barney and Friends, there’s often a bit of weirdness, even some scariness, when the program is looked … Continue Reading! “Review: Mister Magic by Kiersten White”

Review: Whalefall by Daniel Kraus

Whalefall by Daniel Kraus MTV Books (August 8, 2023) 336 pages; $27.99 hardcover; $14.99 e-book Reviewed by Dave Simms What is a whalefall? A spoiler would be cruel, so steer clear of any marine biology sites until the end. What Whalefall the book is cannot be contained in the definition of the word readers will … Continue Reading! “Review: Whalefall by Daniel Kraus”

Review: The Militia House by John Milas

The Militia House by John Milas Henry Holt and Company (July 2023) 272 pages; $18.99 hardcover; $13.99 e-book Reviewed by Dave Simms Military horror. It’s a subgenre that doesn’t get enough love, but should, especially when in the hands of a writer who has lived the nightmare of war itself. John Milas’s debut, The Militia … Continue Reading! “Review: The Militia House by John Milas”

Review: The Little Book of Satanism by La Carmina

The Little Book of Satanism by La Carmina Ulysses Press (October 2022) 144 pages; $14.95 paperback; $10.99 e-book Reviewed by Dave Simms Now for a controversial topic, one that is highly misunderstood. La Carmina, a journalist and television travel host, penned this short, but highly informative and entertaining pocket-sized book about the history and culture … Continue Reading! “Review: The Little Book of Satanism by La Carmina”

Review: The Ferryman by Justin Cronin

The Ferryman by Justin Cronin Ballantine Books (May 2023) 560 pages; $20.99 paperback; $13.99 e-book Reviewed by Dave Simms For those familiar with Justin Cronin’s previous works, particularly The Passage and City of Mirrors, it’s readily apparent that nothing is straightforward. The author loves to create labyrinthine plots with characters more layered than a Greek … Continue Reading! “Review: The Ferryman by Justin Cronin”

Review: Ameri-Scares: Legend of the Night Marchers by Patricia Lee Macomber

Ameri-Scares: Legend of the Night Marchers by Patricia Lee Macomber Crossroad Press (March 2023) 192 pages; $12.99 paperback; $3.99 e-book Reviewed by Dave Simms The Ameri-Scares series built by Elizabeth Massie has been one of biggest surprises in middle grade horror in the past decade. Stories based on legend, folklore, or creepy stories in every … Continue Reading! “Review: Ameri-Scares: Legend of the Night Marchers by Patricia Lee Macomber”

Review: American Cannibal edited by Rebecca Rowland

American Cannibal edited by Rebecca Rowland Maenad Press (March 2023) 352 pages; $19.99 hardback; $9.99 e-book Reviewed by Dave Simms This is what’s needed right now: a wonderfully brutal anthology about cannibalism in American history. At first, readers may feel a touch of reluctance due to the subject matter. My advice? DO NOT HESITATE. These … Continue Reading! “Review: American Cannibal edited by Rebecca Rowland”

Review: Lone Women by Victor LaValle

Lone Women by Victor LaValle One World (March 28, 2023) 304 pages; $27 hardback; $13.99 e-book Reviewed by Dave Simms Some books, special books, have a narrative style that grab the reader by the throat while whispering the words of angels in the ear. When that writing connects with a story so mesmerizing, the result … Continue Reading! “Review: Lone Women by Victor LaValle”

Review: Delevan House by Ruthann Jagge and Natasha Sinclair

Delevan House by Ruthann Jagge and Natasha Sinclair Independently Published (February 2023) 240 pages; $21.95 hardcover; $14.95 paperback; $3.99 e-book Reviewed by Dave Simms Folk horror tends to be an intriguing subgenre. It runs deep in our veins and roots in our DNA, no matter what the setting. Collaborative novels are always a mixed bag … Continue Reading! “Review: Delevan House by Ruthann Jagge and Natasha Sinclair”

Review: The Drift by C.J. Tudor

The Drift by C.J. Tudor Ballantine Books (January 31, 2023) 352 pages; $28 hardcover; $13.99 e-book Reviewed by Dave Simms It’s always a wonderful thing when readers discover a talented new writer whose every offering is rock solid, the quality high yet never failing to break out of comfort zone. C.J. Tudor has become something … Continue Reading! “Review: The Drift by C.J. Tudor”

Review: Marla by Jonathan Janz

Marla by Jonathan Janz Earthling Publications (October 2022) SOLD OUT Limited Edition; $TBD Lettered Edition Reviewed by Dave Simms Another year, another home run for Earthling, this time thanks to the magic of Jonathan Janz. This offering is no different than any of the other great stories Paul Miller has unleashed unto the world of … Continue Reading! “Review: Marla by Jonathan Janz”

Review: Episode Thirteen by Craig DiLouie

Episode 13 by Craig DiLouie Redbook (January 24 2023) 464 pages; $18.99 paperback; $9.99 e-book Reviewed by Dave Simms The new year might kick off with its first amazing novel. Episode Thirteen is different. For a fan of the paranormal, it checks all the right boxes. For horror fans, even more. For those who love … Continue Reading! “Review: Episode Thirteen by Craig DiLouie”

Review: Shagging the Boss by Rebecca Rowland

Shagging the Boss by Rebecca Rowland Filthy Loot (June 2022) 82 pages; $12 paperback Reviewed by Dave Simms Okay, before anyone starts quoting Austin Powers in a bad accent, the shagging Rebecca Rowland refers to might be a bit different. Well, quite different. The title does fit, though, yet I can’t divulge too much of … Continue Reading! “Review: Shagging the Boss by Rebecca Rowland”

Review: Moonless Nocturne by Hank Schwaeble

Moonless Nocturne by Hank Schwaeble 25 & Y Publishing (October 2022) 338 pages; $17.95 paperback; $7.49 e- book Reviewed by Dave Simms When a two-time Stoker winner pens a collection, there’s a strong chance the pages will be full of magic and exquisite darkness. Add to that an introduction by the grandmaster of horror, Dr. … Continue Reading! “Review: Moonless Nocturne by Hank Schwaeble”

Review: Reluctant Immortals by Gwendolyn Kiste

Reluctant Immortals by Gwendolyn Kiste Gallery/Saga Press (August 2022) 320 pages; $17.99 paperback; $13.99 e-book Reviewed by Dave Simms This was unexpected. Then again, for those who have ever been treated to one of Kiste’s works, the unexpected is part of the gift she gives to her readers. Gorgeous prose wrapped around the darkest reaches … Continue Reading! “Review: Reluctant Immortals by Gwendolyn Kiste”