Patrick Lacey

A fun read, though it does have some problems- There are a massive amount of typos. Almost every chapter has at least one. These typos include using the wrong character name, repeating part of a sentence, missing words, and using wrong words. This is from a small press so I didn't get too hung up on it and I also really enjoyed the story...so that helped.

When I read amusement park horror this is what I'm looking for and what other books failed to deliver on (looking at you Adventureland). It was the perfect length for the story and if it wasn't for all the typos I probably would've flew through it in a few days.… (meer)

The opening of the book is fantastic. It’s horrifying and gruesome, and it immediately gives you a sense of where the book is heading (introducing a main character and giving a first glimpse of the mysterious power behind the music). But instead of pausing to slowly build back up the tension the creepy moments continue on, with strange and unnatural occurrences happening every few pages. There’s lots to unsettle you and build anticipation for what’s to come, and I love how the book throws the reader right into all of it and doesn’t let up.

Without giving too much away, the book functions as sort of a spin on the “sell your soul to the devil” trope, but it’s told predominantly from the perspective of the victims to Angie’s insidious plan. I like how the story shifts back and forth between the POVs of Mike (the police officer tracking Angie’s moves), Josh (a down-on-his-luck music store owner), Esmeralda (a shop owner of the uncanny who regrets introducing Angie to secrets of another world…), and Shawna (Angie’s twin sister who suffers from bullying and low self-esteem).

The book is a lot of fun for numerous reasons, but it doesn’t break a lot of new ground (and in fact it reminds me a lot of a horror film called The Signal where a mysterious transmission that turns people into killers invades every cell phone, radio, and television). So you might have an idea of where the story is going as you read, but that’s okay. You’re still totally invested with the well-rounded characters, excellent writing, creepy moments, and humor interlaced throughout (this book is FUNNY!). There’s also a lot of the author telling us directly what characters are thinking and feeling. Normally I’m a big fan of “show, don’t tell,” but I actually think it works here and goes well with the humorous/suspenseful tone.

Again, the book may not be totally original but it’s still a blast. And to be fair it’s incredibly terrifying in parts and tackles a subject that isn’t entirely overdone (at least from what I’ve read/seen). There’s plenty of fresh blood for Angie to mine. I love seeing all the different ways the town (and world) starts to change from the effects of the hit song; how it bores into their brains, and what it makes them do in turn. Plus I’m always down for anything involving demonic rituals and weird cults! I think my biggest complaint is that the story waits until the last twenty pages to hit the climax, and then it ends with an epilogue that feels rushed. Overall this book gets a strong recommendation from me!

As the author states in the inscription, pop music is the devil!… (meer)

Frank Tanner has been a bit over protective of his teenage daughter ever since he lost his son, but it's not just his over cautious nature that his him suspecting something is not right with her weird looking new boyfriend Busty. Something evil is waking up at the old abandoned Lynwood High School. Something that wants revenge on Frank, and will use his daughter to get it.

Meanwhile there's a frightening change coming over the "good" kids in town. They're dressing differently, acting differently, and what used to be the honors society has turned into something dark and foul. Frank has enlisted the help of Justin, his daughter's former boyfriend to see if he can find any dirt on Busty, but he had better hurry because it's getting closer to Halloween and a party you'll never forget.

This was a real spine tingler!… (meer)

This is a collection of 18 dark tales that manage to horrify and delight at the same time. While poking sarcastic fun at everything from reality TV to those annoying telemarketer calls, the author never loses his grip on the good old fashioned creep out factor.
I enjoyed every story and I don't want to spoil any of them for you. My absolute favorites were the following...
"Pen Pals" in which letters written by a 3rd grader travel much further than any postman delivers.
"Drowning In Filth" A popular host of a hoarders type TV show gets more than she bargained for when she is called to Amanda Cunningham's house.
"Lost And Found" in which a boy with a speech impediment finds his voice.. sort of.
"Send Your End" Was creepy as hell! Perhaps a cautionary tale of internet addiction.
In "Lynnwood Vampires" a father is concerned about the influence his daughter's new boyfriend is having over her.
In "Norton" a newly separated single father regrets letting his daughter bring home a stuffed animal.
"Cold Call" is the story of a woman having a devil of a time with harassing phone calls.
"Bad Egg" is about Laura, a woman who is heartbroken over her inability to conceive a child.
"Last Words" After the death of his father a man discovers some long hidden secrets.
"Lost Things" Henry, a homeless man finds a new purpose in life.
"The Boss" will make you think twice about complaining next time the local fast food place screws up your order. If they offer to fix it just let them.
"Mrs. Alto's Garden" Kristen meets her new neighbor and learns some gardening tips that they don't teach you in home and garden magazines.

I received an advance copy for review.
… (meer)