In the genre of speculative fiction, the best authors posit an alternative universe and make it convincing by populating it with believable characters whose struggles mimic or mirror our own. This alternative universe can be familiar, whimsical, or outlandish, or simply a place where strange and far-fetched things happen. This doesn’t really matter. What does matter is that the author’s confident treatment of the material dispels any doubts and draws the reader in. The author knows the events he’s describing can’t happen (the reader knows this too or else he’s in big trouble), but must never as much as hint to the reader that this is the case. Once the story grabs us the willing suspension of disbelief kicks in and all is forgiven. Such is Corey Redekop’s first novel, Husk, the story of Sheldon Funk, struggling small time actor turned zombie. Sheldon suffers a messy and ignominious death in a bus washroom, revives on the autopsy table, and escapes into Toronto of the here and now. Sheldon the zombie is unique: unlike others of his kind he is capable of assessing his actions and controlling his appetites. He knows eating people is wrong, it’s just that sometimes he can’t help himself. As a zombie Sheldon senses an opportunity and resumes his acting career, landing gigs he would never have had a hope of getting prior to his death. His agent is suitably impressed and pushes him until Sheldon is a headliner. With fame and fortune, however, comes unwanted scrutiny, the consequences of which lead Sheldon down a path he never saw coming. Redekop’s novel is by turns hilarious and horrific. Certain scenes are, quite literally—when you read the book you’ll see what I mean—stomach turning. Gore and gruesomeness abound. This might all seem like good fun. But there is a serious message lurking at the core of this novel, one regarding life and death and overweening ambition. In the blood-spattered pages of Husk Corey Redekop displays the confidence of a seasoned novelist. His concept is bizarre, his vision grotesque, but never once does he stray from his chosen path. The result is memorable and unceasingly entertaining. ( )