I’ve been a big fan of J.H. Moncrieff’s work for a couple of years. I’ve read seven of her titles, including all four books in the “Ghost Writers” series plus; “Return to Dyatlov Pass,” “Monsters In Our Wake,” and “The Bear Who Wouldn’t Leave.” J.H. was also the first author to agree to an interview … Continue reading Book Review – Those Who Came Before by J.H. Moncrieff
Book Review – The Fearing (Book Three, Air & Dust) by John F.D. Taff
Where to begin? The end is nigh for this post-apocalyptic masterpiece and I have a problem, but it’s a nice one to have. I’m running out of superlatives to use when reviewing John F.D. Taff’s serialized novel, “The Fearing.” I mean, how many different ways are there to say “these books are great, go buy … Continue reading Book Review – The Fearing (Book Three, Air & Dust) by John F.D. Taff
Book Review – Served Cold by Alan Baxter
The first time I read Australian writer Alan Baxter’s work was the excellent “Manifest Recall.” So when I was offered an ARC by editor Anthony Rivera at Grey Matter Press, I jumped at the chance. “Served Cold” is a collection of 16 chilling tales that blend elements of horror, fantasy, and the downright weird. And … Continue reading Book Review – Served Cold by Alan Baxter
Book Review – Gumshoe Blues: The Peter Ord Yarns by Paul D. Brazill
My first encounter with the work of Paul D. Brazill was courtesy of the Close to the Bone Publishing website with a short story entitled "The Last Shot"and I enjoyed what I read. I’m a huge fan of this style of dark pulp/noir writing, so it was a no-brainer for me to click on the … Continue reading Book Review – Gumshoe Blues: The Peter Ord Yarns by Paul D. Brazill
The Swipe Files – Understanding What Drives Serial Killers
Many serial killings seem to be completely devoid of meaning or motivation on the part of the criminal. In actuality, however, there is great diversity in the needs and desires of serial killers that lead them to extinguish the lives of others. Sometimes, the act or process of murder can be an end in itself … Continue reading The Swipe Files – Understanding What Drives Serial Killers
Book Review – Noble Man by William Miller
My first experience of William Miller’s writings was when I read and reviewed his excellent “Crafting Fiction Volume 1: Hard-Boiled Outlines.” During the course of the review, I stated “On a side note, I’ve just purchased “Noble Man,” Miller’s first Jake Noble thriller so I can see how the author puts theory into practice.” Well, … Continue reading Book Review – Noble Man by William Miller
The Dread Files – Selaphobia
What is Selaphobia? Do you have a fear of flashing lights? Flashing lights are annoying and disturbing for a lot of people. There are some who become extremely anxious when witnessing flashing lights. This dread-inducing feeling is called Selaphobia - the fear of flashing lights. Selaphobia is derived from the Greek word “selas”, meaning “light.” … Continue reading The Dread Files – Selaphobia
Book Review – The Fearing (Book Two, Water & Wind) by John F.D. Taff
Grey Matter Press’s spectacular serialization of John F.D. Taff’s “The Fearing” continues with “Book Two: Water & Wind.” Once again, let me say a big “thank you” to Anthony Rivera for the advanced reader copy. I devoured this installment of Taff’s apocalyptic epic over the course of a Sunday afternoon and was taken hostage from … Continue reading Book Review – The Fearing (Book Two, Water & Wind) by John F.D. Taff
The Third Degree – Tom Leins
Today, after a long absence, I’m pleased to bring you another edition of “The Third Degree” where I subject authors to a grueling interrogation to discover more about their published work and writing techniques. This time around, English author Tom Leins - author of “Boneyard Dogs” - has agreed to be my latest victim guest … Continue reading The Third Degree – Tom Leins
Book Review – Boneyard Dogs by Tom Leins
I first encountered Tom Leins’ work in November, 2018 when I bought a Kindle copy of “Slug Bait.” In my Haunted Pen review, I stated “Reading it made me feel so dirty, I needed a shower.” I want to revise that thought for “Boneyard Dogs.” This book should come with a bottle of shower gel … Continue reading Book Review – Boneyard Dogs by Tom Leins
The Haunted Pen 