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The debut collection of short horror stories from emerging talent, Jason Darrick. The stories guide the reader on a torturous journey of human pain and suffering, and are best consumed as a whole. Each story may stand alone, bringing the reader five visceral, emotional and cerebral tales. 

Drip begins and ends in the blink of an eye. Brian certainly won’t see it coming.

The Figure stalks Peter from afar, then makes its way dangerously closer. Can you trust your senses when the shadows come alive?

The Forest is home to a few survivors, for now. What happens when food is scarce and dangers abound?

Hanna is a cruel bitch who’ll kill to get her way, or die trying. Vincent has always been the dominant one, will he be able to handle the switch?

Mr. Vore is dedicated to helping men lose all the weight that they want, one bit of flesh at a time. How far will one man go to reinvent his body?

Remember back a while when I said I tend to dislike anthologies because  usually the  short stories in anthologies just leave me wanting? Then I changed my mind and said I was getting used to the short story format? Well thanks to author Jason Darrick and his book Fear in Words Volume One: The Stories I am, yet again, irritated because I want more.

Fear in Words Volume One: The Stories is compiled of merely 4 stories, but each story was extremely well told. The vivid description of gore and violence were tangible. The settings, which did not play large part of the stories, except in one tale, are detailed enough to allow the reader to be well aware of the surroundings and the story that did use the environment used it very well. I loved how I was made to feel both pity and loathing for some characters yet others my opinions never wavered. I’m not going to discuss the stories, because I do not want to give a single aspect away.

Suffice it to say I definitely recommend Fear in Words Volume One: The Stories. Head out and grab yourself a copy!

Learn more about author Jason Darrick by checking out his blog My Crumbling Abode and following him on Twitter: @JasonDarrick

Purchase links for Fear in Words Volume One: The Stories can be found for the Amazon Kindle by clicking the cover image above.

Espresso rating: Triple

Amazon Kindle

A police officer and a serial killer search separately for a missing child while running a malevolent labyrinth populated by creatures they never knew existed.

Former prosecutor William Chandler, disgusted with his past inaction, spills the blood of those who victimize children to correct the ills he sees in the world. A self-admitted serial killer and uncomfortable with his actions, Chandler attends the funerals of those whose lives he has taken in an effort to retain a true understanding of the nature of violence.

The carnage left in his wake is investigated by Detective Kate Broadband, who becomes progressively more comfortable with the corpses left by Chandler. Envying the power she sees in him, she pursues Chandler as each search for Maria Verde, a missing eight-year-old girl.

As Chandler and Broadband draw closer to discovering what happened to Maria they are forced to confront The Devourer, an unnatural being trafficking in stolen children.

Where the Dead Fear to Tread is a tale of hard-boiled macabre, bridging numerous genres to reveal a story of horror, crime and revenge.

Take one part supernatural villianery and one part vigilante justice seeker mixed in with a dash of horror and gore and you have the basic recipe for M.R. Gott’s Where the Dead Fear to Tread. I have no idea if the author took his idea for William Chandler from the recent popularity from the books/tv show Dexter, but I had the image of Dexter in my head as I was reading. Chandler is a character, who takes justice into his own hands and hunts down and kills those who do harm to children. However, he then feels bad about taking a life. Not because of whose life was taken, but because of the families and friends who have to deal with the death of a loved one they only knew as a caring father/husband/friend. I loved this character! Dare I say, I think, the world needs a few people like him? Our other main protagonist is Kate Broadband. You can tell she’s usually a by the books kind of gal, but she slowly becomes a little more open to Chandler’s style of justice. The evil William and Kate are up against is of a supernatural nature in a vampire type creature simply called The Devourer. The opening scene of Where the Dead Fear to Tread gives a horrific visual of just what The Devourer does and how he gets his name. 

Scenes and settings were well done with enough visual description that I could easily imagine the local. Gore was not abundant throughout, yet when it was needed it was given plenty of room to allow the mind to fully grasp the intensity and torturous nature of the scene. The only slight issue I could say that I may have with Where the Dead Fear to Tread deals with 2 characters, a little boy and his social worker, who sort of feel thrown into the story and while it seems that the little boy is to play a very important part in the story things are kind of left hanging. Maybe there is a sequel coming that I am not aware of at the moment.

Overall, a well done thriller/mystery with enough of a horror element to keep you cringing and maybe looking around for a set of eyes watching your every move.

Pick up your electronic copy of Where the Dead Fear to Tread at Amazon for Kindle by clicking the cover image above. Nook owners hit Barnes & Noble by clicking (HERE)

Learn more about the author M.R.Gott at his website M.R.Gott’s Cutis Anserina and keep up to date on what is coming next from this author.

Espresso rating: Triple with a splash of milk

Amazon Kindle/paperback

Matt Hults’Anything Can Be Dangerous is an interesting book. The first, essentially, half is made up of 4 unique stories. The rest of the book consists of 7 previews to not only Hults’ Husk, but for 3 other author’s works.

Anything Can Be Dangerous is the title of the 1st story we come upon. Greg’s life seems to finally be taking a turn to the positive when, suddenly, the things his mother always used to worry about started becoming reality. Yes, anything can be dangerous and you won’t believe what is the source of the problem. In Feeding Frenzy, 2 friends looking into the possiblity of opening a fast food joint find themselves serving the most gruesome of customers and it doesn’t seem like the place closes…for anything. The 3rd story, Through the Valley of Death, introduces us to a family who has an accident and must work their way through the woods to get to the nearby town before they freeze. Problem is the the natives of this land don’t take kindly to people passing through. Finally we have The Finger, in which a two of the dregs of society attempt a get rich quick scheme that horrible backfires on them and many around them.

Overall Anything Can Be Dangerous is made up of a good group of stories. I really enjoyed Feeding Frenzy, it was very humorous with a nice touch of the squeemies.  Through the Valley of Death was another favored tale, containing a nice bit of eeriness that kept me only toes as I read.

The 7 previews:

• Matt Hults’ – Husk
• Gary Brandner’s – The Howling
• Gary Brandner’s – The Howling II
• Gary Brandner’s – The Howling III
• James Roy Daley’s – Terror Town
• James Roy Daley’s – Into Hell
• Paul Kane’s – Pain Cages

The only couple of things I want to address in regards to the previews is a positive and a negative.The positive: each book that was previewed has been added to my list to read. Yep, each one grabbed my attention and I want to read more. The negative: 3 of the books were part of a trilogy and I was given a preview to all 3 parts, which means I was made aware of who from book 1 survived to make it to book 2. I didn’t like that…I don’t like knowing ahead of time who will survive.

Anything Can Be Dangerous contains 4 short stories and a plethora of previews for upcoming books, all for the low low price of FREE for Kindle/nook and other eBook readers! Those who prefer holding a physical book in their hands can still own a copy, but it’ll cost you a bit, which is totally understandable. Click the cover image to visit Amazon for your Kindle or paperback copy. Barnes & Noble nook/paperback click (HERE) and for all other eReaders go (HERE) to hit up Smashwords for your electronic copy.

Espresso rating: Triple

Amazon Kindle

Six months ago, John Burleson woke from a nightmare, about a quiet little cove off the Tennessee River and the terrible event he witnessed there as a boy. Now the dream is coming almost every night, always the same, robbing him of his sleep and sanity. John’s only hope lies in revisiting the past — and coming to grips with what happened all those years ago.

Fred Anderson’s The Cove, took me back to my youth when I was obsessed with the movie Stand By Me. Having very similar qualities to the movie (yes, I know the movie was based on Stephen Kings’ short story The Body, but I’ve never read it, so my thoughts are movie based) The Cove is the story of John Burleson’s narration to his wife, and the audience, of a continuing nightmare from an event he witnessed in his youth and his determination to go and face his fear. What happens at the end will, of course, remain a mystery until you read this wonderful novelette for yourself. 

Filled with edge of your seat nerve wracking suspense, that familiar sense of nostalgia one gets from reliving a story from the past whether good or bad and a hint of the naughty things young boys do in their youth, The Cove is definitely worth a read. Might I suggest reading it in front of a crackling fire with a nice glass of bourbon

Pick up your copy of The Cove for Amazon Kindle by clicking the cover image above. The author, Fred Anderson can be found on Twitter at @TheFredAnderson.

Espresso rating: Triple with a splash of milk

Amazon Kindle/paperback

Join four of today’s best horror authors as they take you on a journey through dark lands and evil minds. 

MalContents is a book containing 4 novellas, each with their own sick and twisted spin. First up we have Randy Chandler’s Howler, the tale of a prostitute turned sideshow freak at a carnival. How is she a freak you may ask…well, she’s a wolf girl and over the course of the story we learn of the horrible reality of her life. Coming off of the popularity of celebrity chefs and various cooking shows, The Mushrooms by Gregory L Norris, introduces us to a chef at a party celebrating her newest cookbook release being stabbed over the plagiarism of a recipe by a crazed woman. Retreating to her family cabin to mend, the chef soon comes to realize that something is amiss. A computer repair man is accosted by a madman and is given a choice, kill his wife or his daughter before midnight or they both die. That is the premise Choose by Ryan C Thomas which shows us that sometimes even the most subtle of choices we make can impact everyone we love. Finally there is David T Wilbanks’  The Outsider Trio where a man searches for his missing love only to find that magical/mystical events have caused her disappearance.

Each tale within the pages of MalContents is a very solid piece of work. The characters and settings were wonderfully laid out and detailed. I have to admit that Choose gave me a twisted feeling in my stomach as things unfolded and learned what was happening to the family and way. The Mushrooms, while a bit on the odd side was another fun one for me as my husband, author Tony Faville, is also a retired chef. Howler was violent and very sexual at times, but I truly felt for the poor wolf girl at times during her life. Ending the book with The Outsider Trio, a tale of love lost and found with a mixture of  supernatural evil was a nice way to complete the journey I was taken on while reading MalContents.

This book reviewer definitely suggests MalContents to anyone who enjoys a fantastic concoction of magic, psychological fornication of the mind and creatures that cause you to feel pity and repulsion at the same time.

Learn more about Grand Mal Press and their other titles (HERE). More information on authors Ryan C. Thomas, David T. Wilbanks, and Gregory L Norris can be found by clicking their names which will send you to their blogs. (unable to find a blog for author Randy Chandler)

Grab your copy of MalContents at Amazon for Kindle or paperback by clicking the cover image above. Barnes and Noble users & nook owners can go (HERE) for nook and paperback copies and those with other types of eReaders may visit Smashwords (HERE) for your download.

Espresso rating: Triple with a splash of milk

Amazon Kindle

When archaeologist Mark Gillian uncovers a deadly artefact in a lost temple along with a list of three other locations, he relies on his old school friend Cook, the one person he can trust who has the abilities to gather the remaining pieces. 

On their quest they soon discover they’re not the only ones interested in the artefacts, the most ultra-secret organisation in the world, The Phoenix Group have been searching for nearly 50 years and have already unlocked their dangerous secrets. 

From undiscovered temples in Brazil to caverns under London’s Westminster Parliament and from the mysterious Brown Mountain range to beneath a secret American Air Force base, there will be no greater puzzle or chase… 

To stop the end of civilization. 

If they lose this fight…so will you. 

The Phoenix Group: Rising is book 1 of a 4 part series. It starts out with an action packed sequence that reminded me of a scene from an Indiana Jones movie. After which, the adventure continues to be filled with pages of  pure entertainment.  There are mysterious artifacts, ancient ruins and various exploits that keep you on your toes and wondering just what the heck is going to happen next.

Introducing us to the archaeologist, Dr Mark Gillian and his team, which includes his nephew Pacey, Sam (Samantha), Tom and, a surprise addition to the team, Captain Reynolds, The Phoenix Group: Rising does fairly well with character development, although I would like to learn a bit more of the back story behind some of the characters. Others involved in these exploits around the world are soldiers Jack Collins, Oz and Cook, who get pulled into the adventure by Captain Reynolds to locate another of the artifacts.

The Phoenix Group: Rising takes us to various parts of the world in search of the artifacts and the mysteries behind said artifacts. Puzzles that activate columns and stairways, swarms of insects and gigantic crocodiles attempting to enjoy a snack of archaeologist and hidden passages under neath the foundation of Parliament. Collin Andrews does a wonderful job taking us on a great and detailed adventure around the world.

Keeping in mind that The Phoenix Group: Rising is book 1 of 4, I would highly recommend this book for those who enjoy tales similar to those of National Treasure and Indiana Jones with a bit of military tech and strategies added into the mix. I cannot wait to read book 2 The Phoenix Group: Ascension which is, hopefully, available soon.

Purchase links for The Phoenix Group: Rising can be found for the Amazon Kindle by clicking the cover image above. Barnes & Noble nook owners can click here (HERE) and for other eBook readers head over to Smashwords (HERE)

Learn more about author and when book 2 The Phoenix Group: Ascension comes out by checking out his self titled blog Collin Andrews and by following him on Twitter: @TPG_RISING

Espresso rating: Quad

Amazon Kindle/Kindle apps

Doubleshot Reviews Kindle/Kindle app owners:

Just letting that for the next 5 days my husband’s Hardboiled Private Investigator noir zombie novella Avery Nolan: Private Dick of the Dead is FREE! For a quick reminder on some of it’s qualities check out the guest review by author Eric Lowther (HERE) or the interview/review by AstraDaemon over at The Zombiephiles

So head over to Amazon by clicking the cover image and downloading your free copy of Avery Nolan: Private Dick of the Dead, my only request is that you write a review once you’ve read it cause I know you’ll love it!

Amazon Kindle

Jasmine’s decisions have led to  situations that she can’t turn away from. Will her selfishness lead to the end of Tamporlea or does Jasmine find a way to earn the people’s trust?

The story of Queen Jasmine and the rest of the kingdom of Tamporlea has come to an end with Reunification. Author, Tiffany Lovering has, yet again, taken us on a journey into a world of deception, life, death and, most assuredly, love. Love of kingdom, its people and the love of family and friends and how far one will go to protect them.

In the final installment of the Tamporlea Trilogy, Reunification, Queen Jasmine is once again in conflict with ideas she has for change and rules that have been in place for centuries. Will the kingdom of Tamporlea be open to change and are Jasmine’s ideas going to work for the kingdom? How will the kingdom react to Jasmine’s secret marriage and what other secrets are being withheld? So many questions and Reunification is the last book in the trilogy to get them all answered.

Reunification, the conclusion to the Tamporlea Trilogy is an excellent ending to the trilogy. It may have wrapped up a little too quickly and neatly for my tastes, but it is a fantasy world, so I’ll allow the ease of overcoming obstacles. I hope anyone who enjoys a well-developed story with fun and entertaining characters hops over and picks up a copy of the trilogy.

Check out the links to my reviews of book one and two, pick them up for your Kindle and then click the cover image above for book three Reunification. However  if you are so inclined you can go (HERE) and pick up the entire trilogy in one complete volume for Kindle. (I have heard rumor that the book will be available soon in paperback. I will post links once confirmed)

Learn more about Tiffany Lovering and what she is up to by checking out her blog: Tiffany Lovering – YA Author and/or by following her Tweets: @TiffanyLovering

Espresso rating: Quad

Amazon Kindle

After becoming Queen, Jasmine has faced more than her fair share of injustice. The war still has not ended and neither have the betrayals within Tamporlea. 

Back in December, I had the privilege to read Tamporlea book 1 of the Tamporlea Trilogy and I adored every word. (check out the review HERE) Yet, again, author Tiffany Lovering was able to transport me to the world of Tamporlea, but this time, in book 2 Unjust, there was much devastation. The war between the feuding kingdoms brought much destruction to the beautiful kingdom and it was so heartbreaking to learn of the deaths that had resulted. Then you have the betrayal of Tamporlea by its own citizens that must be discovered and the romances building between various characters that is considered taboo according to Tamporlea law. So much action and adventure in a small package. I love it!

The characters continue to be well described and behave as I would expect real people to behave, which is refreshing at times. Yes, it is still fantasy world, so there are still elements of magic and disbelief, but considering that the main character Jasmine, now Queen Jasmine, was raised in the real world and brought to Tamporlea at the age of 17 her behavior under certain circumstances is very believable.

Overall, another fantastic entry into the world of Tamporlea. If you haven’t already check out the link to my review of book 1 and pick it up for your Kindle and then click the cover image above for book 2 Unjust. However  if you are so inclined you can go (HERE) and pick up the entire trilogy in 1 complete volume for Kindle. (I have heard rumor that the book will be available soon in paperback. I will post links once confirmed)

Learn more about Tiffany Lovering and what she is up to by checking out her blog: Tiffany Lovering – YA Author and/or by following her Tweets: @TiffanyLovering

Espresso rating: Quad

Amazon Kindle/paperback

When Kyndra, Colleen, and Jose apply for jobs at a diner that has seen better days and is undergoing renovations, they have no idea what they’re in for.

Aunt-B and John have a horrible secret, and when it’s unleashed on the unsuspecting employees of the diner, things get . . . complicated.

Bloodthirsty and dangerous, a zombie awaits the opportunity to feast on them all. Who will be served first?

Can any of them make it out of the Undead Drive-Thru alive? 

As if a summer job wasn’t a big enough pain for young adults who are wanting to gain fundage in order to explore their new found freedom from the confines of their parent’s world. Now there are zombies to have to deal with? Well, in Rebecca Besser’s Undead Drive-Thru there is definitely the threat of becoming a zombie’s takeout meal. What ensues as the story develops is a mixture of suspense, budding romance, gore and, personally, a lovely bit of hilarity.

Besser’s created a nice group of characters. The hired help consists of outgoing Kyndra, quite and shy Colleen and Jose, who just seems to be a nice down to earth sort of guy. Then you have Aunt-B who comes off as the kindly, but quirky aunt you always try to avoid, but secretly love and John her nephew who is staying for the summer to avoid jailtime. While they might be viewed as sterotypical for some readers, they were a fun mix of characters.

Undead Drive-Thru was a fast read with lots of twists to keep the story moving in the right direction. No over the top gore, but there is definitely some detailed flesh-eating and dismemberment. The only hitch throughout the whole story came at the end. There was something I just didn’t quite buy.

Undead Drive-Thru, a novella that begs you to ponder…do they sell “finger” sandwiches at Aunt-B’s Drive-Thru.

You can pick up your own copy of Undead Drive-Thru via Amazon for paperback or Kindle by clicking the cover image above. Or as always for you Barnes & Noble’rs out there for paperback or nook (HERE). 

Learn more about Rebecca Besser over at her blog (HERE), like her author page (HERE) or stalk her, I mean, follow her on Twitter: @BeccaBesser 

Espresso rating:Triple with a splash of milk