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Book Review: The Family Man by Tim Lebbon (writing as T.J. Lebbon)

The Family Man by Tim Lebbon (writing as T.J. Lebbon)

HarperCollins, 2016

ISBN-13: 978-0008122911

Available: Used paperback, audio download.
Note: Also available in the UK as new paperback, Kindle edition, and audio download.

 

“Do one thing every day that scares you.” Eleanor Roosevelt’s words pull the pin on this explosive, rapid fire thriller by a master of horror and thrillers. The Family Man begs to be read in a single sitting, yet readers will wish to take their time with the fine writing and fascinating characters.

Last year, Lebbon, well known for his superb horror novels (which includeThe Nature of Balance, The Silence, and Face) decided to dive into the waters of the thriller genre with The Hunt (reviewed here) and emerged with a winner that combined the best of both genres. His newest offering, The Family Man, has an even tighter story that pits friends Dom and Andy against a ruthless gang– and each other. Bland Dom accepts Andy’s challenge to step up the excitement in their lives by robbing the local post office– no weapons, no one hurt, quick and easy– the thrill of a lifetime.

It doesn’t turn out to be that simple. After Dom and Andy get away with a sweet score, a second set of robbers arrives, and exacts a gore-filled revenge on the postmaster and her granddaughter. The friends’ plan to return to their staid lives quickly unravels, and Dom’s family is targeted and forced to run, as they begin to realize there is much more to fear from the evil gang.

Rose and Holt, key figures from Lebbon’s previous novel, The Hunt, return in this story, each with a stake in stopping the villains. It will be tough to slow down the reading, as the style is gripping and deceptively simple, yet filled with finely tuned nuance and subtext. Prepare to lose several hours to a thrillingly wild ride. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by David Simms

Posted on September 19, 2016 by , Reply

Book Review: Graveyard Quest by KC Green

Graveyard Quest by KC Green

Oni Press, 2016

ISBN: 9781620102893

Available: Kindle edition and comiXology ebook, print

Graveyard Quest follows, well, the Gravedigger, who keeps the bones of his dead mother in a cabinet, and talks to them every moment he can. He is tormented by the ghost of his dead father, the previous Gravedigger, who is frustrated with his son’s inability to get over his mother’s death. One morning, the Gravedigger wakes to find his mother’s bones missing. He ventures to the underworld to try to reclaim them. Along the way, he encounters an unusually helpful mole, a town of worms, and a team of ghost bandits, among others. The Gravedigger’s father follows him, demanding he turn back and do his job, as the bodies are piling up in the graveyard back home.

Will the Gravedigger help the government break into Hell? Will he reclaim the bones of his dead mother? Will his father ever be happy with him? Why is this mole always helping him? And what’s the deal with the ghost bandits wanting to break into Heaven? All of these questions are answered within the pages of this graphic novel, which is hilarious, heart wrenching, and full of adventure. While the language may not be suitable for some children, it may be enjoyable for some young adults, depending on their reading taste. I would be fine with my oldest nephew, who is also a horror fan, reading this.  The artwork is simple, but pretty great. I think my favorite panels involve the worm community. The “reverend” worm is fantastic. Recommended for those who like a little humor in their graphic novels.

Note: Graveyard Quest began as a story arc on Green’s web comic, Gunshow.

Contains: some strong language

Reviewed by Lizzy Walker


Posted on September 15, 2016 by , Reply

Book Review: The Fisherman by John Langan

The Fisherman by John Langan

Word Horde Books, 2016

ISBN-13: 978-1939905215

Availability: Paperback, Kindle edition

 

Imagine, if you will, a dark tale co-written by Peter Straub and Thomas Ligotti, filtered through the whimsical sensibilities of Neil Gaiman, and spoken to a friend over beers at a campfire. If that description conjures up something tantalizing to you, John Langan’s The Fisherman might just be what you’re looking for this year. Intriguing and unique, it almost begs to be read on the porch, with feet up and a drink in hand..

 

The Fisherman is a novel about a pair of widowers attempting to find purpose in their lives. Both suffer from guilt and damaged psyches after the deaths of their wives, and each seeks a way to get back on track.

 

The pair begin fishing, a peaceful, solitary sport that allows plenty of time for introspection and bonding between them. One suggests an ideal spot– Dutchman’s Creek– a place not found on any map, and rife with local legend.  The men discover the complex story through the owner of a diner.

 

At the creek, they discover Der Fisher, also known as The Fisherman. He offers redemption to both men, but at a price. What ensues is a conflict between wits, souls, and cosmic forces, that will shake the reader free of any preconceived notion of what to expect.

 

The Fisherman is meant to be experienced as a journey, like a raft ride down a mysterious river. The story is deeply layered, and Langan keeps readers engaged while skillfully leading them through labyrinthine passages. Langan’s smart, smooth tale-spinning succeeds on all levels, and will likely find audiences in places reaching far beyond the horror crowd. Highly recommended

 

Reviewed by David Simms

 


Posted on September 13, 2016 by , Reply
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