HARD CASE CRIME GIVES US THE DETECTIVE THRILLER “BINARY” BY MICHAEL CRICHTON WRITING AS JOHN LANGE AND IT’S A REAL BLAST FROM THE PAST!

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BINARY
Michael Crichton/John Lange
Hard Case Crime
October 29, 2013
Reviewed by Brian James Lewis

Hello my friends, and welcome to the Skullcave! Today we’re talking about the Hard Case Crime edition of Michael Crichton’s 1972 suspense novel BINARY. Back then Crichton was writing under the pen name John Lange and in a style that was contemporary for the times. Readers will need to keep that in mind, especially younger ones who’ve never experienced life without a cellphone in their pocket. In 1972, police used walkie-talkies, landline telephones which could be hacked quite easily, car radios, and did a lot of legwork to keep tabs on criminals. Computers were new and awkward to use technology that wasn’t available to the general public. So, get your plaid bell bottom slacks, wide collar shirt, and Dingo boots on. Now let’s roll!

Binary starts off by giving readers a peek into an unusual crime involving a special shipment via rail. The heist is pulled off successfully, but why the interest in two large tanks of pesticide? Some answers arrive with one John Graves, when he arrives in San Diego, California after a long flight. As a government intelligence agent, Graves has become an expert on the eccentric, dangerous, and very rich John Wright. It turns out that they have an emergency on their hands. Not only is John Wright in San Diego but so is the president of the United States. They are both there for a political convention, but with very different agendas. The president is seeking reelection while Wright is looking to correct a lot of things he perceives as wrongs. It is up to Graves and a mashup of law enforcement agencies including the US Marshalls, and local police to stop Wright from achieving his goals. Otherwise, a million people will die horrible deaths. But there is nothing simple about this job. Wright may be twisted, but he’s also genius level smart and loves puzzles. Can Graves figure out his deadly game before it’s too late?

Your old pal Skull enjoyed this fast-moving novel, but there were a few things that just didn’t fly: How many “Johns” do we need in one book? We know that John Lange was pseudonym for Crichton, but then he goes on to name both of his lead characters John, too? The world is full of perfectly good names that would have also worked and been less confusing. I mean I am a Michael Crichton fan, but sometimes things just get a bit too detailed. At the same time, this is also one of his strengths because readers aren’t stuck with a vague concept, they get the complete picture. Another thing I liked about Binary was the absence of gun violence for the most part. John Graves is seeking a solution with the least amount of physical harm being done. After enduring a ton of bombastic novels and movies where every single thing gets blown to hell, it’s cool to see that reason and deduction are still valued. Violence is too prevalent and highly lauded today. We need to start stepping back from that testosterone-fueled approach both in fiction and real life. Overall, Damaged Skull Writer and Reviewer rates Binary by Michael Crichton writing as John Lange a hearty FOUR STARS! Incidentally, I’ve enjoyed almost every Hard Case Crime release with their vintage art covers and plethora of authors, some of whom I was pleasantly surprised by. I’m glad they brought these novels by Michael Crichton back into the public eye, especially since we won’t be getting any new releases from this talented author who was gone too soon. Check ‘em out!

For more information about more Hard Case Crime titles by John Lange and others go to: www.HardCaseCrime.com Also be sure to follow me, your old pal Skull at: www.damagedskullwriterandreviewer.com It’s a great way to find out about independent speculative fiction, poetry, and some unique books by mainstream authors. Thanks for stopping by the Skullcave, see you soon!

Damaged Skull Writer and Reviewer is an inclusive blog where everyone is valued, except for haters who are heartily encouraged to climb into the nearest industrial trash compactor and press start. My human host, Brian James Lewis is a disabled poet and writer with PTSD who has 3 new Beat Generation style poems in Trajectory Journal issue 23, available now! As is issue 22 which contains his terrifying short story Following My Destiny about misguided mass shooter Chance McCandless. If you want to sample Brian’s work for free, check out the Halloween 2023 issue of The Sirens Call E-zine for his short story “Still A Great Night To Be A Kid.” You can also read his poem “Again” which is about living with mental illness, on JMWW. We’re also on Twitter @skullsnflames76 and Goodreads under his name.

MY REVIEW OF GARY BULLER’S FRIGHTENING AND FUN NOVELLA “DEAD AND BREAKFAST” IS NOW POSTED ON GOODREADS

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Dead and Breakfast by Gary Buller

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


DEAD and BREAKFAST
Gary Buller
June 19, 2020
Unnerving
Reviewed by Brian “Skull” Lewis

Hello again you wicked whackdoodles, it’s your old pal Skull with another cool title from independent speculative fiction publisher Unnerving! Dead and Breakfast by Gary Buller is book number 11 of Unnerving’s REWIND OR DIE series, and a most excellent choice of reading material. What we get is one of my favorite approaches to a book: stories within a larger story, which is perfect for modern times, short attention spans, reading on the train and anywhere else. Let’s get to it, shall we?
Punk rockers Eddie and Banksy are on their way to a party which is going to be one hell of a good time. Unfortunately, they get massively offtrack and find themselves in the middle of nowhere with a tire that’s way beyond flat. If that’s not enough, a frigid rain chases them to the only shelter available, an ancient stone cottage straight out of a horror flick. But any warmth and shelter is better than none, right? Eddie feels a bit unsure as he hands over payment for the night’s lodgings at Sally’s Dead and Breakfast, wondering if he heard her right. No matter how creepy she is, a warm fire blazes in the lounge beckoning the soaked travelers. While the kettle is on, Sally regales them with a tale called Cords about a village that operates somewhat on the scale of Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery except in Sally’s story the sacrifices are everyone who hits their 35th birthday. They must go to the fissure and if they don’t, evil things make sure they do. Cool mix of futuristic in a derelict almost Victorian landscape.
After that creepy story, there’s at least some tea and possibly a telephone to get the hell out of this crusty inn. But tea’s not ready yet and “sorry dearies, no phone”. There are more stories though. The Brace is a terrifying tale of domestic abuse and the power of ghosts to help a young boy in a time of desperate need. Sally is quite the weird wordsmith and trots out her story The Weight of Nostalgia for her captive audience. Eddie and Banksy don’t want to hear anymore but where can they go? This speculative tale starts with an unseen narrator following a young boy who appears to be enjoying a day at the local sweet shop. Warm waves of nostalgia abound among the penny candies, original formula Coca-Cola, and ice-lollies, but something is amiss here in the land of almost reality. A strange government program that enables test subjects to recreate the past and a family cursed with cancer make us wonder if all life is just a trap that leads to suffering.
Finally, Sally brings tea to the now weary and bewildered travelers who hope this means an end to the horrors she’s been heaping upon them. But she’s got one tale left and it’s a doozy called The Greyfriars Transcripts. A caller to a radio show is looking for some advice about a very grim situation he’s stuck in. His day started normally enough until the baker making his breakfast told him a strange story about the train he planned on boarding. “They say the Greyfriars route is cursed” But the narrator just rolls his eyes and heads off to the train station. Whether that was a good choice or not is something you’ll need to grab a copy of Dead and Breakfast to find out, along with the fates of Eddie and Banksy. Your old pal Skull says it’s a winner!
Damaged Skull Writer and Reviewer rates Dead and Breakfast a very scary FIVE STARS. I’ve been fortunate to know Gary Buller for many years and have enjoyed his ability to make readers both chuckle and scream with his decidedly English writing style. Bottom line, his stories hold up with a timeless quality to them that keeps you turning the pages and feeling a bit sad when you’ve finished. Combine that with Eddie Generous’ vision for Unnerving-an inclusive, anti-hater press and person, who knows how to scare the hell out of readers and make them think. Anybody can jump scare someone at least once, but to have something more to say afterwards AND be a supportive member of the diverse community that horror writers are, you have to be someone special. Maybe just a bit crazy too, but aren’t we all if we’re honest about it?
For more information about Gary Buller, visit him on Twitter @garybuller
For more information about UNNERVING go to: @UnnervingBooks on Twitter
And don’t forget to follow me, your old pal Skull, at: www.damagedskullwriterandreviewer.com It’s a great way to help your favorite independent authors, poets, and publishers. Damaged Skull Writer and Reviewer is an inclusive blog where everyone is valued, except for haters who are heartily encouraged to climb into the nearest industrial trash compactor and press start. My human host, Brian James Lewis is a disabled poet and writer with PTSD who has 3 new Beat Generation style poems in Trajectory Journal issue 23, available now! As is issue 22 which contains his terrifying short story Following My Destiny about misguided mass shooter Chance McCandless. We’re also on Twitter @skullsnflames76 and Goodreads. See you soon!




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GO BACK TO THE FUN COMIC BOOKS OF YESTERYEAR WITH THE COMPLETE “COSMO THE MERRY MARTIAN!”

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THE COMPLETE COSMO THE MERRY MARTIAN
Sy Reit, Bob White, Terry Szenics
July 3, 2018
Archie Comics Publications
Reviewed by Brian “Skull” Lewis

Hello fans of horror, fantasy, science fiction, and classic comic books, it’s your old pal Skull with a bit of light reading that might just bring some sunshine to the current grey and gloomy winter. Obviously, the classic Archie Comics rarely put fear into the hearts of their readers. So this collection of one of their side projects, Cosmo The Merry Martian issues 1-6 is about having fun. By the 1950’s UFOs, Martians, and unexpected visits from space aliens were popular topics of conversation. Most of those conversations contained a lot of fear. So in 1958, Sy Reit (stories), Bob White(pencils), and Terry Szenics(inks) introduced us to a group of Martians who were not only friendly, but a lot like us.

Issue number one has Cosmo and his pal Orbi blasting off into space with the goal of exploring planet earth. Their rocket doesn’t make it, but they do land on the moon, make the acquaintance of the moonlings all called Oogs and take a ride to earth aboard one of their flying saucers. Silly slapstick humor abounds.

Issue two sees our friendly Martians visit the dark side of the moon and meet the much-feared gillywump who is quite a bit different than the Oogs think. There’s actually an important anti-discrimination message included with all the silliness. Sometimes we have to push aside assumptions our elders have made and find out the real truth for ourselves.

Issue three brings a rescue attempt by Professor Thimk and Cosmo’s sweetheart, Astra who bring along Orbi’s dog Jo-Jo. The boys say their goodbyes only to find out that they’re not actually going home. What the heck? Turns out that the professor wants to explore the uninhabited planet of Venus. But it turns out that the most intelligent Martian in the universe might have been wrong about that…

Issue four brings us to wild adventures on Venus courtesy of some big giants and their queen who’d like to keep a souvenir of the explorers visit to her lonely planet. But she doesn’t just want a keychain, or some other small thing. No, the queen wants to keep one of them! Uh-oh, time for a rescue mission that nearly fails due to Orbi’s hijinks.

Issue five finds our merry band of space travelers in another predicament. Professor Thimk can’t take them home to Mars just yet because their rocket ship has developed a steering issue (remember it’s a comic book) Instead they head directly to Saturn, which it turns out has rings made of foam rubber around it and unique population.

Issue six finally brings our band of intrepid space travelers home to Mars, but their celebration is short lived. The evil Dr. Beatnik (another perceived threat of those times) has a plan to attack earth. Yikes! Can Cosmo and Professor Thimk stop them? Maybe but they won’t do it without the help of their new friends.

After the six original issues there are some Archie and Cosmo splices which are kind of funky in this reviewer’s opinion. Cosmo gets morphed into different versions by other artists and story writers which are kind of lame and not true to the originals. The final one looks like some kind of Sonic The Hedgehog sort of deal and doesn’t really make much sense. It also lacks the science lessons and positive messages such as celebrating each other’s differences that were included in the 1950’s Cosmo The Merry Martian. So how does your old pal Skull rate this collection? The originals are Five Star pieces, but the more modern stuff is on average about three. So Damaged Skull Writer and Reviewer rates this collection Four Stars. Don’t look for anything deep, just a fun jaunt around the universe with some corny jokes that feel good to laugh at. A good cheerer upper kind of read that’s safe for all ages.

Want more information? Then head on over to: www.ArchieComics.com where you can order a bunch of fun stuff including Sabrina The Teen Witch titles. And don’t forget to follow me, your old pal Skull, at: www.damagedskullwriterandreviewer.com It’s a great way to help your favorite independent authors, poets, and publishers. Damaged Skull Writer and Reviewer is an inclusive blog where everyone is valued, except for haters who are heartily encouraged to climb into the nearest industrial trash compactor and press start. My human host, Brian James Lewis is a disabled poet and writer with PTSD who has 3 new Beat Generation style poems in Trajectory Journal issue 23, available now! As is issue 22 which contains his terrifying short story Following My Destiny about misguided mass shooter Chance McCandless. We’re also on Twitter @skullsnflames76 and Goodreads. Until next time, stay safe and be kind to others. See you soon!

HEY WEARY TRAVELERS, NEED A PLACE TO STAY THE NIGHT? THEN CHECK OUT GARY BULLER’S “DEAD AND BREAKFAST”

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DEAD and BREAKFAST
Gary Buller
June 19, 2020
Unnerving
Reviewed by Brian “Skull” Lewis

Hello again you wicked whackdoodles, it’s your old pal Skull with another cool title from independent speculative fiction publisher Unnerving! Dead and Breakfast by Gary Buller is book number 11 of Unnerving’s REWIND OR DIE series, and a most excellent choice of reading material. What we get is one of my favorite approaches to a book: stories within a larger story, which is perfect for modern times, short attention spans, reading on the train and anywhere else. Let’s get to it, shall we?

Punk rockers Eddie and Banksy are on their way to a party which is going to be one hell of a good time. Unfortunately, they get massively offtrack and find themselves in the middle of nowhere with a tire that’s way beyond flat. If that’s not enough, a frigid rain chases them to the only shelter available, an ancient stone cottage straight out of a horror flick. But any warmth and shelter is better than none, right? Eddie feels a bit unsure as he hands over payment for the night’s lodgings at Sally’s Dead and Breakfast, wondering if he heard her right. No matter how creepy she is, a warm fire blazes in the lounge beckoning the soaked travelers. While the kettle is on, Sally regales them with a tale called Cords about a village that operates somewhat on the scale of Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery except in Sally’s story the sacrifices are everyone who hits their 35th birthday. They must go to the fissure and if they don’t, evil things make sure they do. Cool mix of futuristic in a derelict almost Victorian landscape.

After that creepy story, there’s at least some tea and possibly a telephone to get the hell out of this crusty inn. But tea’s not ready yet and “sorry dearies, no phone”. There are more stories though. The Brace is a terrifying tale of domestic abuse and the power of ghosts to help a young boy in a time of desperate need. Sally is quite the weird wordsmith and trots out her story The Weight of Nostalgia for her captive audience. Eddie and Banksy don’t want to hear anymore but where can they go? This speculative tale starts with an unseen narrator following a young boy who appears to be enjoying a day at the local sweet shop. Warm waves of nostalgia abound among the penny candies, original formula Coca-Cola, and ice-lollies, but something is amiss here in the land of almost reality. A strange government program that enables test subjects to recreate the past and a family cursed with cancer make us wonder if all life is just a trap that leads to suffering.

Finally, Sally brings tea to the now weary and bewildered travelers who hope this means an end to the horrors she’s been heaping upon them. But she’s got one tale left and it’s a doozy called The Greyfriars Transcripts. A caller to a radio show is looking for some advice about a very grim situation he’s stuck in. His day started normally enough until the baker making his breakfast told him a strange story about the train he planned on boarding. “They say the Greyfriars route is cursed” But the narrator just rolls his eyes and heads off to the train station. Whether that was a good choice or not is something you’ll need to grab a copy of Dead and Breakfast to find out, along with the fates of Eddie and Banksy. Your old pal Skull says it’s a winner!

Damaged Skull Writer and Reviewer rates Dead and Breakfast a very scary FIVE STARS. I’ve been fortunate to know Gary Buller for many years and have enjoyed his ability to make readers both chuckle and scream with his decidedly English writing style. Bottom line, his stories hold up with a timeless quality to them that keeps you turning the pages and feeling a bit sad when you’ve finished. Combine that with Eddie Generous’ vision for Unnerving-an inclusive, anti-hater press and person, who knows how to scare the hell out of readers and make them think. Anybody can jump scare someone at least once, but to have something more to say afterwards AND be a supportive member of the diverse community that horror writers are, you have to be someone special. Maybe just a bit crazy too, but aren’t we all if we’re honest about it?

For more information about Gary Buller, visit him on Twitter @garybuller

For more information about UNNERVING go to: @UnnervingBooks on Twitter

And don’t forget to follow me, your old pal Skull, at: www.damagedskullwriterandreviewer.com It’s a great way to help your favorite independent authors, poets, and publishers. Damaged Skull Writer and Reviewer is an inclusive blog where everyone is valued, except for haters who are heartily encouraged to climb into the nearest industrial trash compactor and press start. My human host, Brian James Lewis is a disabled poet and writer with PTSD who has 3 new Beat Generation style poems in Trajectory Journal issue 23, available now! As is issue 22 which contains his terrifying short story Following My Destiny about misguided mass shooter Chance McCandless. We’re also on Twitter @skullsnflames76 and Goodreads. See you soon!

MAYBE STEPHEN KING’S “ELEVATION” ISN’T CRAMMED FULL OF BLOOD SPLATTERING HORROR BUT IT IS A GREAT STORY FOR POST PANDEMIC LIFE WHERE MANY PEOPLE HAVE BECOME RUDE SELF SERVING A-HOLES. SKULL SAYS “GET IT!”

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Elevation by Stephen King

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


ELEVATION
Stephen King
Scribner
October 30, 2018
Reviewed by Brian “Skull” Lewis

Hello again dear readers, it’s your old pal Skull with another review. As you know, I usually spend my time reviewing works by independent writers and presses. But sometimes it’s fun to see what the popular crowd is up to. Today’s review subject is Elevation by Stephen King. Obviously, Mr. King is not an author who needs me to say good things about his work. But I enjoyed this novella a great deal, and think most of my readers will, too. Let’s check it out!

For a few minutes, “Constant Readers” might think that they’ve entered a different version of King’s hit novel, Thinner. However, in Elevation Scott Carey is losing weight with no visible alterations to his middle-aged body. He’s a divorced man who lives alone and definitely didn’t get to enjoy any fun activities before being cursed. Scott doesn’t feel poorly or weak, either. Instead, there’s a bizarre buoyancy to his good-sized frame that initially gives him almost superhuman abilities. What doesn’t make him feel super is his neighbors letting their dogs crap in his yard every time they go running. When Scott approaches them about it, they are unnecessarily cold about it. Initially he’s pretty miffed about it, until he learns that Deirdre McComb and her wife Missy are the victims of some uncalled-for discrimination. Small towns are not always the warm and fuzzy places depicted on TV. Vegetarians might have slid by, but being lesbians doesn’t fly in Castle Rock

Scott discusses his strange medical situation with friend, Dr. Bob. The doc might be retired, but he’s sharp enough to know that something unique is going on. There’s no practical reason to explain why Scott is losing weight or why things he touches become weightless. That adds fear to his already depressed life. Sometimes it feels like the only true friend he has is Bill the cat, who he can’t touch anymore due to his odd condition. Talk about a bummer! With no treatment plan, Scott is free to mope and be bummed out. But instead he chooses the new route of supporting his neighbors, even if they don’t want him to. Why not? He doesn’t have much to lose. But when it becomes obvious that time is getting short, Scott realizes that he might have been wrong about that.

Elevation by Stephen King is a 5 STAR must-read novella in this reviewer’s opinion. King’s storytelling skills are as good as ever in this story that you’ll want to share with family and friends. Maybe even give a copy to folks who aren’t entirely convinced that what a person eats or who they love doesn’t change their status of being human. One thing that struck me about Elevation was the hard reception it got from a lot of reviewers on multiple sites. Complaints that it wasn’t long enough or dark enough prove that too many people come to a book with preset expectations. For me it made Elevation attractive, something I could read in the car during trips. There was also a lot of noise about the “political correctness” of the novella and insinuations that King was pushing agendas. Oh, the horror! This guy thinks we should be kind and try to understand our neighbors instead of immediately labelling them and slamming the door in their faces. Got news for ya, haters. That has been one of Stephen King’s “agendas” for his entire writing career. He didn’t start life with a silver spoon in his mouth and hasn’t forgotten it. What all those comments prove is that Elevation is a sorely needed book. Ignore the haters and check this one out.

And don’t forget to follow me, your old pal Skull, at: www.damagedskullwriterandreviewer.com which will help your favorite independent authors, poets, and publishers. This is an inclusive blog where everyone is valued, except for haters who are heartily encouraged to climb into the nearest industrial trash compactor and press start. My human host, Brian James Lewis is a disabled poet and writer with PTSD who has 3 new Beat Generation style poems in Trajectory Journal issue 23, available now! As is issue 22 which contains his terrifying short story Following My Destiny about misguided mass shooter Chance McCandless. We’re also on Twitter @skullsnflames76 and Goodreads. See you soon!




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Your Old Pal Skull

Read the Spring 2017 Issue

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Thanks to THIRD WEDNESDAY for a cool trip down memory lane! Their spring 2017 issue included my flash nonfiction piece DRUG HOUSE Inspired both by the actual drug house across the street from my home, and a trio of neighbors who became very dependent upon it, but not for the reasons you might expect. This was the first time I’d received a check for my writing and I was mega excited. Still happy with what I wrote, too. To read for free, click the link below and scroll to page 5.

Third Wednesday Magazine



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STARTING THE NEW YEAR OFF RIGHT WITH “THE UNDERTAKER’S DAUGHTER” BY JOHN JAMES MINSTER!

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THE UNDERTAKER’S DAUGHTER
John James Minster
October 25, 2022
Hellbender Books
Reviewed by Brian “Skull” Lewis

Hello horror fans! It’s me, your old pal Skull, with a new novel by John James Minster, The Undertaker’s Daughter. This is high school horror taken to a higher level by some old Jewish magic that makes it fresh and inclusive to those familiar with the traditions and educates people who aren’t. Like myself, for instance. Hey, even a member of the undead community can’t know everything! Anna Dingle is a smart young woman who helps her undertaker father with the family business. But she’s tired of being viewed as a plain jane with a brain. Anna wants to be seen as beautiful and sexy, the desire of handsome high school hunks. Especially one lucky guy named Timmy who plays guitar like he was born to do it.

Anna’s bestie, Naomi offers her assistance, with stunning results. But things don’t go exactly as planned. Even though she blows Timmy out of the water, she doesn’t do it without attracting a truckload of trouble. Namely, Bruce Barnette and his crowd of cruddy cronies, a group of garbage that make the mean kids in Stephen King’s Carrie seem kind of friendly. At least they had a few redeeming qualities. Barnette’s crew could’ve been close friends of theirs, though. So instead of a dreamy teenage love summer, Anna and Timmy spend way too much time worrying when Barnette will strike again.

Things reach critical mass when family is dragged into the mess. Once again, Naomi comes to the rescue. More than just a pretty face, she’s deep into the study of ancient religious mysteries and a recent discovery leads to her creating a powerful protector from one of the funeral home’s cadavers with a unique history. Since reason and the local criminal justice system haven’t been much help to the girls, it’s time to fight fire with fire! Or is it? Anna’s got a conscience and doesn’t want to pollute her life with bad energy, but is she making the right decision? There’s only one way to find out and that’s to grab a copy of The Undertaker’s Daughter by John James Minster from your favorite bookseller.

Damaged Skull Writer and Reviewer gives The Undertaker’s Daughter A FIVE STAR RATING! This is a powerful story full of plot twists that delivers some serious messages. So, while it starts out in a bright and cheery high school fashion, this ain’t Barbie and Ken in plastic paradise. One quick note: those sensitive to reading sexual assault scenes should proceed with a bit of caution. On the other end of the spectrum, fathers who love their daughters may do some fist pumps when the big bad wolf finds out what it’s like to be prey. Overall, a solid horror novel about bullying, family, friendship, faith and the power of love. Recommended.

Want to find out more about John James Minster? Then head on over to:

Website: http://johnjamesminster.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnjamesminster/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/johnjamesminster

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/minsterwriter

You can also order The Undertaker’s Daughter directly from Sunbury Press here:  https://www.sunburypress.com/collections/john-james-minster

And don’t forget to follow me, your old pal Skull, at: www.damagedskullwriterandreviewer.com which will help your favorite independent authors, poets, and publishers. This is an inclusive blog where everyone is valued, except for haters who are heartily encouraged to climb into the nearest industrial trash compactor and press start. My human host, Brian James Lewis is a disabled poet and writer with PTSD who has 3 new Beat Generation style poems in Trajectory Journal issue 23, available now! As is issue 22 which contains his terrifying short story Following My Destiny about misguided mass shooter Chance McCandless. We’re also on Twitter @skullsnflames76 and Goodreads. See you soon!

John James Minster

Dark Murmurs Review Is Now Live On Goodreads!

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Hi guys! Just wanted to let you know that my review of the excellent horror anthology DARK MURMURS is now available to the world on Goodreads.

Dark Murmurs: A Compendium of Curiosities by Richard Chizmar

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


DARK MURMURS-A Compendium Of Curiosities
Edited by: Jill Girardi & Lydia Prime
October 10, 2022
Silent House Press
Reviewed by Brian “Skull” Lewis

Hello there, horror fiends! It’s your old pal Skull with a review of an amazing collection of short horror fiction from Silent House Press that I just know you’re going to love. Dark Murmurs is indeed a compendium of curiosities with the aim of shaking things up. The stories are breathtaking which is exactly what you’d expect from editors Jill Girardi & Lydia Prime, but this anthology also aims to bring attention to BIPOC and female writers. It has been proven time and time again that these writers are often treated as being less than or have their work dismissed because of gender and/or color issues that shouldn’t be. Just as no book should be judged by its cover, a story shouldn’t be turned down because of its writer. You will see the theme of discrimination brought up frequently in Dark Murmurs whether the protagonist is a human or a spider who’s just not going to take it anymore as in Webbed by Ellie Douglas. By calcium, this book has my bony digits clacking madly on the keyboard, so let’s keep a creepy thing going and check out more of Dark Murmurs!

In a story so vivid, you can feel the boot kicks, a cobbler and rabbi stuck in a WWII concentration camp create a golem to protect their fellow Jews from the Nazis. It is a success…for a while. But as the cobbler says at the end of The Cobbler And The Golem by Catherine McCarthy, “we cannot escape our fear…better to take it with us and learn to live with it.” There is no master race and there never will be. Sadly, there is no shortage of people who hate others for things that cannot be changed.

Looking for a short story that will flat out terrify you with its twisted ending? Then check out Last Words by Richard Chizmar. This one’s going to give you a bad case of chills. The narrator tells us of how his wonderful grandfather raised he and his brother after a tragedy took their parents. Pops taught them how to fish, play baseball, and rewarded them with treasure hunts. I mean, what kid doesn’t want to go on a hike in the woods looking for buried treasure with maps and everything? Oh, what fun! The narrator loved these so much that when Pops mentions a final treasure hunt on his death bed, he can hardly wait to get started. But what he digs up brings a horrible realization. How the hell can one person be a loving parent and the epitome of evil at the same time?

Tea For Two by Elizabeth Massie also delivers a startling conclusion to what appears to be a standard love story. Will rescues Macy from the evil magician they both worked for. Daniel Dawson does a LOT more than just pull rabbits and endless scarves out of his hat. That stuff is mere child’s play for this friend of the devil, who can do horrible feats with his dark powers. Will falls in love with Macy and when Dawson turns her into a wooden dummy, gallantly tries to steal her away from the magician’s evil clutches. But he soon finds out that it’s impossible to run away from the truth. We are who we are despite the skin we’re in.

When I was a kid, my mom constantly hammered into my head that violence for any reason was wrong. Nice sentiment maybe, but I soon found out that turning the other cheek and all that jazz only works for saints in religious teachings. On the street in a new town every six months, I learned some different lessons. One of the main characters in Jill Girardi’s story One Every Year appears to have reached a similar conclusion. We get the story from Debbie who’s constantly getting yelled at and made to feel like trash by Uncle Hank. That seems to be Hank’s overall approach with family. Yell, hit, and dismiss. But when a bunch of hoochies pull up next his boat on the lake he’s a real charmer. Strangely enough after Debbie’s Aunt Ro tells them a story about a Native American Princess who haunts the lake, taking at least one victim every year, a rather major event happens to support her words. But was it caused by the Setauket princess’ ghostly powers or something a bit less ethereal?

What I’ve shared so far is just a tiny taste of the powerful stories included in Dark Murmurs I haven’t even told you about Philip Fracassi’s tale Serial Numbers which explains why it may be dangerous to fulfill one’s fantasies with money. Or why it’s a bad idea for immortals to fall in love with those who have a definite lifespan, as happens in Brandon Scott’s tale Stargazer Lily. But in all reality, your old pal Skull must wrap this review up so people can read it and find out how much they’ll enjoy having their own copy of Dark Murmurs-A Compendium Of Curiosities or gift it to someone who loves speculative fiction.

There’s just one thing left to do, rate this anthology using a system of 1 to 5 stars. Damaged Skull Writer and Reviewer rates Dark Murmurs a very hearty 5 STARS! Jam packed with awesome writers and edited by the power team of Jill Girardi & Lydia Prime this is a horror anthology you need to read. Avoid a boring winter by grabbing a copy of Dark Murmurs stat! For more information about this and upcoming releases, contact the publisher at: silenthousepress@gmail.com You can also contact the editors:
Jill Girardi: Twitter: @Jill_Girardi
Instagram: @jill_girardi
Lydia Prime: Facebook: @AuthorLydiaPrime
Instagram: @Helminthophobia
And don’t forget to follow me, your old pal Skull, at: www.damagedskullwriterandreviewer.com which will help your favorite independent authors, poets, and publishers. This is an inclusive blog where everyone is valued, except for haters who are heartily encouraged to climb into the nearest industrial trash compactor and press start. My human host, Brian James Lewis is a disabled poet and writer with PTSD who has 3 new Beat Generation style poems in Trajectory Journal issue 23, available now! As is issue 22 which contains his terrifying short story Following My Destiny about misguided mass shooter Chance McCandless.




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HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM DAMAGED SKULL WRITER AND REVIEWER!

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Hello horror fiends, it’s your old pal Skull wishing you and your families a very merry holiday season. With snow on the ground and your nose hairs freezing together in the frigid temperatures, now is a GREAT time to be inside reading a book! I mean what could be better? Hot beverage of choice, some groovy tunes, and a book by members of the independent horror community on your lap. Speaking of which, did you know that Rod Serling was born on December 25, 1924? How about that for a cool speculative fiction milestone? Not only was he an excellent writer, but his stories always contained a valuable lesson at their conclusion. This year has taught me quite a few valuable lessons and I can’t wait to see what happens in the New year. Here’s to a great 2023!

LOOKING FOR SOME GREAT AND SOCIALLY AWARE SHORT HORROR STORIES? THEN CHECK OUT “DARK MURMURS” FROM SILENT HOUSE PRESS

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DARK MURMURS-A Compendium Of Curiosities
Edited by: Jill Girardi & Lydia Prime
October 10, 2022
Silent House Press
Reviewed by Brian “Skull” Lewis

Hello there, horror fiends! It’s your old pal Skull with a review of an amazing collection of short horror fiction from Silent House Press that I just know you’re going to love. Dark Murmurs is indeed a compendium of curiosities with the aim of shaking things up. The stories are breathtaking which is exactly what you’d expect from editors Jill Girardi & Lydia Prime, but this anthology also aims to bring attention to BIPOC and female writers. It has been proven time and time again that these writers are often treated as being less than or have their work dismissed because of gender and/or color issues that shouldn’t be. Just as no book should be judged by its cover, a story shouldn’t be turned down because of its writer. You will see the theme of discrimination brought up frequently in Dark Murmurs whether the protagonist is a human or a spider who’s just not going to take it anymore as in Webbed by Ellie Douglas. By calcium, this book has my bony digits clacking madly on the keyboard, so let’s keep a creepy thing going and check out more of Dark Murmurs!

In a story so vivid, you can feel the boot kicks, a cobbler and rabbi stuck in a WWII concentration camp create a golem to protect their fellow Jews from the Nazis. It is a success…for a while. But as the cobbler says at the end of The Cobbler And The Golem by Catherine McCarthy, “we cannot escape our fear…better to take it with us and learn to live with it.”  There is no master race and there never will be. Sadly, there is no shortage of people who hate others for things that cannot be changed.

Looking for a short story that will flat out terrify you with its twisted ending? Then check out Last Words by Richard Chizmar. This one’s going to give you a bad case of chills. The narrator tells us of how his wonderful grandfather raised he and his brother after a tragedy took their parents. Pops taught them how to fish, play baseball, and rewarded them with treasure hunts. I mean, what kid doesn’t want to go on a hike in the woods looking for buried treasure with maps and everything? Oh, what fun! The narrator loved these so much that when Pops mentions a final treasure hunt on his death bed, he can hardly wait to get started. But what he digs up brings a horrible realization. How the hell can one person be a loving parent and the epitome of evil at the same time?

Tea For Two by Elizabeth Massie also delivers a startling conclusion to what appears to be a standard love story. Will rescues Macy from the evil magician they both worked for. Daniel Dawson does a LOT more than just pull rabbits and endless scarves out of his hat. That stuff is mere child’s play for this friend of the devil, who can do horrible feats with his dark powers. Will falls in love with Macy and when Dawson turns her into a wooden dummy, gallantly tries to steal her away from the magician’s evil clutches. But he soon finds out that it’s impossible to run away from the truth. We are who we are despite the skin we’re in.

When I was a kid, my mom constantly hammered into my head that violence for any reason was wrong. Nice sentiment maybe, but I soon found out that turning the other cheek and all that jazz only works for saints in religious teachings. On the street in a new town every six months, I learned some different lessons. One of the main characters in Jill Girardi’s story One Every Year appears to have reached a similar conclusion. We get the story from Debbie who’s constantly getting yelled at and made to feel like trash by Uncle Hank. That seems to be Hank’s overall approach with family. Yell, hit, and dismiss. But when a bunch of hoochies pull up next his boat on the lake he’s a real charmer. Strangely enough after Debbie’s Aunt Ro tells them a story about a Native American Princess who haunts the lake, taking at least one victim every year, a rather major event happens to support her words. But was it caused by the Setauket princess’ ghostly powers or something a bit less ethereal?

What I’ve shared so far is just a tiny taste of the powerful stories included in Dark Murmurs I haven’t even told you about Philip Fracassi’s tale Serial Numbers which explains why it may be dangerous to fulfill one’s fantasies with money. Or why it’s a bad idea for immortals to fall in love with those who have a definite lifespan, as happens in Brandon Scott’s tale Stargazer Lily. But in all reality, your old pal Skull must wrap this review up so people can read it and find out how much they’ll enjoy having their own copy of Dark Murmurs-A Compendium Of Curiosities or gift it to someone who loves speculative fiction.

There’s just one thing left to do, rate this anthology using a system of 1 to 5 stars. Damaged Skull Writer and Reviewer rates Dark Murmurs a very hearty 5 STARS! Jam packed with awesome writers and edited by the power team of Jill Girardi & Lydia Prime this is a horror anthology you need to read. Avoid a boring winter by grabbing a copy of Dark Murmurs stat! For more information about this and upcoming releases, contact the publisher at: silenthousepress@gmail.com You can also contact the editors:

Jill Girardi:  Twitter: @Jill_Girardi
                       Instagram: @jill_girardi

Lydia Prime:  Facebook: @AuthorLydiaPrime
                         Instagram: @Helminthophobia

And don’t forget to follow me, your old pal Skull, at: www.damagedskullwriterandreviewer.com which will help your favorite independent authors, poets, and publishers. This an inclusive blog where everyone is valued, except for haters who are heartily encouraged to climb into the nearest industrial trash compactor and press start. My human host, Brian James Lewis is a disabled poet and writer with PTSD who has 3 new Beat Generation style poems in Trajectory Journal issue 23, available now! As is issue 22 which contains his terrifying short story Following My Destiny about misguided mass shooter Chance McCandless.