Tag: Damaged Skull Reviewer

IF YOU ENJOY THE WRITINGS OF H.P. LOVECRAFT AND TERRIFYINGLY BEAUTIFUL ARTWORK, YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE LETHE PRESS’S SPECIAL EDITION OF “THE COMMONPLACE BOOK” WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY MICHAEL BUKOWSKI

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Hello fans of all things weird and cosmic horror! Your old pal Skull just received this absolutely fascinating book from Lethe Press! A review is on its way, as soon as I can tear myself away from the marvelous illustrations by Michael Bukowski. They are bursting with color, texture, and imagination and when put next to words by H.P. Lovecraft-magical. All that is great, but something even better is that this book is currently on sale over on the Lethe Press website. I’d suggest you head on over to http://www.lethepressbooks.com and get yourself a copy now. I know it’s early days yet, but this will make an excellent holiday/birthday/Christmas gift for the speculative fiction lover in your life. Stay tuned and subscribe to read your old pal Skull’s full review soon. Also be sure to check out Michael Bukowski’s website http://www.lastchanceillustration.wordpress.com Be well and keep reading Independent Horror!

NEED TO STEP OUT OF MODERN DAY REALITY FOR COUPLE HOURS? THEN READ “FADE TO BLONDE” BY MAX PHILLIPS TO VISIT HOLLYWOOD IN THE 1950S AND TAG ALONG WITH RAY CORSON AS HE ATTEMPTS TO HELP OUT A HOT BLONDE IN TROUBLE

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FADE TO BLONDE
Max Phillips
5/11/2011
Hard Case Crime
Reviewed by Brian “Skull” Lewis

Hello fans of speculative fiction, it’s your old pal Skull with a selection from Hard Case Crime written by the imprint’s co-founder Max Phillips, Fade to Blonde.  I enjoy a good detective/mystery/crime novel now and then. They help one to escape tedious reality for a few hours and take a walk on the wild side. Maybe even have a few “aha moments” or make a run for your life without leaving your easy chair. You know, that whole “portable magic” deal that another writer for Hard Case Crime, a real cool cat by the name of Stephen King spun in his book On Writing. Anyhow, enough gabbing from me. This ain’t King’s novel, it’s one by Max Phillips. Let’s go check out Fade to Blonde!

When we first see narrator Ray Corson, he’s doing odd jobs in Hollywood California, working on a housing development to be specific. Nothing points to his true love, which is writing screenplays, but he’s got a typewriter stashed back at the shack and knows how to use it. Things get interesting when a flashy dame with a pair of 45’s drives up in a cool car and asks Ray for help with a delicate matter. In his heart, Ray knows it’s probably a bad idea. But his wallet is thinner than a Band-aid, she’s got cash, and he hasn’t had a decent meal in a week. Plus, she’s got those amazing Dagmars pointing at him. So, he jumps straight into trouble with both feet. Don’t worry though, Ray’s an ex-boxer who’s over 6 feet tall and hauling 245 pounds of muscle around under his duds. Just in case that’s not enough, he carries a friend in a holster. Not the usual hit first and ask questions later, type, Ray’s a good investigator with some good friends in tinsel town who help keep him in the know about important matters. Unfortunately, some knowledge and too much confidence can get a guy in trouble faster than a Studebaker going full tilt. Especially when said guy has a conscience and isn’t a fan of cheesy creeps or liars. Things get too hot, and it looks like Ray Corson is about to get iced. Will this be the last time he works in Hollywood, or ever? Find out all about it when you read Fade to Blonde by Max Phillips!  

Damaged Skull Writer and Reviewer rates Fade to Blonde FOUR STARS. It’s a swell, fast moving read that has some nice twists and turns. The book does a pretty good job of transporting readers back to a time that did not include smartphones or google. A time when actual people had to work together and there were certain individuals in every big city, who knew a lot more than they should and were willing to share for the right amount of green or favors in return. As a bonus the ending surprised even your old pal Skull. This book made me think of the Perry Mason series by Earle Stanley Gardener, which I happen to enjoy. I couldn’t really decide if I liked Ray Corson or not by the time Fade to Blonde wrapped, but perhaps that was Max Phillips’ intention. Bottom line: This story was a fun read and I encourage you to grab a copy!  

About my mortal:

Brian James Lewis is a disabled poet and writer with PTSD who finds writing to be vastly important to his recovery. Working class to the bone, he writes inclusive, real-world prose and poetry that hits home. Brian’s work has appeared in anthologies from Smoking Pen Press, No Bad Books, and HellBound Books. He’s also appeared in online publications like The Sunlight Press, the Hook of A Book Poetry Project, and The Sirens Call e-Zine. Most recently issue #26 of Trajectory Journal included his short story, “Going to be a Long. Cold, Winter.” Besides writing, Brian enjoys bringing old typewriters back to life, including a Royal KMM formerly owned by Rod Serling. Visit him at: www.damagedskullwriterandreviewer.com for news and independent book reviews, or on X/twitter@skullsnflames76. Your old pal Skull also lurks around on Facebook, so follow him there and help more writers get exposure.

IF YOU LIKE THE OLD WEST AND OLD MAGIC, “GOBLINS & GUNSLINGERS-FRESH BLOOD” BY IVAN K. CONWAY SHOULD BE ON YOUR FANTASY READING LIST!

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GOBLINS & GUNSLINGERS-FRESH BLOOD
Ivan K. Conway
TBR 7/10/2024
Prince of Harts Publishing
Reviewed by Brian “Skull” Lewis

Well, howdy pardners! It’s your old pal Skull with an interesting twist on the classic Western. The action happens in the old west and there are quite a few swaggering gunslingers ready to slap leather at the drop of a hat. There are plenty of saloons and houses of ill repute, too. What’s different is the folks out there doing battle. In Goblins & Gunslingers-Fresh Blood by Ivan K. Conway, magical creatures and various mixtures thereof jingle their spurs down dusty streets. Humans are present, but in the minority. You’re much more likely to see a goblinoid, elf, ogre, or even a vampire in a cleric’s getup including a wide brimmed hat to keep the sun at bay. They use a wide variety of weapons from pepperbox pistols to machetes and enchanted swords, all the way to magic.

Not one to dilly-dally, Conway sets us down right in the middle of the fray, using retrospective musings to fill us in on main protagonist, Helen Providence. Unfortunately, she’s got a bit of a drinking problem after an intensely difficult life that led to the loss of both her parents. At one time, she was considered a war hero, but now she leads a rough and ready posse of bounty hunters across places with names like Dustbin, Flamefield, and Carnage Canyon. Tethered to a powerful person named Mr. Balm, they must capture others in debt and give him their souls to reduce their own debts and the loss of their very being. But they’re not the only bounty hunters out there and things can get mighty tricky real fast if you’re not careful in these parts. Because, just like our current day, there is a serious amount of racial hatred out there with too many folks looking to exact vigilante justice. Best strategy is to keep your face covered by that classic western bandana and hat to avoid trouble. However, it’s kind of hard to keep covert in this spell slingin’, machete swingin’ crew! But you didn’t pick up this book to be bored, now did ya?

Damaged Skull Writer & Reviewer gives Goblins & Gunslingers-Fresh Blood by Ivan K. Conway a solid 4 STAR REVIEW! There’s action galore with a lot of positive elements like female empowerment, breaking out of the usual hail of bullets by using things like magic, enchanted swords, and smarts to handle trouble. The characters and scenery are interesting and memorable with enough conflict to keep things moving. Things get a little bit cluttered in a few spots, but it’s definitely worth the effort to continue. More details are revealed as the story progresses which leads to greater clarity for readers. I will also admit that your old pal Skull might not have a deep knowledge about magical beings and their abilities, which might have slowed my progress. Overall, a fun, fast paced read that I’d recommend to everybody. If you dig the old west and old magic, the Goblins & Gunslingers series of books was written for you!

Looking for more information about Ivan K. Conway? You can find him on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and also follow him on Amazon.com where you can preorder this book for $1.00 in Kindle format and/or purchase his previous novel. Goblins & Gunslingers-Bad Blood. As always, thanks for visiting your old pal Skull at Damaged Skull Writer and Reviewer! Please consider following us at www.damagedskullwriterandreviewer.com to see what’s next.

About my mortal:

Brian James Lewis is a disabled poet and writer with PTSD who finds writing to be vastly important to his recovery. Working class to the bone, he writes inclusive, real-world prose and poetry that hits home. Brian’s work has appeared in anthologies from Smoking Pen Press, No Bad Books, and HellBound Books. He’s also appeared in online publications like The Sunlight Press, the Hook of A Book Poetry Project, and The Sirens Call e-Zine. Besides writing, Brian enjoys bringing old typewriters back to life, including a Royal KMM formerly owned by Rod Serling. Visit him at: www.damagedskullwriterandreviewer.com for news and independent book reviews, or on X/twitter@skullsnflames76

IN THIS BRAND NEW RELEASE FROM PHILIP FRACASSI AND LETHE PRESS, “NO ONE IS SAFE!”

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NO ONE IS SAFE!
Philip Fracassi
April 5, 2024
Lethe Press
Reviewed by Brian “Skull” Lewis

Hello once again, you wonderful horror fiends, it’s your old pal Skull with an amazing short horror collection by Philip Fracassi. Not only that, but there is a fab introduction by Ronald Malfi that is an absolute treat to read. Just released this month by Lethe Press, No One Is Safe! Features fourteen stories giving readers over 300 pages of tales that both entertain and deliver that delicious fear we all crave to bust us out of our boring everyday lives. Let’s dig a little deeper, shall we?

Things start off with the innocent sounding title The Wish, but it quickly becomes clear that Jonathan’s birthday party isn’t going to run smoothly. His dad has a heart attack while trying to grill up some burgers mid-party and then has the audacity to die. What a party pooper! Everybody freaks out and boom, party over. Later that evening, a helpful neighbor tries to end the kid’s birthday on a happy note with the whole cake and candles thing. The still angry Jonathan makes a very specific and binding wish that will affect his entire life. Sometimes wishes do come true even if you wish they didn’t.

Another great story is Murder by Proxy which does a seamless job of marrying old school Humphrey Bogart detective fiction with what may be our AI controlled future. The detective on this case is Dixon “Dixie” Merriweather, who’s been a Los Angeles detective for over 20 years. He knows a few things, like how to talk to a homicide victim’s AI tabletop unit about what occurred in this unique case where it appears the guy just exploded. The unit, named “Beximo” seems cooperative, but there’s something about the whole situation that just isn’t adding up right. As Dixie digs deep, he realizes that the problem he’s trying to solve has frightening worldwide implications and that sometimes what you can’t see is the most lethal.

Sometimes a person makes a bad judgement call. We’re human, it happens. Most of the time we realize that there’s been a screw up and can fix at least some of the damage, apologize, maybe grovel if required. But when large sums of money enter the picture, many people toss good judgement out the window and will cheerfully dunk their head in a full toilet bowl again and again. Money talks and nobody walks. Overnight is a story about the treacherous road of deceit and the consequences. Pete is a night guard for a major movie company that’s shooting a flick in a remote area. He’s got his directions, knows what to do, but somehow when this dude shows up waving cash and asking for favors, he lets his guard down. Hell, Pete can make some big green from this guy if he just bends the rules a little. Then some bad shit goes down on his watch, putting him on the hot seat. Pete worries that he might end up behind bars, but soon finds out that there are far worse punishments than cooling your heels in prison.

“Marmalade” is your old pal Skull’s favorite story in No One Is Safe! It starts out with a young guy talking to a person who’s writing a book about exactly what happened in the neighborhood of Sabbath Corners. The main topic is an ancient old woman named Ms. Grimmel and her cat, Marmalade. As the interviewer goes about talking to multiple witnesses, more details fill in the picture, which is both wonderful and completely terrifying. Were miracles really happening in that little neighborhood or was it all the work of the devil? This approach is somewhat akin to Carrie by Stephen King with the kind of social revelations brought to us by Rod Serling’s The Twilight Zone.

I don’t think it will surprise anyone who’s read this far that Damaged Skull Writer and Reviewer gives No One Is Safe! By Philip Fracassi a very hearty FIVE STARS! I love short stories and these stories are awesome! Every tale grabs you by the collar and thrusts you into a new adventure that’s very different than the one before it. From what I understand, this was Fracassi’s aim with this collection and he definitely achieved it. The movie poster cover by Jim & Ruth Keegan lures you in and then the master takes over, pulling you into the pages like a giant red space monster that wants to “communicate”. No one puts it better than Ronald Malfi who says, You’re in it now, riding the high that is the powerhouse fiction of Philip Fracassi. If this is your first time reading Philip’s work, be prepared to become that self-confessed Fracassi junkie that I, too, have become. Highly recommended.

No One Is Safe is available at your favorite booksellers, including Amazon.com which also features all this author’s work and a cool way to follow him. For more information check out: Philip Fracassi’s website: www.pfracassi.com You can also visit him on Facebook/Instagram at pfracassi and on Twitter/X at: @philipfracassi. Also be sure to check out Lethe Press at: www.lethepressbooks.com for more great titles. You can also find them on Twitter/X @lethepress and Facebook and Instagram. Tell them that your old pal Skull sent ya! Thanks for popping by the Skullcave for another cool review and remember to support independent horror!

Philip Fracassi

About my mortal:

Brian James Lewis is a disabled poet and writer with PTSD who finds writing to be vastly important to his recovery. Working class to the bone, he writes inclusive, real-world prose and poetry that hits home. Brian’s work has appeared in anthologies from Smoking Pen Press, No Bad Books, and HellBound Books. He’s also appeared in online publications like The Sunlight Press, the Hook of A Book Poetry Project, and The Sirens Call e-Zine. Besides writing, Brian enjoys bringing old typewriters back to life, including a Royal KMM formerly owned by Rod Serling. Visit him at: www.damagedskullwriterandreviewer.com for news and independent book reviews, or on X/twitter@skullsnflames76

CREEPERS BY DAVID MORRELL LIVES UP TO ITS NAME AND TAKES READERS ON A THRILLING RIDE THROUGH A PAST AND PRESENT FULL OF EVIL

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CREEPERS
David Morrell
9/1/2006
CDS Books
Reviewed by Brian “Skull” Lewis

Hello horror fiends, and welcome to the Skullcave! Today your old pal Skull wants to share one of his favorite late-night reads, Creepers by David Morrell. One reason I like it is that it’s about a dank, treacherous place where one can be easily trapped and possibly die waiting for rescue. You know, a cozy place that seems a lot like home. Heh-heh-heh! But enough of my sentimental drivel, let’s get down to business and head over to the Paragon Hotel…

Located in the not very lovely seashore town of Asbury Park, New Jersey, the hotel was the brainchild of an eccentric millionaire. In the beginning it was quite famous and very classy and cutting edge. Unfortunately, it became a place left behind as the years rolled by and Asbury Park declined into a dangerous ghost town. Not the sort of place you want to hang out with the kiddies or have a carefree frolic. In fact, its owner committed suicide for mysterious reasons and the hotel remained shuttered for decades, unavailable to anyone until now. Unable to pay property taxes, the estate has no choice but to step aside and let the wrecking ball do its dirty work.

But before this can happen, the Creepers arrive for one last look at history. Professor Conklin and his small team of urban explorers will be the Paragon’s last guests. Leaving no mark, making no changes, the ghostly team will ease their way in to see what’s left. This time, things are a bit different. Frank Balenger, a reporter from the New York Times, is joining them to collect material for a feature he’s doing on the hot trend of urban exploring, a highly illegal activity that could have serious consequences for the individuals involved. Well, that’s what Balenger says he’s there for. It’s not long before he’s forced to reveal skills that no newspaper reporter is required to have and the other members of the group start asking questions.

When what seems like a lark turns into a trip into hell, the Creepers need Balenger just to stay alive. Booby traps made both by nature and man are everywhere in the rotting tomb that was once a proud pyramid. The Paragon Hotel is full of strange, mutated creatures, pirates, and a person so deranged that every step becomes a nightmare. There are also more complications when the professor reveals why the team of urban explorers is really risking life and limb inside the dark death trap. Also revealed is Balenger’s true reason for accompanying the team and why he’s so good at what he does. But as the odds keep mounting against them, the fun history trip becomes a fight for survival and all bets are off as to whether any of the Creepers will make it out of this hellhole full of twisted secrets alive.

Your old pal Skull gives CREEPERS a FIVE STAR RATING, without reservation. This action-packed thriller will get your blood pumping and keep you turning pages long after lights out. Morrell packs his work with well researched historical bits, something that makes the reading experience even more tangible. Kind of a 3-D effect, if you will. He also addresses mental health issues, PTSD to be exact, in Frank Balenger, connecting it to the nightmarish conflicts in the middle east that melted soldiers’ minds. Overall, a powerful novel that I’m very glad I read. There is also a sequel to Creepers called Scavenger that takes readers on another adventure with Frank Balenger. He’s tough and smart, but also human which makes him the kind of hero who’s accessible to readers. According to David Morrell’s website, davidmorrell.net there will be a movie made of Creepers in 2024. If that pans out, it should be a very interesting flick. Stay tuned!

Brian James Lewis is a disabled poet and writer with PTSD who finds writing to be vastly important to his recovery. Working class to the bone, he writes inclusive, real-world stories and poetry that hit home. Brian’s work has appeared in anthologies from Smoking Pen Press, No Bad Books, and HellBound Books. He’s also appeared in online publications like The Sunlight Press, the Hook of A Book Poetry Project, and The Sirens Call e-Zine. Besides writing, Brian enjoys bringing old typewriters back to life, including a Royal KMM formerly owned by Rod Serling. Visit him at: www.damagedskullwriterandreviewer.com for news and independent book reviews, or on X/twitter@skullsnflames76

“THE ELEVENTH DOOR” BY JAMES G. CARLSON IS THE PERFECT READ FOR LOVERS OF ALTERNATE WORLDS, AMAZING CREATURES, FRIGHTENING PLANTS, AND TOUGH DETECTIVES. JUST MAKE SURE TO BRING YOUR FLASHLIGHT!

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THE ELEVENTH DOOR
James G. Carlson
January 15, 2024
Gloom House Publishing
Reviewed by Brian “Skull” Lewis

Are you a fan of fantastic new worlds, detailed
mystical creatures, and detective stories? If so, your old pal Skull has a book
that you will absolutely love! Recently released by Gloom House Publishing, The
Eleventh Door by James G. Carlson is an amazing trip into the 11th
Realm, a magical but extremely dangerous place that exists within the cosmic
plane along with the Earth experience that most of us choose as our “normal”.

Madeline Sharpe is a disgraced detective who’s now in
the business of being a private eye. She’s also trying to heal after being the lead
detective on a bizarre series of grisly murders. Unfortunately, she’s spending
too much time pouring firewater down her neck in an effort to burn out the
horrors and having zero luck with that. She is succeeding at making her own
life a huge depressing mess, though. Her attempts at throwing herself down the
crapper are interrupted by two of her former police colleagues who are baffled
by a horrible case they can’t make any headway on. Especially not in the official,
rule following capacity they’re forced to operate in.

After an awkward start, Madeline takes the case. She’s
broke and not exactly having to turn jobs down, so getting paid is a good thing.
But if she thinks her previous case was a mind breaker, she ain’t seen nothing
yet! Dealing with a strange and very dangerous man named River and the eleventh
realm is going to stretch Madeline’s physical and mental capacities so far that
she may not make it back. Her journey starts with a cabbie named Flynn who
likes to travel with unique companions from the animal kingdom, a house from
hell, too many visits from the creeptastic River, a peeping Tom cockroach, and
falling in love with Lucas Hill. Nothing about this case is casual or business
as usual. Strange places, windows into another world that seem to open at
random, and creepy crawlies you’ll have nightmares about abound. River tells
Madeline that she must walk away from the investigation to save herself. But
there’s no way she’s going to do that. Too much damage has already been done in
the name of evil. With the fate of our world as we know it hanging in the
balance, Madeline leaps through The Eleventh Door.

Damaged Skull Writer and Reviewer gives The
Eleventh Door by James G. Carlson a glowing FIVE STARS! This
novel is an excellent combination of real and alternative worlds populated with
amazing creatures and unique characters that Carlson describes to us just
enough, so that our brains get to have fun picturing them. If I were to
make a comparison, I’d say that The Eleventh Door is a bit like Harry
Potter for adults with some Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy thrown
in. When I say that, I mean feel wise, Carlson’s work is not derivative of
those books in any way. Everything you’ll read is original James G. Carlson
magic, that’ll keep you in your seat for the entire ride. Have a snack and a
drink handy because once you start reading The Eleventh Door, you’re
not going to put it down until the very last sentence. You might even be sad
that the ride is over.

Or is it?

Fortunately for all of us, James says that he’s hard
at work on the next book in what might just become a series. Whoo-Hoo! While I
don’t like to go overboard on reviews, your old pal Skull encourages the folks
in Hollywood to take a walk through The Eleventh Door and get in
touch with Mr. Carlson before competition starts driving the price up for movie
and merchandise rights. Time for a hot new series to wow the world instead of remaking
the same damn movies multiple times. Also, consider checking out James’ novella
Midnight In The City of The Carrion Kid which also features an alternate
world and an awesome story line. Your old pal Skull says, “get it!”

For more information, check out the following links:

https://gloomhousepublishing.wordpress.com



https://godless.com/collections/james-g-carlson



www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-eleventh-door-james-g-carlson/1144576790



www.amazon.com just
click Books and type in The Eleventh Door

*Links are arranged in this order starting with
independent companies who really need your purchase vs more mainstream
companies like Barnes and Noble and Amazon. Whatever way you choose to get your
reading material, thank you for being brave and daring to step out of the corporate
boring box. You’re in for a treat!



SMOKING PEN PRESS DELIVERS 18 GREAT STORIES IN THEIR NEW WEATHER THEMED SPECULATIVE FICTION ANTHOLOGY “ILL WINDS AND WILD WEATHER”!

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ILL WINDS AND WILD WEATHER
Edited by Catherine Valenti & Laurie Gienapp
January 24, 2024
Smoking Pen Press
Reviewed by Brian “Skull” Lewis

Hello friends, It’s your old Pal Skull with a review of the very cool weather themed speculative fiction anthology Ill Winds and Wild Weather. Recently published by Smoking Pen Press as part of their Read On The Run series, this collection of 18 great stories includes work from both seasoned writers and those just getting started. This makes for a delightful mixture of voices telling stories in perfect-sized bites to enjoy throughout your day. Two thumbs up to Smoking Pen Press for this idea that helps people still enjoy reading in a world that continues to move faster with each passing year. Sometimes the idea of committing to a 500 plus page novel can be really daunting between all the smartphone alerts, having multiple jobs, and people just not being polite as they used to be. But a quick 15-minute story that packs a punch is perfect!

Care to take a peek inside Ill Winds and Wild Weather? Then put on your rain slickers, sunglasses, rubber boots, and helmets. There’s an Aggressive Mist heading our way! Cheryl Flinn tells us a tale of Irish magic gone wrong in this one. Molly had wanted to see Ireland and when a friend offered her son Dermot, as a guide, she took her up on it. Things had started well, but now she was waking up in a cave with giant cows walking about in a thick mist that was nearly impossible to see through and no Dermot. Something about the place with its giant stones and timeless aura seems wrong, so when an ancient looking woman arrives to lead her to Dermot and safety, Molly follows her. It’s the worst possible action she could take, but are there really any other options when one is trapped in an Aggressive Mist?

Well shiver me bones! There’s something about rain and especially lightning that can make for some truly terrifying times. Another good example of this is Stormy with a Chance of Murder by Alan Orloff. Meteorologist Mike Martell is TV weatherman whose forecasts haven’t been going so well lately and that’s not the only problem he has. In too many moments of weakness, Mike got involved with a much younger woman at the station and it was wonderful. Well, until recently, when she started blackmailing him for big bucks. If he doesn’t pay up, she’ll spill the beans to his wife and likely get him fired. Mike doesn’t have the money, still wants the mistress, and needs some kind of way to get out of the mess he’s in. Now he’s betting everything on his forecast of a MegaStorm that could help him get the hell out of dodge. But sometimes one can be too correct and that might be even worse. Great story with more twists than a cyclone!

Wet, wet, wet…I don’t know about you mortals, but too much rain makes your old pal Skull’s bones hurt, so for our next stop we’re going somewhere hot and dry. How about the dust bowls of Oklahoma? In Breathtaking by Warren Benedetto, Anabel and her brother Toby must stick close to the house because a dust storm can whip up any minute, turning a sunny day into gritty night within minutes. The dust is a terrifying killer that tries to get into everything it can, including the unfortunate neighbors who got caught walking home from the store. But there’s something else out there in the storm that looks like a woman in a billowing white dress and it screams. When Anabel tries to ask her parents about it, they clam up and say it was nothing. Still, there’s some kinds of nothing that can hurt a body real bad and you can’t ignore a banshee for long…

Ahhh! Well I’m all warm and toasty now, how about you folks? Oh right, I forgot flesh people still have to breathe! Sorry about that, heh-heh. That was just a tiny peek into this thrill-filled collection of weather themed stories that will make your days more exciting when you read them. Damaged Skull Writer and Reviewer rates Ill Winds and Wild Weather from Smoking Pen Press a brightly glowing 5 STARS! Your old pal Skull highly recommends this collection of 18 great speculative tales that are currently available for purchase in both e-book and physical format on Amazon.com and your favorite booksellers. For more information about Smoking Pen Press’ other fine titles and upcoming calls for submissions, go to: www.smokingpenpress.com.  As always, thanks for visiting the Skullcave, if you’re not yet a subscriber, please do so to help more independent writers be seen. We’re all in this together!

Brian James Lewis is a disabled poet and writer with PTSD who finds writing to be vastly important to his recovery. Working class to the bone, he writes inclusive, real-world stories and poetry that mirror real life. Most recently, Brian’s work has appeared in The Sunlight Press. His poignant piece “Flag In the Wind” can be read on their site free of charge. He’s also been featured in the Hook of a Book Poetry Project discussing mental health and the power of writing. A frequent contributor to Trajectory Journal, Brian’s short story, “Going To Be A Long, Cold Winter” will be included in upcoming issue #26. Besides writing, Brian enjoys bringing old typewriters back to life. Visit him at: www.damagedskullwriterandreviewer.com for news and independent book reviews, or on X/twitter@skullsnflames76

JAMES G. CARLSON’S NEW NOVEL “THE ELEVENTH DOOR,” JUST PRINTED BY GLOOM HOUSE PUBLISHING, HAS ARRIVED AT THE SKULLCAVE!

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Hello horror fans, it’s your old pal Skull with a cool new release from Gloom House Publishing! I’ve read previous works by James G. Carlson, and am looking forward to checking out The Eleventh Door. Here’s the back cover synopsis:

Madeline Sharpe, a disgraced detective turned private eye is asked by a former colleague to consult on a perplexing homicide case. She reluctantly accepts the job, but while following her quarry’s trail she encounters things she can’t explain. Things that defy reason. She then finds herself transported to a hidden realm populated by wild landscapes and strange creatures. All she can do is fight for survival and seek a way back home before the universe, and her sanity fully unravel…

Sounds intriguing, does it not? Those familiar with the work of James G. Carlson will know this is not his first foray into uncharted territory. Most recently his novella Midnight In The City Of The Carrion Kid took readers on a wild ride of a crazy underground city that is both beautiful and horrifying at the same time. Put plainly, it’s a really cool book. Carlson’s writing is also inclusive, bringing diversity to his characters that makes them OUR characters. This is really important because besides horror, James G. Carlson makes positive social statements with his work and this is something we need more than ever in our fast-paced world that seems to be trying very hard to de-humanize us.

The Eleventh Door is beckoning, so I must step inside, but your old pal Skull will be back soon with news and a review of this journey I’m looking forward to taking. For more information about this release and others, you can visit James G. Carlson and Gloom House on Facebook or visit Gloom House Publishing at: http://www.gloomhouse@yahoo.com

DAMAGED SKULL WRITER AND REVIEWER’S REVIEW OF “THE DAUGHTERS OF BLOCK ISLAND” IS NOW ON GOODREADS!

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The Daughters of Block Island by Christa Carmen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The Daughters of Block Island
Christa Carmen
10/10/2023
Thomas & Mercer
Reviewed by Brian “Skull” Lewis
Hello speculative fiction fans, it’s your old pal Skull with an exceptional tale of mystery by the one and only Christa Carmen. The Daughters of Block Island is a two-part journey that follows sisters Blake Bronson and Thalia Mills who have reached their twenties with no knowledge of each other until the recent unfolding of events. It appears that they’re both daughters of Maureen Mills who lives and works on the New England summer vacation destination, Block Island. But it’s not a very nice place to visit in the off season when all the sunshine, laughter, and quaint beach umbrellas disappear into stormy darkness where it is easy to hide secrets and maybe even a few bodies.
Blake Bronson arrives on Block Island with the hopes of finding answers about her tumultuous life of foster homes, bad relationships, and addiction to drugs and alcohol that have made her life unmanageable to say the least. She wants her newfound sobriety to keep her strong and in control. Instead, she finds the B and B she’s staying at, a New England manor called White Hall, vastly unnerving. Blake feels as if she’s stepped into one of the Victorian novels she read as a child. Still, she squares her shoulders and tries to focus on her goals even as the ghosts of her past and the real one that inhabits White Hall do their best to push her off course. Maybe if she can meet her birth mother, it’ll help her to understand why she’s the way she is. Maybe they can even be friends? She finds some unexpected allies to help her with her quest and a few really smarmy ones, like the owner of Graham’s Resort whose hormones go into overdrive the minute anything remotely female comes into view. It is during this time that she gets ahold of Thalia’s address and writes her a letter about what’s happening on Block Island. Unfortunately, Blake meets a gruesome end before she can reunite with her sister…
Somehow Blake’s letter makes it to Thalia’s apartment in Boston and even after death she can still speak to her sister through the power of the written word. A quick internet search reveals that Blake is real and also quite dead. The media claims that it’s the work of one of White Hall’s owners. That’s enough to make Boston lawyer Thalia leave her partner Laura behind to tackle the mystery of Blake’s sudden death and also to revisit her difficult mother, Maureen, who appears to have forgotten to tell her some important things. Even though the geographic distance isn’t huge, Thalia feels like she’s on another planet when the ferry deposits her back onto the tiny place where she grew up. It’s not a good feeling and if it weren’t for her best friend Sarah greeting her at the dock, she’d probably just jump back on the ferry and abandon Block Island like she did so many years ago to be rid of the pain, her weird mother, and the discrimination she felt for preferring women over men. Having a friend on the island is good, but it isn’t long before Thalia finds herself deep into trouble. Her arrival hasn’t gone unnoticed, and a lot of people don’t seem very happy that’s she’s come home. White Hall’s owner claims she’s innocent of wrongdoing while her greasy boyfriend keeps showing up unexpectedly. Thalia begs her mother to just tell her the truth, but Maureen can’t. As she learns the reasons why, The Daughters of Block Island rockets into high gear, pulling readers along with it. Heart pumping action, unbelievably good plot twists, and the secrets being revealed will keep your eyes glued to the pages until the ending.
Damaged Skull Writer and Reviewer gives The Daughters of Block Island a glowing 5 STARS! This is without a doubt, the best novel your ol pal Skull has read in many moons. In fact, The Daughters of Block Island by Christa Carmen gets my vote for best book of 2023. The twin story lines weave around each other beautifully and readers will be surprised by what develops before their amazed eyes. Carmen continues to pull tricks out of her hat until the terrifying, wave crashing finale. Not only is this one hell of a fine story but the author continues to do what makes her previous work so strong and special. Christa Carmen weaves important issues into her work without being preachy. She shows us all sides of addiction, the fear of relapse in recovery, the hurt and anger, and some of the whys. How violence against women is often condoned, the victims force fed excuses, repeatedly hurt and lied to. Carmen also pulls aside the curtains of a cute little town, the kind that is idolized in America, and shows what’s really going on, especially when no one’s looking. Her portrayal of Block Island really resonates with your old pal Skull because in a former life, I lived and ran a business in a similar place and the scars still remain. Bottom line, The Daughters of Block Island is an excellent book that appeals to a wide scope of readers. It’s for lovers of mysteries, horror, and excellent storytellers who have something to say and the power to help old wounds to finally heal.
Want more information about Christa Carmen’s work? Then go to: www.christacarmen.com She’s also taking orders for signed copies of The Daughters of Block Island which would make a great holiday gift! While you’re at it, please consider giving Damaged Skull Writer and Reviewer a follow here on WordPress. This is your old pal Skull wishing you Happy Holidays and safe travels until we meet again!
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CHRISTA CARMEN’S NEW NOVEL “THE DAUGHTERS OF BLOCK ISLAND IS A FANTASTIC MYSTERY THAT TAKES READERS ON A TERRIFYING JOURNEY INTO THE HEART OF A VICTORIAN NOVEL

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The Daughters of Block Island
Christa Carmen
10/10/2023
Thomas & Mercer
Reviewed by Brian “Skull” Lewis

Hello speculative fiction fans, it’s your old pal Skull with an exceptional tale of mystery by the one and only Christa Carmen. The Daughters of Block Island is a two-part journey that follows sisters Blake Bronson and Thalia Mills who have reached their twenties with no knowledge of each other until the recent unfolding of events. It appears that they’re both daughters of Maureen Mills who lives and works on the New England summer vacation destination, Block Island. But it’s not a very nice place to visit in the off season when all the sunshine, laughter, and quaint beach umbrellas disappear into stormy darkness where it is easy to hide secrets and maybe even a few bodies.

Blake Bronson arrives on Block Island with the hopes of finding answers about her tumultuous life of foster homes, bad relationships, and addiction to drugs and alcohol that have made her life unmanageable to say the least. She wants her newfound sobriety to keep her strong and in control. Instead, she finds the B and B she’s staying at, a New England manor called White Hall, vastly unnerving. Blake feels as if she’s stepped into one of the Victorian novels she read as a child. Still, she squares her shoulders and tries to focus on her goals even as the ghosts of her past and the real one that inhabits White Hall do their best to push her off course. Maybe if she can meet her birth mother, it’ll help her to understand why she’s the way she is. Maybe they can even be friends? She finds some unexpected allies to help her with her quest and a few really smarmy ones, like the owner of Graham’s Resort whose hormones go into overdrive the minute anything remotely female comes into view. It is during this time that she gets ahold of Thalia’s address and writes her a letter about what’s happening on Block Island. Unfortunately, Blake meets a gruesome end before she can reunite with her sister…

Somehow Blake’s letter makes it to Thalia’s apartment in Boston and even after death she can still speak to her sister through the power of the written word. A quick internet search reveals that Blake is real and also quite dead. The media claims that it’s the work of one of White Hall’s owners. That’s enough to make Boston lawyer Thalia leave her partner Laura behind to tackle the mystery of Blake’s sudden death and also to revisit her difficult mother, Maureen, who appears to have forgotten to tell her some important things. Even though the geographic distance isn’t huge, Thalia feels like she’s on another planet when the ferry deposits her back onto the tiny place where she grew up. It’s not a good feeling and if it weren’t for her best friend Sarah greeting her at the dock, she’d probably just jump back on the ferry and abandon Block Island like she did so many years ago to be rid of the pain, her weird mother, and the discrimination she felt for preferring women over men. Having a friend on the island is good, but it isn’t long before Thalia finds herself deep into trouble. Her arrival hasn’t gone unnoticed, and a lot of people don’t seem very happy that’s she’s come home. White Hall’s owner claims she’s innocent of wrongdoing while her greasy boyfriend keeps showing up unexpectedly. Thalia begs her mother to just tell her the truth, but Maureen can’t. As she learns the reasons why, The Daughters of Block Island rockets into high gear, pulling readers along with it. Heart pumping action, unbelievably good plot twists, and the secrets being revealed will keep your eyes glued to the pages until the ending.

Damaged Skull Writer and Reviewer gives The Daughters of Block Island a glowing 5 STARS! This is without a doubt, the best novel your ol pal Skull has read in many moons. In fact, The Daughters of Block Island by Christa Carmen gets my vote for best book of 2023. The twin story lines weave around each other beautifully and readers will be surprised by what develops before their amazed eyes. Carmen continues to pull tricks out of her hat until the terrifying, wave crashing finale. Not only is this one hell of a fine story but the author continues to do what makes her previous work so strong and special. Christa Carmen weaves important issues into her work without being preachy. She shows us all sides of addiction, the fear of relapse in recovery, the hurt and anger, and some of the whys. How violence against women is often condoned, the victims force fed excuses, repeatedly hurt and lied to. Carmen also pulls aside the curtains of a cute little town, the kind that is idolized in America, and shows what’s really going on, especially when no one’s looking. Her portrayal of Block Island really resonates with your old pal Skull because in a former life, I lived and ran a business in a similar place and the scars still remain. Bottom line, The Daughters of Block Island is an excellent book that appeals to a wide scope of readers. It’s for lovers of mysteries, horror, and excellent storytellers who have something to say and the power to help old wounds to finally heal.

Want more information about Christa Carmen’s work? Then go to: www.christacarmen.com She’s also taking orders for signed copies of The Daughters of Block Island which would make a great holiday gift! You can also contact her on X (formerly Twitter) @christaqua. While you’re at it, please consider giving Damaged Skull Writer and Reviewer a follow here on WordPress. This is your old pal Skull wishing you Happy Holidays and safe travels until we meet again!