Destination Unknown

by Trent Zelazny

Brian has found solace in alcohol, while Kate spends most of her time sedated. Until the night on the mountain road, and the briefcase they suddenly come to possess-an important briefcase that was not intended for them. Now, battling with their own inner struggles, the two of them become the targets of an unknown adversary less interested in the briefcase than in the games he can play. As their lives threaten to completely fall apart, Brian and Kate must find the strength not only to work together, but to face the horrible tragedy that haunts them both.

"I have someone new to admire." --Joe R. Lansdale, Edgar Award winner

"Trent Zelazny has already begun to carve out his own genre niche. He's got the right stuff to make fiction both engrossing and literate." --Tom Piccirilli, winner of two International Thriller Awards and four Bram Stoker Awards

"A gift for storytelling is in Trent Zelazny's genes." --Charles Ardai, publisher of Hard Case Crime

"Trent Zelazny will surprise you, entertain you, and take you places you've never been before." --Warren Lapine, World Fantasy and Hugo Award nominee

"Passion. Power! Fear! Zelazny is a force of wonder...and darkness!" --Joseph S. Pulver, Sr., author of the Lovecraftian novel Nightmare's Disciple


Trent Zelazny is the author of numerous short stories of horror, fantasy, suspense, erotica, and humor. A former professional drummer, he has also studied martial arts, animation, and film. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

156 pages, Paperback

First published December 5, 2011

About the author

Trent Zelazny was an American author of crime, horror, and fantastical fiction.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bunch of clichés from various thrillers strung together to make a novella. Nothing new or interesting here.

[Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's the scariest thing there is? In my opinion, it's the unknown. The faceless monster. In Destination Unknown Zelazny puts his characters, who already have enough trouble, into the cross hairs of a psychopath. The situation is reminiscent of old noir, mixed with some Cape Fear and contemporary suspense, becoming fully its own thing. Reading it, you can't help but wonder what you would do if in the same situation. I highly recommend this one.

[Jennifer Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

(This would be a 4.5 out of 5 if that was an option)

Brian and Kate are barely holding it together after having undergone a tragedy. They each have found their own ways of coping, but neither method is what you would call "healthy". What they are facing is pushing each to the brink and has taken its toll on their marriage. When they find themselves in possession of a mysterious briefcase, the contents seem like it might be a way to turn their lives back in a better direction, but the rightful owner has other plans. He will stop at nothing to get it back and the torment inflicted on Brian and Kate during his attempts make for a suspenseful read!

The number one thing that stuck out for me from this book is the dynamic between Brian and Kate. The emotions and the turmoil between the two are palpable. Every chapter had me wanting to move on to the next to find out what would happen. The only minor criticism I would touch upon is there were a few times where conversations are conducted in Spanish, and with my limited knowledge of the language, I didn't know exactly what was going on, but it didn't take away from the scene(s). If it weren't for responsibilities of daily life, I would have definitely finished it in one sitting! I highly recommend this book and hope that you'll give it and its extremely talented author a chance! I look forward to reading more from him!

[Lee Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read most of Zelazny's work, and along with To Sleep Gently, this is one of my new favorites.

Again, in Destination Unknown, Zelazny really puts the screws to his characters, and I relish that in a suspense tale. Just when you think you know where the story's going, -- blammo! -- you're off in a different direction and, by the end, careening downhill with no brakes. (I should warn you that I had to stop reading this one late at night because it was jacking my adrenaline and I couldn't get to sleep.)

The characters are deep as they are wounded. Brian and Kate tragically lost a son and think they've received a boon when they come across some money. A lot of money. But the owner wants it back, and will do anything to get it.

Destination Unknown will keep you guessing to the end, and wincing at every development along the way. Classic TZ with an 80s music soundtrack. Loved every freaking page. Please write another.

[Robert Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Trent Zelazny and mark my words, it won't be the last. This is probably one of the most powerful indie books I've read, hands down. Although short, the book covers a lot of emotional ground and has a level of depth you don't find in many longer works. The prose is exceptional, and the tension sucks you in and doesn't let go until the very end.

Destination Unknown is just short of perfect. I've read many books that I've been satisfied with how close they came to being amazing. This one, though I felt it was amazing, could have been in my top ten of all time if it had just a little more, be it pages, depth, something. It takes a special writer to write something this good, but it takes a special publisher to bring something this good to its full potential. And therein lies my only true criticism: I saw the potential for it to be one of the best.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a couple finds itself in possession of a briefcase filled with $160,000 of obviously illegally obtained $100 bills, its criminal owner terrorizes the two in his attempt to retrieve it.

Destination Unknown is a tense and at times heart-wrenching psychological piece in the vein of the classic stalker thriller. The author's style is bold, the characters well developed, and the pace nearly perfect. Although formulaic, Zelazny knows his genre and takes great efforts to turn common cliches on their heads. While I did not personally like the stylistic choice to fall into present tense in some internal dialog, it is clearly a stylistic choice and the story's prose is otherwise superb.