Wax Figures

by Aaron Weese

Set in modern-day Niagara Falls, Wax Figures is the story of Neil Folley, a 35 year-old gay, aspiring-sculptor who feels trapped in his present job at a failing wax museum, not long after leaving his disappointed Hockey-loving parents behind. That would be until his break-out hit wax exhibit of the obscure local legend the Rainbow Slasher led him to cross-paths with a handsome young stranger, the mysterious Bartley. The two quickly connect, and the stranger not only becomes Neil’s first real muse, but gives him the chance to make a marble statue that will last forever. Unfortunately Neil is too caught-up in his own drive (and feelings beyond lust) to fully-realize the dangerous costs involved. That is until Bartley reveals his dark past, and Neil must decide where both of their futures lie.

Aaron Weese's debut novella is a tight and tense American Giallo that will have you feverishly turning pages until the emotional, bloody conclusion!

111 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 20, 2023

Reviews

[Alex | | findingmontauk1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A modern slasher with some supernatural elements and m/m subplot, WAX FIGURES took me by surprise! While celebrating horror that came before, this new novella definitely makes its own waves. It's a story of obsession and ambition that I read in one sitting. There is some great suspense, an alternating timeline, and a big focus on serial killer(s) and plenty of death scenes. I had no idea which direction this would take, and I think it took the right one! I did not for one second feel comfortable with or safe from any character, adding to the mystery and intrigue of the overall story. A great debut read from this author for me! And we gotta give it up for the giallo-esque cover, right?!

[Christina Pfeiffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://www.uncomfortablydark.com/chr...

I love debut novellas or novels, they can give me a new author to keep my eyes on and friends, Aaron is one to watch.

Neil is hired at Madame Pinault’s wax museum to help restore some of the not so well done wax statues.  When Neil notices the most breath-taking man he has ever seen, he begins to follow him.  Neil uses the Adonis as his muse for creating a bygone killer, things start to get complicated. Will the legend come to life or is it all a 50+ year old rumor?

Guys, WAX FIGURES… wowzer. It’s a thriller, vampiric, m/m romance that feels like an older slasher movie. And I loved it all! There’s something special about this that I can’t exactly nail down for some reason but I will be thinking about this in the coming months. It’s like a The Picture of Dorian Gray mixed with some vampires. Maybe that’s why I love it so much. It’s very Oscar Wilde in style and feel. 

A HIGHLY RECOMMEND from this new Weese loving gal. 10/5.

[Scott Marciszewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wax Figures is an interesting supernatural novella with some mystery, some twists and turns, and a few intriguing main characters that suck you into the Niagara Falls landscape where the story takes place. It only took the first two chapters to completely lapse me into the mythos Weese creates for us. I particularly enjoyed the ending, which brought a smile to my face as I had come to care for these new characters. Any fan of modern LGBTQ supernatural stories will wholeheartedly enjoy this fast read. I highly recommend it to all.