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Muerte Con Carne
Human flesh tacos, hardcore wrestling, and angry cannibal Mexicans
Welcome to the Border!
The no-man’s land on the United States/Mexico border is the perfect place for getting away with any crime. With the right connections and with the right amount of money you can run drugs, smuggle people, commit murder, and do much worse.
Felix and Marta came to Mexico to film a documentary on illegal immigration. When Marta suddenly goes missing, Felix must find his lost love in the small border town. A dangerous place housing corrupt cops, borderline maniacs, and something much more worse than drug gangs, something to do with a strange Mexican food cart…
From Shane McKenzie, one of the most imaginative new voices in horror comes a south of the border Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
Welcome to the Border!
The no-man’s land on the United States/Mexico border is the perfect place for getting away with any crime. With the right connections and with the right amount of money you can run drugs, smuggle people, commit murder, and do much worse.
Felix and Marta came to Mexico to film a documentary on illegal immigration. When Marta suddenly goes missing, Felix must find his lost love in the small border town. A dangerous place housing corrupt cops, borderline maniacs, and something much more worse than drug gangs, something to do with a strange Mexican food cart…
From Shane McKenzie, one of the most imaginative new voices in horror comes a south of the border Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
184 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
11 people are currently reading
440 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 21, 2021
Ah, yes, for those who don't speak and understand Spanish, MUERTE CON CARNE means, directly translated, 'Ejaculate of the Anorexic Octopus'. It is a social commentary of the far reaching effect eating disorders can have when projected by influencers.
Or, it means, 'Spleen of the Dragonfly'. It is a martial arts cookbook about the delicacies of sushi preparation.
Or, it means, 'The Masked Soup-Bone'. It is a wrestling book of the Lucha Libre Mexican movement and the way they try to improve wrestling, especially in regards to the design of the ring.
Or, if you haven't figured it out by now, I don't know any Spanish.
So, this book is dark, brutal, gross and extreme - all the good words for some - but ultimately, I think this is a story of hope, above all else.
Why, you ask?
Well, as we all know, most of the TEXAS CHAINSAW type stories have shown us that most incestuous cannibal families tend to stick together, no matter what.
This story was refreshing because it showed that even these messed up people can be so dysfunctional that Christmas with the in-laws doesn't look so bad anymore - I hope...
Be warned, this story is pretty fucked up by anyone's standards.
I hope...
Or, it means, 'Spleen of the Dragonfly'. It is a martial arts cookbook about the delicacies of sushi preparation.
Or, it means, 'The Masked Soup-Bone'. It is a wrestling book of the Lucha Libre Mexican movement and the way they try to improve wrestling, especially in regards to the design of the ring.
Or, if you haven't figured it out by now, I don't know any Spanish.
So, this book is dark, brutal, gross and extreme - all the good words for some - but ultimately, I think this is a story of hope, above all else.
Why, you ask?
Well, as we all know, most of the TEXAS CHAINSAW type stories have shown us that most incestuous cannibal families tend to stick together, no matter what.
This story was refreshing because it showed that even these messed up people can be so dysfunctional that Christmas with the in-laws doesn't look so bad anymore - I hope...
Be warned, this story is pretty fucked up by anyone's standards.
I hope...
December 20, 2017
Grisly, harrowing and impossible to put down. Good meat makes the taco, and no-one prepares it better than Mama. Mix a family of depraved cannibals, El Gigante's special belt and some corrupt locals, and you have the perfect recipe for an action filled splatterfest. The menudo is to die for.
January 11, 2018
“The moon was a dead pig’s eye watching them, dripping its pus-colored light over the yard.”
Cristobal runs the best damn taco truck this side of the border. So yummy. Lucha Libre mask collections, Marta with a cause, El Gigante looking for love, and newborn baby bungee fun!!
A gross out fest with characters that have zero redeeming qualities who run across a family of characters with even less redeeming qualities (outside of making the best menudo on the planet). Let’s get ready to ruuuumble.
I was hoping everyone would die in this one. Seriously. Everyone.
You will need to be in the mood for this one. It’s messy. Yep. I liked it. Tastes like chicken.
Cristobal runs the best damn taco truck this side of the border. So yummy. Lucha Libre mask collections, Marta with a cause, El Gigante looking for love, and newborn baby bungee fun!!
A gross out fest with characters that have zero redeeming qualities who run across a family of characters with even less redeeming qualities (outside of making the best menudo on the planet). Let’s get ready to ruuuumble.
I was hoping everyone would die in this one. Seriously. Everyone.
You will need to be in the mood for this one. It’s messy. Yep. I liked it. Tastes like chicken.
February 15, 2015
If I'm going to review Muerte con Carne by horror writer Shane McKenzie, I'm going to have to start by offering some major disclaimers...
1) I am currently a Kickstarter backer for Luchagore Production's El Gigante , a short film based on the first chapter of Muerte con Carne.
2) I've always had a soft spot for Luchador horror movies, those Mexican wrestlers films that usually had wrestlers in masks, ever since I first saw the first Sampson (El Santo) movies and Wrestling Women vs. The Aztec Mummy back when I was a kid. You could say that it is one of my many guilty pleasures. So any book that features a masked wrestler is certainly going to get my attention.
3. How can you not like a writer who tries to look all Ernest Hemingway macho while wearing a pink princess back pack.?
But with all those disclaimers, I can honestly state that Muerte con Carne is a edge-of-your-seat riot, steeped in the literary tradition of Jack Ketchum's Off Season, drenched in the scares and gore of movie influences like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and permeated with the odors of human flesh tacos. The novel is set on the border of the United States and Mexico. A family is regularly kidnapping people who are attempting to come into the United States illegally and, when they are taken to the abductors' home, are pitted against a huge wrestler named El Gigante who mangles and slaughters them. The corpses are then cut up and eaten by the family who then takes the left-overs and uses them in tacos which are sold on the street. Yum! Tastes just like chicken! In the first chapter we are introduced to this family who are the most grotesque bunch of monsters since the Westboro Baptist Church. At least the WBC aren't cannibals....as far as we know.
Enter Felix and Marta who have arrived in a small border town to make a documentary of the border patrol's abuse of people crossing the border. Also arriving to this reading is my only real issue with the book. Felix is a bit of a wimp and emotionally abused by his girlfriend while Marta is a bit borderline...and I'm not talking about her documentary. Frankly, she's that word my mother said I should never call women and it is hard to understand what Felix sees in her despite a bit of back story existing to explain her actions. She also makes really stupid choices which are the equivalent of going into a haunted house and splitting up. Yet I liked Felix and it is to the author's credit that he manages to elicit enough understanding for both protagonists to allow the reader to care for them. On the other hand, caring for any one character in a mega-gore fest like this can be a slippery bowl of menudo.
Yet this book is mainly about action and horror. It works mostly because the author created a very scary and very menacing set of villains. From the wrestler to the matriarch to a very weird and disgusting kid, these are the type of characters that both revolt and fascinate. There's some nice build-up as Felix meets a few of them early on but it really takes off when we get to see the monsters up close and personal. The novel is an excellent example of horror and pulp fiction taken to its highest, if still visceral, levels.
There is one other thing that impress me even if it was a bit understated. Early one, McKenzie sets up the environment of the border town and that of the plight of undocumented entries into the US. This issue is nicely handled by the author and shows a certain level of concern and caring that is especially placed in focus by our normally selfish Marta. There's a reason for this and it adds another dimension to this novel. I understand that Shane McKenzie will be writing at least one sequel and I am hoping he adds on to this aspect of this story.
Now for the inevitable warning: Those who regularly read my reviews know that not only do I have eclectic tastes but I also tend to lean toward the extreme often. These is one of those extremes to the max. If you are at all squeamish or put off by gore, violence, and/or cannibalism you will want to avoid this book. However if you are the kind of person who eats Habanero peppers by the handful and complain they are not spicy enough, you will probably love this book. You get my drift?
1) I am currently a Kickstarter backer for Luchagore Production's El Gigante , a short film based on the first chapter of Muerte con Carne.
2) I've always had a soft spot for Luchador horror movies, those Mexican wrestlers films that usually had wrestlers in masks, ever since I first saw the first Sampson (El Santo) movies and Wrestling Women vs. The Aztec Mummy back when I was a kid. You could say that it is one of my many guilty pleasures. So any book that features a masked wrestler is certainly going to get my attention.
3. How can you not like a writer who tries to look all Ernest Hemingway macho while wearing a pink princess back pack.?
But with all those disclaimers, I can honestly state that Muerte con Carne is a edge-of-your-seat riot, steeped in the literary tradition of Jack Ketchum's Off Season, drenched in the scares and gore of movie influences like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and permeated with the odors of human flesh tacos. The novel is set on the border of the United States and Mexico. A family is regularly kidnapping people who are attempting to come into the United States illegally and, when they are taken to the abductors' home, are pitted against a huge wrestler named El Gigante who mangles and slaughters them. The corpses are then cut up and eaten by the family who then takes the left-overs and uses them in tacos which are sold on the street. Yum! Tastes just like chicken! In the first chapter we are introduced to this family who are the most grotesque bunch of monsters since the Westboro Baptist Church. At least the WBC aren't cannibals....as far as we know.
Enter Felix and Marta who have arrived in a small border town to make a documentary of the border patrol's abuse of people crossing the border. Also arriving to this reading is my only real issue with the book. Felix is a bit of a wimp and emotionally abused by his girlfriend while Marta is a bit borderline...and I'm not talking about her documentary. Frankly, she's that word my mother said I should never call women and it is hard to understand what Felix sees in her despite a bit of back story existing to explain her actions. She also makes really stupid choices which are the equivalent of going into a haunted house and splitting up. Yet I liked Felix and it is to the author's credit that he manages to elicit enough understanding for both protagonists to allow the reader to care for them. On the other hand, caring for any one character in a mega-gore fest like this can be a slippery bowl of menudo.
Yet this book is mainly about action and horror. It works mostly because the author created a very scary and very menacing set of villains. From the wrestler to the matriarch to a very weird and disgusting kid, these are the type of characters that both revolt and fascinate. There's some nice build-up as Felix meets a few of them early on but it really takes off when we get to see the monsters up close and personal. The novel is an excellent example of horror and pulp fiction taken to its highest, if still visceral, levels.
There is one other thing that impress me even if it was a bit understated. Early one, McKenzie sets up the environment of the border town and that of the plight of undocumented entries into the US. This issue is nicely handled by the author and shows a certain level of concern and caring that is especially placed in focus by our normally selfish Marta. There's a reason for this and it adds another dimension to this novel. I understand that Shane McKenzie will be writing at least one sequel and I am hoping he adds on to this aspect of this story.
Now for the inevitable warning: Those who regularly read my reviews know that not only do I have eclectic tastes but I also tend to lean toward the extreme often. These is one of those extremes to the max. If you are at all squeamish or put off by gore, violence, and/or cannibalism you will want to avoid this book. However if you are the kind of person who eats Habanero peppers by the handful and complain they are not spicy enough, you will probably love this book. You get my drift?
November 6, 2013
This is the kind of book that makes nonhorror readers look down on horror readers. Which is to say this is an all out gore and guts gross out torture porn fest with zero literary pretensions. And quite regrettably so, because judging from scant evidence provided here Shane McKenzie can write is he so chooses. So then it's a choice and he chooses to offer up this, a book the main adjective to describe would be disgusting, as disgusting as the cover, so no false advertising there. Finny thing...at the very end McKenzie sort of winks and nudges his audience implying that there are certainly some out there who would enjoy precisely this brand of yuck. Surely there must be. Not my thing, though. Sometimes underneath the gore in these types of books there are redeeming qualities, strong characters, morals, something...not the case here. The main characters are so unlikable, the reader couldn't care less about their survival. The woman is a bipolar moody emotional mess, her boyfriend so bewildered by her feminine wiles as to forgo all reason. She makes idiotic choices, he follows, led by his heart or another prominent body organ. Lo and behold the craziness that follows. If this book doesn't turn you into a vegetarian, at the very least it'll make you second guess ordering street food.
May 6, 2013
Oh man. This book was so cool. The best book I've read in ages. Imagine Jack Ketchum's "Off Season" mixed with Tobi Hooper's "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and add a giant retarded Mexican wrestler. Awesome! Shane Mckenzie rules!
March 24, 2013
Muerte Con Carne by Shane McKenzie
Marta and Felix were in a relationship that had its problems, yet Felix was bound and determined to solve them in his own way by proposing marriage. Marta however, known for her mood swings, had an agenda of her own. After explaining to Felix her mission to prove and expose the way the Border Patrol mistreats immigrants they take into custody from Mexico, and the treatment by La Migra which includes beatings and horrific imprisonments where even worse occurs. Felix sees an opportunity to prove his love and reluctantly agrees to follow Marta on her calling to allow both of them to be caught trying to cross the border. In a secluded area located among the border lives a dysfunctional twisted family. The large household includes a demented mother, a family cook, a small troubled boy named Rogelio, and a man of great size and power called El Gigante who has been inspired by The Mexican Wrestling Federation to provide a distorted bloodthirsty form of entertainment for his clan. El Gigante steps into a homemade ring and battles his kidnapped opponents in a wrestling match to the death. Once the carnage is completed the remains of the adversary is then made into appetizing Mexican delicacies. As Marta and Felix begin their self appointed journey they soon realize there is more than one kind of menace that awaits them at the border.
With his latest release, Shane McKenzie tackles the controversial subject of illegal immigration. However, it seems any issue he covers quickly becomes warped and morphs into an unstable nightmare that one cannot wake from. Combining the up close and personal migration of people from Mexico with a terrorizing family resembling the Texas Chainsaw Massacre brood, Shane introduces each vulgar character without kid gloves, and in a way of giving his readers that no-nonsense, guilty pleasure entertainment they desire. The expressive settings flow together nicely, but it's the tiny disturbing details that surround these ghastly scenes that will brand an imprint into the mind of the reader. This book includes a heavy, unsettling story line, unforgettable individuals that are both colorful and gruesome, the best author photo hands down, and an ending that will leave a long lasting delectable taste in one’s mouth that will surely result in wanting more.
Marta and Felix were in a relationship that had its problems, yet Felix was bound and determined to solve them in his own way by proposing marriage. Marta however, known for her mood swings, had an agenda of her own. After explaining to Felix her mission to prove and expose the way the Border Patrol mistreats immigrants they take into custody from Mexico, and the treatment by La Migra which includes beatings and horrific imprisonments where even worse occurs. Felix sees an opportunity to prove his love and reluctantly agrees to follow Marta on her calling to allow both of them to be caught trying to cross the border. In a secluded area located among the border lives a dysfunctional twisted family. The large household includes a demented mother, a family cook, a small troubled boy named Rogelio, and a man of great size and power called El Gigante who has been inspired by The Mexican Wrestling Federation to provide a distorted bloodthirsty form of entertainment for his clan. El Gigante steps into a homemade ring and battles his kidnapped opponents in a wrestling match to the death. Once the carnage is completed the remains of the adversary is then made into appetizing Mexican delicacies. As Marta and Felix begin their self appointed journey they soon realize there is more than one kind of menace that awaits them at the border.
With his latest release, Shane McKenzie tackles the controversial subject of illegal immigration. However, it seems any issue he covers quickly becomes warped and morphs into an unstable nightmare that one cannot wake from. Combining the up close and personal migration of people from Mexico with a terrorizing family resembling the Texas Chainsaw Massacre brood, Shane introduces each vulgar character without kid gloves, and in a way of giving his readers that no-nonsense, guilty pleasure entertainment they desire. The expressive settings flow together nicely, but it's the tiny disturbing details that surround these ghastly scenes that will brand an imprint into the mind of the reader. This book includes a heavy, unsettling story line, unforgettable individuals that are both colorful and gruesome, the best author photo hands down, and an ending that will leave a long lasting delectable taste in one’s mouth that will surely result in wanting more.
July 10, 2013
This novella was excellent if ur looking for a relentless, brutal, gory ride! It will take hold and won't let go til the end. Hope you like Hispanic cuisine. I, myself, just passed up some menudo and reading this book didn't help! But in the end, I did find it entertaining.
October 24, 2021
Yes! I got to brush up on my Spanish and it was good!
Sesos!!!!! eiye
Great fun, add in some mexican wrestling and a good ole fashion Mexican family BBQ!
First book from Shane for me and it was a great time!
Sesos!!!!! eiye
Great fun, add in some mexican wrestling and a good ole fashion Mexican family BBQ!
First book from Shane for me and it was a great time!
February 23, 2017
Così si scrive un horror!!!
November 5, 2013
Holy crap! MUERTE CON CARNE is easily the best horror story I've read in quite some time. Author Shane McKenzie evokes the brutal spirit of Richard Laymon and finishes with an ending so dark it makes the bleakest ending of a Brian Keene novel look like the Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah finale in Song of the South. MUERTE CON CARNE is tacos, luchadores and long pig and that's just the fun parts!
This story is brutal. It is NOT for the squeamish. McKenzie writes with the ability to turn your stomach without being ultra descriptive about it. He uses the subtle tactic of taking something you know, a sound and sight and using it against you to create a vision so vile you may need to keep a bucket beside you while you read.
Yet, this story has so much more going for it then pure gore. The plot is thick and gripping. The characters are rich and vivid. There is a love story, there is a survival story, there is a story of humanity. There is an ambiguous feeling about the evil forces in this book. It's dizzying and awe inspiring.
It doesn't take many pages to realize reading MUERTE CON CARNE is going to be something special. This story takes it's cues from the greatest tales from the 80's and 90's era horror. If you have been yearning for succulent horror forever you WILL soak up the macabre brutality of MUERTE CON CARNE like a piece of tortilla soaks up the greasy fat of a bowl of steamy meneudo.
This story is brutal. It is NOT for the squeamish. McKenzie writes with the ability to turn your stomach without being ultra descriptive about it. He uses the subtle tactic of taking something you know, a sound and sight and using it against you to create a vision so vile you may need to keep a bucket beside you while you read.
Yet, this story has so much more going for it then pure gore. The plot is thick and gripping. The characters are rich and vivid. There is a love story, there is a survival story, there is a story of humanity. There is an ambiguous feeling about the evil forces in this book. It's dizzying and awe inspiring.
It doesn't take many pages to realize reading MUERTE CON CARNE is going to be something special. This story takes it's cues from the greatest tales from the 80's and 90's era horror. If you have been yearning for succulent horror forever you WILL soak up the macabre brutality of MUERTE CON CARNE like a piece of tortilla soaks up the greasy fat of a bowl of steamy meneudo.
June 18, 2013
Two things straight off:
1. Late teens/early 20s Raye, would've loved this. She would've been able to stomach this ultra-hot, spicy meal.
2.I feel like there aren't any good/nice/pleasant words I can use to review this. It's all going to sound bad.
The plot isn't terribly new. You know cannibalistic, incest practicing family, and mysteriously acquired super delicious meat. What is new is that it takes place in Mexico and features a monstrously huge wrestler, a terrifying ring, and horrible consequences when people lose the match.
The secondary plot involves a woman named Marta, dragging her boyfriend Felix down to Mexico to film a documentary on illegal immigrants/border crossings.
You can get guess what happens with Marta, and Felix, can't you?
There is quite a bit of rather visceral descriptions, and gross scenes. I admit to cringing a lot during parts. It was seriously hard for me to finish.
A small complaint is that I didn't like any of the characters. So, when something horrible happened to them, I didn't feel bad. More likeable characters = more horror.
1. Late teens/early 20s Raye, would've loved this. She would've been able to stomach this ultra-hot, spicy meal.
2.I feel like there aren't any good/nice/pleasant words I can use to review this. It's all going to sound bad.
The plot isn't terribly new. You know cannibalistic, incest practicing family, and mysteriously acquired super delicious meat. What is new is that it takes place in Mexico and features a monstrously huge wrestler, a terrifying ring, and horrible consequences when people lose the match.
The secondary plot involves a woman named Marta, dragging her boyfriend Felix down to Mexico to film a documentary on illegal immigrants/border crossings.
You can get guess what happens with Marta, and Felix, can't you?
There is quite a bit of rather visceral descriptions, and gross scenes. I admit to cringing a lot during parts. It was seriously hard for me to finish.
A small complaint is that I didn't like any of the characters. So, when something horrible happened to them, I didn't feel bad. More likeable characters = more horror.
March 10, 2021
Loved it. Very moreish.....just like the tacos! 😉🌮
My first Shane McKenzie, but definitely won't be my last!
My first Shane McKenzie, but definitely won't be my last!
November 27, 2013
Marta and Felix begin this story as two people in a rocky relationship that is always on the cusp of derailing. Marta wants to film an expose on the border agents and La Migra and their treatment of those who attempt to cross the border. Marta has personal demons. Her parents vanished when she was very young, and she feels that this cinematic undertaking is a way to settle her troubled spirit and put the issue to bed. She plans to get caught trying to sneak across the border, with or without Felix with a hidden mic to expose the injustices. Felix doesn't think she's quite thought it through, but he goes with her out of love and obligation.
Soon, Marta is abducted by El Gigante, a giant Mexican wrestler whose opponents normally end up as serious competition for Taco Bell. The entire time I was reading, I was there. This could easily be adapted for the screen by someone like After Dark Films or Lionsgate, and with Shane McKenzie's star growing with each new release, I see no reason why he can't begin to catch up to Brian Keene in terms of film deals.
Gorehounds will be glad to know that his most recent release, Fat Off Sex and Violence ups the ante considerably. 2014 stands to be an even busier year than the previous for Shane. He is poised to be recognized as an auteur of the extreme.
Soon, Marta is abducted by El Gigante, a giant Mexican wrestler whose opponents normally end up as serious competition for Taco Bell. The entire time I was reading, I was there. This could easily be adapted for the screen by someone like After Dark Films or Lionsgate, and with Shane McKenzie's star growing with each new release, I see no reason why he can't begin to catch up to Brian Keene in terms of film deals.
Gorehounds will be glad to know that his most recent release, Fat Off Sex and Violence ups the ante considerably. 2014 stands to be an even busier year than the previous for Shane. He is poised to be recognized as an auteur of the extreme.
July 10, 2013
this was my first shane mckenzie read and I loved it, it was a fun easy read with lots of brutal violence and gross out Gore. the main characters where kind of stupid but in a very believable way, and the descriptions of everything where excellent. in the beginning the description of the Mexican food being sold out of the vendor stand had me drooling all over myself even though I knew they where human meat. the only slow part for me was one of the wrestling scenes which was a bit drawn out especially since it wasn't really wrestling so much as it was a half retarded cannibal beating a man who was practically dead when he was thrown in the ring to begin with the rest of the way to death. all in all it was an enjoyable read and I will look forward to more from this author.
November 12, 2016
A nasty little gem of a tale. Marta drags Felix with her to do a documentary about the horrors of illegal immigrants trying to get into the US and how they're treated. The REAL story is about the delicious food served up by a Mexican food truck. Just what makes those tacos and menudo so heavenly?
January 28, 2019
Sick!!!
I'm a sucker for dysfunctional families, so I loved this book. What do you get when you cross cannibalism, incest, and mental illness? This book! Read it, but not while eating, especially from a food truck.
I'm a sucker for dysfunctional families, so I loved this book. What do you get when you cross cannibalism, incest, and mental illness? This book! Read it, but not while eating, especially from a food truck.
August 7, 2020
I’m hungry
Well.... as a lucha libre fan and a chef i really want Mama’s recipes for menudo and barbacoa yumm.... the book is good well written and flows great story.
Well.... as a lucha libre fan and a chef i really want Mama’s recipes for menudo and barbacoa yumm.... the book is good well written and flows great story.
July 3, 2015
Review from: http://horrorunderground.org/2015/07/...
MUERTE CON CARNE
Deadite Press
Author: Shane McKenzie
By now, I am sure it is no secret that I am huge sucker for horror novels with a splatter lean. After reading Wet and Screaming, the new short fiction collection from Shane McKenzie, I knew I had to read more from this author. Being new to his writing, I had to go with Muerte Con Carne, likely his most infamous title. As luck would have it, I was given a review copy of Muerte at the same time that I received a review screener of El Gigante, a short film based on Muerte Con Carne, the first chapter anyway. El Gigante just so happens to be written by McKenzie as well. Gigante is a blast and you can read my review of it here.
Back to the main story, Muerte Con Carne is the story of Felix and Marta, a couple which sets out to make a documentary on the horrible treatment of captured illegals found crossing the US/Mexico border. Unbeknownst to them, the town and area of border they are investigating is home to a family of cannibalistic Mexicans that are capturing the illegals and are chopping them up and putting them in their tacos and menudo…and serving it in a food truck in the local town.
The story is a clear homage to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The difference is that it has a Mexican flair and brings one thing that Tobe Hooper never thought to add: a lucha libre. El Gigante is a hulking wrestler with some mental deficiencies. He is a raging powerhouse that adds some high tension making you snap through the pages. Being the scene stealer that he is, this is easily one of my favorite villains in a novel in quite some time. The entire family, in fact, is a lethal threat at every turn.
While not nonstop with action, McKenzie has constructed a tremendous story with mystery at every turn. The dynamic between Felix and Marta is frustrating. These characters are flawed. The tension and drama between the two of them is a reward for everything that happens in the final four chapters. We spend a good amount of time with the two of them before the story gets off the rails. The drama is well done and compliments the actions that take place later in the story.
Gruesome without being overtly graphic is probably the best way to describe McKenzie’s writing style. There is plenty of sloppy gore to make you gag but he is more reserved than an author like Edward Lee. The violence is well timed and never overstays its welcome. In this novel in particular, it serves as a pacing device which is phenomenal. It all comes together in a way that makes you read faster and faster with each chapter. I was in a flurry blasting through the final three chapters. By the way, the ending is insanely great.
Muerte Con Carne is such a blast to read. This mashup of TCM and Mexican heritage is a twisted tale that is hard to walk away from. I am a little late to the game with this one so odds are you have probably already read this. If you haven’t, you must. Move this to the top and then put El Gigante on your watch list as it is a perfect visualization of this story. I cannot praise either enough. Just to place a cherry on top, Shane McKenzie is currently working with Luchagore to turn El Gigante into a full length feature.
Just so we are clear, this book features a lucha libre wrestler maniac, cannibals, revenge, sex, lucha libre masks sew to people’s bodies, the list goes on and on. Grab a copy here and be glad that you did.
MUERTE CON CARNE
Deadite Press
Author: Shane McKenzie
By now, I am sure it is no secret that I am huge sucker for horror novels with a splatter lean. After reading Wet and Screaming, the new short fiction collection from Shane McKenzie, I knew I had to read more from this author. Being new to his writing, I had to go with Muerte Con Carne, likely his most infamous title. As luck would have it, I was given a review copy of Muerte at the same time that I received a review screener of El Gigante, a short film based on Muerte Con Carne, the first chapter anyway. El Gigante just so happens to be written by McKenzie as well. Gigante is a blast and you can read my review of it here.
Back to the main story, Muerte Con Carne is the story of Felix and Marta, a couple which sets out to make a documentary on the horrible treatment of captured illegals found crossing the US/Mexico border. Unbeknownst to them, the town and area of border they are investigating is home to a family of cannibalistic Mexicans that are capturing the illegals and are chopping them up and putting them in their tacos and menudo…and serving it in a food truck in the local town.
The story is a clear homage to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The difference is that it has a Mexican flair and brings one thing that Tobe Hooper never thought to add: a lucha libre. El Gigante is a hulking wrestler with some mental deficiencies. He is a raging powerhouse that adds some high tension making you snap through the pages. Being the scene stealer that he is, this is easily one of my favorite villains in a novel in quite some time. The entire family, in fact, is a lethal threat at every turn.
While not nonstop with action, McKenzie has constructed a tremendous story with mystery at every turn. The dynamic between Felix and Marta is frustrating. These characters are flawed. The tension and drama between the two of them is a reward for everything that happens in the final four chapters. We spend a good amount of time with the two of them before the story gets off the rails. The drama is well done and compliments the actions that take place later in the story.
Gruesome without being overtly graphic is probably the best way to describe McKenzie’s writing style. There is plenty of sloppy gore to make you gag but he is more reserved than an author like Edward Lee. The violence is well timed and never overstays its welcome. In this novel in particular, it serves as a pacing device which is phenomenal. It all comes together in a way that makes you read faster and faster with each chapter. I was in a flurry blasting through the final three chapters. By the way, the ending is insanely great.
Muerte Con Carne is such a blast to read. This mashup of TCM and Mexican heritage is a twisted tale that is hard to walk away from. I am a little late to the game with this one so odds are you have probably already read this. If you haven’t, you must. Move this to the top and then put El Gigante on your watch list as it is a perfect visualization of this story. I cannot praise either enough. Just to place a cherry on top, Shane McKenzie is currently working with Luchagore to turn El Gigante into a full length feature.
Just so we are clear, this book features a lucha libre wrestler maniac, cannibals, revenge, sex, lucha libre masks sew to people’s bodies, the list goes on and on. Grab a copy here and be glad that you did.
March 4, 2013
I eagerly devoured every single book Shane released last year. From his first gruesome journey with Infinity House to his last dripping oozing novella Jacked. Everyone of them just upped the ante on what the horror genre itself can deliver and more to the point what Shane can write. Hands down Shane has become one of my favorite authors with his originality and his rapid barrage of gore and emotion that make his books hard to put down.
After eight novellas in one year I wondered what this guy could do with a novel. Since I've loved the way his novella's flow without the useless nonsense some writers use to fill their pages with long descriptions of shadows creeping along a sidewalk, I hoped he wouldn't use the same process. And with this his first novel I can honestly say he sure as hell didn't go that route. Every word generates more character, more gore and somehow he was able to use the same energy behind his novella's with this one.
The story itself is a perfect gore soaked cannibal tale that introduces us to a family of Hispanics that prey on people trying to cross the border into the U.S. The family is lead by Mama the cook who blends just the right spices to make that human meat taste, oh, so delicious. The rest of the family consist of Rogelio (one of the creepiest damn kids), Alma, Cristobal and of the best damn characters I've had the joy of reading, with Gustavo aka El Gigante, the Lucha Libre cannibal.
I have to say there are some scenes in this book that'll just make your skin crawl. Whether it's the awesomely described wrestling battles between El Gigante and the soon to be tasty family meals, the creepy things Rogelio does and well, seriously the entire novel. It's a pretty rare thing for me to pick up a book and read non-stop until the end, and not just once but twice with this one. There's just something about the way Shane writes, some strange energy that pervades every single word he chooses that makes it impossible to put down. This guy has honed his craft into perfection and if you've never read anything of Shane's yet this will be the perfect place to jump in and start enjoying.
Highly recommended reading for every horror fan looking to be entertained with a perfectly seasoned and tasty read!
After eight novellas in one year I wondered what this guy could do with a novel. Since I've loved the way his novella's flow without the useless nonsense some writers use to fill their pages with long descriptions of shadows creeping along a sidewalk, I hoped he wouldn't use the same process. And with this his first novel I can honestly say he sure as hell didn't go that route. Every word generates more character, more gore and somehow he was able to use the same energy behind his novella's with this one.
The story itself is a perfect gore soaked cannibal tale that introduces us to a family of Hispanics that prey on people trying to cross the border into the U.S. The family is lead by Mama the cook who blends just the right spices to make that human meat taste, oh, so delicious. The rest of the family consist of Rogelio (one of the creepiest damn kids), Alma, Cristobal and of the best damn characters I've had the joy of reading, with Gustavo aka El Gigante, the Lucha Libre cannibal.
I have to say there are some scenes in this book that'll just make your skin crawl. Whether it's the awesomely described wrestling battles between El Gigante and the soon to be tasty family meals, the creepy things Rogelio does and well, seriously the entire novel. It's a pretty rare thing for me to pick up a book and read non-stop until the end, and not just once but twice with this one. There's just something about the way Shane writes, some strange energy that pervades every single word he chooses that makes it impossible to put down. This guy has honed his craft into perfection and if you've never read anything of Shane's yet this will be the perfect place to jump in and start enjoying.
Highly recommended reading for every horror fan looking to be entertained with a perfectly seasoned and tasty read!
July 20, 2014
This was my first introduction to Shane McKenzie, and although I'm slightly afraid he's going to suplex me to death for this review, I have to admit to being underwhelmed. Don't get me wrong: McKenzie can write. His prose flows well, his descriptions are certainly detailed enough, and the idea here - a Mexican riff on The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, minus the actual chainsaw - is intriguing.
However, his characterisations left me cold. The two mains are incredibly frustrating and equally unlikeable, though for very different reasons. And I didn't buy the dynamic between them, not by the third time Felix was expressing his love for someone who was simply hot, but seemed to have few redeemable qualities beyond that. The villains are pretty much by-the-numbers for this type of material, and their perspective is limited in any case. The pacing of the novella is also very slow. Aside from a few teases, more than half the run time here is filled with arguments, make ups and then more arguments. Rinse. Repeat. Sure, when the gore finally hits, it's visceral enough, but for me, it was too little, too late.
2 slimy tacos for Muerte Con Carne.
However, his characterisations left me cold. The two mains are incredibly frustrating and equally unlikeable, though for very different reasons. And I didn't buy the dynamic between them, not by the third time Felix was expressing his love for someone who was simply hot, but seemed to have few redeemable qualities beyond that. The villains are pretty much by-the-numbers for this type of material, and their perspective is limited in any case. The pacing of the novella is also very slow. Aside from a few teases, more than half the run time here is filled with arguments, make ups and then more arguments. Rinse. Repeat. Sure, when the gore finally hits, it's visceral enough, but for me, it was too little, too late.
2 slimy tacos for Muerte Con Carne.
March 12, 2013
Having read a Shane Mckenzie novel before I knew that the standard of writing would be high so was eager to devour another of his books.
The story follows Felix and Marta who are at the Mexican border hoping to obtain evidence of illegal immigrants being miss-treated by the authorities - but what they find is much more twisted. They find a Mexican family who have been brought up on a healthy diet of cannibalism, torture, in-breeding, violence and wrestling and when they capture Marta it is a race against time to free her before she becomes one of the family.
The story is fast paced with plenty of gore to keep fans of Richard Laymon and Jack Ketchum happy and the story itself has a nice twist at the end which wasn't expected. The characters are also very varied and the wrestling action is well described. Overall if your a fan of horror that contains lots of action then this is an author who you will love. Highly recommended.
The novel was received in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows Felix and Marta who are at the Mexican border hoping to obtain evidence of illegal immigrants being miss-treated by the authorities - but what they find is much more twisted. They find a Mexican family who have been brought up on a healthy diet of cannibalism, torture, in-breeding, violence and wrestling and when they capture Marta it is a race against time to free her before she becomes one of the family.
The story is fast paced with plenty of gore to keep fans of Richard Laymon and Jack Ketchum happy and the story itself has a nice twist at the end which wasn't expected. The characters are also very varied and the wrestling action is well described. Overall if your a fan of horror that contains lots of action then this is an author who you will love. Highly recommended.
The novel was received in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2020
If you're a fan of "Depraved" by Bryan Smith or "Off Season" by Jack Ketchum you're gonna love this book. It takes the cannibal hillbilly trope and adds a latin twist, which I personally find to be a nice change of pace for this sub-genre.
The problem is that apart from the setting and heavy latin themes, this story doesnt do much to stand out from the rest. We have a bunch of by-the-numbers grossout scenes and no real interesting storytelling. The main protagonist was a nasty, wretched bitch and her "boyfriend" was a simp who kept chasing after her after she repeatedly treated him like shit even though she has absolutely NO redeeming qualities aside from being good in bed.
The book has a few good moments and it was very interesting at times, but I've seen this same old song and dance one too many times for it to feel special at all.
3.5 stars
⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
The problem is that apart from the setting and heavy latin themes, this story doesnt do much to stand out from the rest. We have a bunch of by-the-numbers grossout scenes and no real interesting storytelling. The main protagonist was a nasty, wretched bitch and her "boyfriend" was a simp who kept chasing after her after she repeatedly treated him like shit even though she has absolutely NO redeeming qualities aside from being good in bed.
The book has a few good moments and it was very interesting at times, but I've seen this same old song and dance one too many times for it to feel special at all.
3.5 stars
⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
August 8, 2017
Equal parts hilarious and disturbing. I love !
I will always deeply enjoy Mackenzie's ability to make me laugh and cringe at the same time. It simply doesn't get any better than this.
I will always deeply enjoy Mackenzie's ability to make me laugh and cringe at the same time. It simply doesn't get any better than this.
April 25, 2013
So twisted. Loved it. Review to come soon at Shocktotem.com.
September 9, 2015
What happens to the illegal Mexican immigrants that attempt to cross the border and are never seen or heard from again? Why is the food from the Mexican food cart so irresistible? These questions and more are answered in Muerte Con Carne. Although the title and cover of this book should give away the hardcore nature of its contents, I would still like to say that it is definitely not for the faint of heart!
Felix and Marta are a couple who come to the Mexican border hoping to film a documentary on the mistreatment of illegal immigrants. What they get instead is a living nightmare when Marta is kidnapped by a Mexican version of the Hewitt family (Texas Chainsaw). However this family makes the Hewitt's look nice and well-adjusted by comparison; violence, cannibalism, torture, rape, in-breeding, and Lucador wrestling are just some of what makes this family tick. Felix must race against time to save Marta before the unimaginable happens. This book is a gore-fest that will make your stomach churn... but don't be surprised if you find yourself unable to put it down. I particularly loved the ending of this book, as it is not what anyone would call "happy". Shane McKenzie has hit another one out of the park, and I highly recommend this book to anyone that has enjoyed his other work.
I received a copy of this book for free in e-book format in return for an honest review.
Felix and Marta are a couple who come to the Mexican border hoping to film a documentary on the mistreatment of illegal immigrants. What they get instead is a living nightmare when Marta is kidnapped by a Mexican version of the Hewitt family (Texas Chainsaw). However this family makes the Hewitt's look nice and well-adjusted by comparison; violence, cannibalism, torture, rape, in-breeding, and Lucador wrestling are just some of what makes this family tick. Felix must race against time to save Marta before the unimaginable happens. This book is a gore-fest that will make your stomach churn... but don't be surprised if you find yourself unable to put it down. I particularly loved the ending of this book, as it is not what anyone would call "happy". Shane McKenzie has hit another one out of the park, and I highly recommend this book to anyone that has enjoyed his other work.
I received a copy of this book for free in e-book format in return for an honest review.
July 30, 2014
Shane McKenzie serves up a plateful of well-prepared exotic horror that Rolaids will never be able to soothe. This book is gory, twisted, humorous, and highly entertaining!
A couple takes a trip to Mexico to film a documentary on how terrible the plight of the immigrant can be. They are hoping to be caught and sent to jail in Mexico, but they will soon wish they were behind bars as their trip soon leads them to the sickest family since Leatherface's family reunion. You get Taco's that taste too good to be true, a wrestler that would sell out any WWE pay-per view event.. but never allowed back, and a family that would never yell at you for playing with your food.
Shane has a twisted sense of humor and it shows in his writing. His characters are likable, believable, and some are quite twisted. The story moves along at a good pace, perhaps a bit slow in the beginning but when the action comes, he brings it like Hulk Hogan calling for the approval from the Hulkamaniacs.
If you enjoy a twisted, gory horror story with a splash of humor then do not hesitate in purchasing this book! You will not be disappointed!
A couple takes a trip to Mexico to film a documentary on how terrible the plight of the immigrant can be. They are hoping to be caught and sent to jail in Mexico, but they will soon wish they were behind bars as their trip soon leads them to the sickest family since Leatherface's family reunion. You get Taco's that taste too good to be true, a wrestler that would sell out any WWE pay-per view event.. but never allowed back, and a family that would never yell at you for playing with your food.
Shane has a twisted sense of humor and it shows in his writing. His characters are likable, believable, and some are quite twisted. The story moves along at a good pace, perhaps a bit slow in the beginning but when the action comes, he brings it like Hulk Hogan calling for the approval from the Hulkamaniacs.
If you enjoy a twisted, gory horror story with a splash of humor then do not hesitate in purchasing this book! You will not be disappointed!
September 3, 2013
Fresh Tacos? Luche Libre? Cannibalistic family? Road trips? Yes to all of these and more. Who doesnt like the aforementioned things? I love them all and this story has them all. We have a take on the cannibalistic family that seems fresh and new, while the gore and violence is classic, the new twist takes this story to new heights. By far my favorite McKenzie book to date.
April 8, 2014
MCC = awesomeness dripping off the page! Or was that the grease from the tacos? This was a good book! The writing is great and I didn't read the pages I glided through them, almost tasting the juicy tacos!
My only complaint: I WISH MCC WAS LONGER!
My message to Shane: THERE BETTER BE A SEQUEL BITCH!
My only complaint: I WISH MCC WAS LONGER!
My message to Shane: THERE BETTER BE A SEQUEL BITCH!
March 29, 2014
The Cannibal Mexican Wrestling Massacre is what this might be called if it were a movie. Shane McKenzie has his own version of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre here and it's a good one. Mouthwatering, brutal and gory. McKenzie didn't rewrite the genre, and in fact there are some very cliche moments, but he has a character driven horror novel here that should satisfy any horror fan.
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