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Puzzleman: A Novel
A young sculptress despondently searching for understanding after the tragic death of her infant son... A professor of history and a beautiful French vintner, still longing for the love they shared during World War II... A legless man seeking retribution and escape from a horror worse than death... A retired detective itching to get back in the game... Disparate lives, yet each meticulously woven together over time to play a special part in the Puzzleman's twisted vision of eternal life. Into the black Cathedral Fleur du Sang and into the pipes they must go -- into a terrifying world of grumemonsters, where the inaccuracies of accepted history and the gruesome future of mankind are laid bare. For Amanda Zimmerman, Professor John Rainbow, Jeannette Orfhvre, the legless man, and Detective Ben Henfry the Puzzleman is a personal demon awakened into a living nightmare, and it's up to them alone to wage their fight for sanity and salvation -- a fight that swells into a harrowing escape spanning two continents, and the supernatural perversion of time and dimension. Welcome to the pipeworld. Welcome to truth and eternity. Welcome to the world of the Puzzleman.
- GenresHorror
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2004
2 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Alan Broadstone
17 books16 followersBorn in Oklahoma City and raised in Dallas, Texas, Christopher Alan Broadstone toured and recorded independent records and CDs (during the 1980s and 90s) with his bands “About 9 Times” and “The Judas Engine”. He is also the author of the macabre-thriller “Puzzleman”; the collection “Suicide The Hard Way: And Other Tales From The Innerzone” (short stories, screenplays, lyrics/poetry); the collection “Notes-To-Self: Accumulated Thoughts, Transferred Into Word Form” (early short stories, screenplay, lyrics/poetry); and the novella “A Catch In Time” (a dark alternative-history thriller), of which the relative short film “A Catch In Time: Chapter One” is available on the “Human No More” (Trash-Can Virus Limited Edition) Blu-ray. His most recent novel, the macabre-thriller “Heather’s Treehouse”, is now available in eBook and Trade Paperback (June 6, 2025). Also, Broadstone has written & directed the feature film “Human No More: A Macabre Thriller” and the feature-length “Human No More: A Making-of Documentary: Reinventing Perspective”. All are available via Amazon and Texas POĒtrope (Books - Films - Music) @ www.poetrope.com
Serving as writer and director, C.A. Broadstone previously produced three award-winning short films: “Scream For Me” (Best Short Film: NYC Horror Film Festival, Best Underground Short: B-Independent.com), “My Skin!” (Best Horror Short: Shriekfest Film Festival [L.A.], Creative Vision Award: International Horror & Sci-Fi Film Festival [Phoenix, AZ], Best Film/Director: Cinema Edge Awards), and “Human No More” (Best Horror Short: The Indie Gathering Film Festival [OH]). Also, he has completed two feature length screenplays, “Color Of Flame”, an erotic ghost story, and, with actor/writer John Franklin (Isaac from “Children of the Corn”), “R” (Best Horror Feature Screenplay: Shriekfest Film Festival [L.A.]). In total, C.A. Broadstone's films have been showcased on several horror compilation DVDs, have screened at 30 international film festivals, and have won 15 'Best Of' awards. All three films are currently available on the anthology DVD, “3 Dead Girls!” from Texas POĒtrope (Books - Films - Music) @ www.poetrope.com
Serving as writer and director, C.A. Broadstone previously produced three award-winning short films: “Scream For Me” (Best Short Film: NYC Horror Film Festival, Best Underground Short: B-Independent.com), “My Skin!” (Best Horror Short: Shriekfest Film Festival [L.A.], Creative Vision Award: International Horror & Sci-Fi Film Festival [Phoenix, AZ], Best Film/Director: Cinema Edge Awards), and “Human No More” (Best Horror Short: The Indie Gathering Film Festival [OH]). Also, he has completed two feature length screenplays, “Color Of Flame”, an erotic ghost story, and, with actor/writer John Franklin (Isaac from “Children of the Corn”), “R” (Best Horror Feature Screenplay: Shriekfest Film Festival [L.A.]). In total, C.A. Broadstone's films have been showcased on several horror compilation DVDs, have screened at 30 international film festivals, and have won 15 'Best Of' awards. All three films are currently available on the anthology DVD, “3 Dead Girls!” from Texas POĒtrope (Books - Films - Music) @ www.poetrope.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 24, 2021
Puzzleman, as the title suggest, is one puzzle of a novel. The narrative follows five people who, on the surface, seem to barely be connected to each other. But later on, not only are these relationships proven to be stronger than they initially appeared to be, but the central figure connecting them, Puzzleman, brings them together in a way which is the definition of mysterious.
Christopher Alan Broadstone creates a world which could rival Hades’ underworld. It is difficult to describe but can be stated as a hell which is not exactly an afterlife.
The character design of Puzzleman is well-illustrated. If Broadstone’s Puzzleman was to be transitioned to the screen he would give Clive Barker, the creator of Pinhead, a run for his money.
Let’s get to the other individuals. Amanda is a sculpturer who is not yet over her infant’s death. Her ex-husband Erik is a photographer who is also an addict. Professor Rainbow is a historian who at first doesn’t seem to be connected with the former couple, but the revelation latter on is mind-blowing. Then there’s his former lover the French woman Jeanette. And lastly, there’s Detective Ben who is a dead ringer for Perry Mason.
Puzzleman is not your everyday horror novel. Not only will it frighten you, but it will also make you think. In other words, is a thinking person’s novel. Morality is also a core concept which it embodies to an awesome degree. You get a bit of everything while reading Puzzleman, and Broadstone consistently shows his versatility, as his writing style allows him to pen a multi-layered novel which cannot be categorized into a single genre.
Divided into 6 parts and spanning 350+ pages, the first 2 parts deal with introductory segments, but from part 3 onwards Broadstone pushes the pedal to the metal. The pacing is perfect as it extremely well-balanced, and after completing the novel, I did not realize I had finished reading just a little over 350 pages in such a short span of time.
To end with, you won’t find a lot of novels like Puzzleman. It is a highly original work. Additionally, the cover artwork by Danilo Montejo perfectly matches the contents.
Christopher Alan Broadstone has written a gem of a book. His writing skill carries echoes of Clive Barker, his world-building is similar to that of H.P. Lovecraft’s, and the macabre storytelling pays homage to Edgar Allan Poe.
I just hope that Puzzleman is not a one hit wonder. Looking forward to reading Broadstone’s second novel, Heather’s Treehouse, whenever it gets released.
Read this review on my website Literary Retreat: https://www.literaryretreat.com/puzzl...
Christopher Alan Broadstone creates a world which could rival Hades’ underworld. It is difficult to describe but can be stated as a hell which is not exactly an afterlife.
The character design of Puzzleman is well-illustrated. If Broadstone’s Puzzleman was to be transitioned to the screen he would give Clive Barker, the creator of Pinhead, a run for his money.
Let’s get to the other individuals. Amanda is a sculpturer who is not yet over her infant’s death. Her ex-husband Erik is a photographer who is also an addict. Professor Rainbow is a historian who at first doesn’t seem to be connected with the former couple, but the revelation latter on is mind-blowing. Then there’s his former lover the French woman Jeanette. And lastly, there’s Detective Ben who is a dead ringer for Perry Mason.
Puzzleman is not your everyday horror novel. Not only will it frighten you, but it will also make you think. In other words, is a thinking person’s novel. Morality is also a core concept which it embodies to an awesome degree. You get a bit of everything while reading Puzzleman, and Broadstone consistently shows his versatility, as his writing style allows him to pen a multi-layered novel which cannot be categorized into a single genre.
Divided into 6 parts and spanning 350+ pages, the first 2 parts deal with introductory segments, but from part 3 onwards Broadstone pushes the pedal to the metal. The pacing is perfect as it extremely well-balanced, and after completing the novel, I did not realize I had finished reading just a little over 350 pages in such a short span of time.
To end with, you won’t find a lot of novels like Puzzleman. It is a highly original work. Additionally, the cover artwork by Danilo Montejo perfectly matches the contents.
Christopher Alan Broadstone has written a gem of a book. His writing skill carries echoes of Clive Barker, his world-building is similar to that of H.P. Lovecraft’s, and the macabre storytelling pays homage to Edgar Allan Poe.
I just hope that Puzzleman is not a one hit wonder. Looking forward to reading Broadstone’s second novel, Heather’s Treehouse, whenever it gets released.
Read this review on my website Literary Retreat: https://www.literaryretreat.com/puzzl...
August 6, 2024
The debut novel of Christopher Alan Broadstone, drummer and lyricist of the band The Judas Engine and director of the short, festival award winning films Scream for Me, My Skin and Human no More, combines all of its creator's talents resulting in a remarkably assured piece of work. Pairing off an unsympathetic female protagonist, and a grotesquely surreal monster, Broadstone uses borderline cinematic precision cutting to drop-kick us in the middle of nightmare hellscapes and alternative history with a momentum that borders on cinematic. It's a book that delves deep, not only taking us further into hell, but in the probing dialogue and confrontational situations, that approach philosophical enquiry, but which makes it exciting. There's almost a musical rhythm to the dialogue exchanges, which, in its unsettling tone and implied menace, approaches the level of Theatre of the Absurd - but which also allows us to understand, and therefore engage with, a range of characters, some of whom might normally be too hard edged or unsavoury for us to follow all the way. Packed with incident, wonder and memorable characters, Puzzleman is a thrilling and thought provoking trip through the screaming pipes and into the churning bowels of hell. When Broadstone was asked which director he would have liked to adapt this feature, he chose vulgar auteur and maximalist maestro - and now cult hero - Tony Scott. Enough said.
October 16, 2014
Puzzleman by Christopher Alan Broadstone is one ambitious novel. When you first start reading it you think its going to be a gruesome horror novel meant to shock people. That’s exactly what it is, but as you start reading you find there is a lot of depth to the story and characters. The story begins with a woman named Amanda buying an earring that looks like a ball of metal wires. Amanda is recently divorced and her infant child has died leaving her bitter and wondering where her life went wrong.
Little does she know that the earring will soon lead her to some answers she doesn’t want. Amanda isn’t the only one searching for answers in Puzzleman. We soon meet a legless heroin addict named Erik who wants vengeance, a professor named John who feels his life has passed him by, a French vintner named Jeannette who wants to revisit a lost love and a former detective named Ben who wants to get back into the game. All of the characters are searching for something and all of their destinies are intertwined in the Puzzleman’s maze like pipeworld.
The pipeworld is a place where life is eternal but is also a place of suffering. It’s a place of living nightmares crawling with grumemonsters but also a place where the five people in the story can find what they are missing. The Pipeworld is like a giant macabre puzzle with the puzzleman as the master and the people as the pieces. The question is, can the pieces find the answers they seek and escape with their sanity?
My Favorite character in Puzzleman was Amanda, this is a woman who has questioned god and everything else around her since she was a child. It almost seems like god is punishing her for her questions with the death of her young child and her abusive husband. She shows how tough she is in the pipeworld though by not giving up even when things are at their worst. I loved how towards the end she makes a comment to the Puzzleman that shows that her viewpoints on god have not changed and I enjoyed the Puzzleman’s reaction to the comment. Another thing I liked in the story was finding out why her husband was the way he was. My only problem with the story was that there was a long section on the mythology behind the Puzzleman. I felt the section was to long and took the reader out of the story and would have been better if it was divided into segments within the story and not just one big chunk.
There is a lot going on in this book, it starts as a horror novel then turns into a text-book on world mythology and then goes back to being a horror novel. This isn’t just any horror novel though, it asks some important questions such as What are you willing to do for the ones you love? What would you do for eternal life? and Why does god allow so much misery? This is a thinking man’s horror novel. It delivers the scares and the gore but it also makes you think. In fact you might have to read it twice to understand everything that Christopher Alan Broadstone is trying to say. Puzzleman is Mr. Broadstone’s first novel and it will be interesting to see what he has in store for future novels.
Little does she know that the earring will soon lead her to some answers she doesn’t want. Amanda isn’t the only one searching for answers in Puzzleman. We soon meet a legless heroin addict named Erik who wants vengeance, a professor named John who feels his life has passed him by, a French vintner named Jeannette who wants to revisit a lost love and a former detective named Ben who wants to get back into the game. All of the characters are searching for something and all of their destinies are intertwined in the Puzzleman’s maze like pipeworld.
The pipeworld is a place where life is eternal but is also a place of suffering. It’s a place of living nightmares crawling with grumemonsters but also a place where the five people in the story can find what they are missing. The Pipeworld is like a giant macabre puzzle with the puzzleman as the master and the people as the pieces. The question is, can the pieces find the answers they seek and escape with their sanity?
My Favorite character in Puzzleman was Amanda, this is a woman who has questioned god and everything else around her since she was a child. It almost seems like god is punishing her for her questions with the death of her young child and her abusive husband. She shows how tough she is in the pipeworld though by not giving up even when things are at their worst. I loved how towards the end she makes a comment to the Puzzleman that shows that her viewpoints on god have not changed and I enjoyed the Puzzleman’s reaction to the comment. Another thing I liked in the story was finding out why her husband was the way he was. My only problem with the story was that there was a long section on the mythology behind the Puzzleman. I felt the section was to long and took the reader out of the story and would have been better if it was divided into segments within the story and not just one big chunk.
There is a lot going on in this book, it starts as a horror novel then turns into a text-book on world mythology and then goes back to being a horror novel. This isn’t just any horror novel though, it asks some important questions such as What are you willing to do for the ones you love? What would you do for eternal life? and Why does god allow so much misery? This is a thinking man’s horror novel. It delivers the scares and the gore but it also makes you think. In fact you might have to read it twice to understand everything that Christopher Alan Broadstone is trying to say. Puzzleman is Mr. Broadstone’s first novel and it will be interesting to see what he has in store for future novels.
November 2, 2014
"Yet it was the unwritten commandment, the eleventh, which Amanda had broken most often: Thou shalt not tell thy true feelings about God."
Young Amanda, a crafted sculptress, is still reeling and broken from the recent loss of her child and disillusion of her marriage. When she haggles for an enigma in the form of an earring from a street vendor her life spirals further down into a living nightmare.
The earring belongs to the Puzzleman, a living and eternal conundrum, and he has his sights set on Amanda. But another has targeted Amanda as well, and he brings with him harsh truths.
Ghosts of the past have a hand in the events of the present and Amanda's soul isn't the only one at stake.
"it was well after midnight when Amanda fell to her knees at baby Alan's grave, a shovel in one hand and a bottle of vodka the other."
Puzzleman is a hell of a read. It's lofty & dense, fluid & yet obtuse. Hitting on all sides of the spectrum, from heavy to romantic to gruesome. Like a nightmare set to Behtovan's 5th, this book can be as chaotic as it's main nemesis and It's certainly not going to be everybody's cup of tea, as it is aimed at readers who like a little more sides and garnish to their thick, meaty meal.
Throughout you are surrounded by rich, fully formed characters and vivid locales, with everything given a sense of depth, dimension and history. And narrative wise, there isn't much in the way of downtime. As you settle in to Broadstone's regal prose you are suddenly jarred by an abrupt viscous and expletive passage. And when not dealing with the escalation of the main story, he drops heavy doses of background info and history revisions to keep track of. I can see many readers being turned off by this but I found it invigorating and some of the most interesting chapters of the book.
If nothing else try the first serial chapter but if you're not careful this book will drag you around on puppet strings. Proceed with caution and three fingers of whiskey.
"Rumors and lies only got one's legs or luck broken, he concluded. But the truth -- the real truth -- broke lives."
The Mouths of Madness Podcast
www.facebook.com/themouthsofmadness
*read via Kindle Unlimited
Young Amanda, a crafted sculptress, is still reeling and broken from the recent loss of her child and disillusion of her marriage. When she haggles for an enigma in the form of an earring from a street vendor her life spirals further down into a living nightmare.
The earring belongs to the Puzzleman, a living and eternal conundrum, and he has his sights set on Amanda. But another has targeted Amanda as well, and he brings with him harsh truths.
Ghosts of the past have a hand in the events of the present and Amanda's soul isn't the only one at stake.
"it was well after midnight when Amanda fell to her knees at baby Alan's grave, a shovel in one hand and a bottle of vodka the other."
Puzzleman is a hell of a read. It's lofty & dense, fluid & yet obtuse. Hitting on all sides of the spectrum, from heavy to romantic to gruesome. Like a nightmare set to Behtovan's 5th, this book can be as chaotic as it's main nemesis and It's certainly not going to be everybody's cup of tea, as it is aimed at readers who like a little more sides and garnish to their thick, meaty meal.
Throughout you are surrounded by rich, fully formed characters and vivid locales, with everything given a sense of depth, dimension and history. And narrative wise, there isn't much in the way of downtime. As you settle in to Broadstone's regal prose you are suddenly jarred by an abrupt viscous and expletive passage. And when not dealing with the escalation of the main story, he drops heavy doses of background info and history revisions to keep track of. I can see many readers being turned off by this but I found it invigorating and some of the most interesting chapters of the book.
If nothing else try the first serial chapter but if you're not careful this book will drag you around on puppet strings. Proceed with caution and three fingers of whiskey.
"Rumors and lies only got one's legs or luck broken, he concluded. But the truth -- the real truth -- broke lives."
The Mouths of Madness Podcast
www.facebook.com/themouthsofmadness
*read via Kindle Unlimited
July 18, 2024
Intrigue and complexity draw you near and hold you victim. Honestly, I love a good thriller/ horror movie, but I don’t necessarily read many this one was a must. The cover, the title, everything about Christopher Alan Broadstone’s first novel Puzzleman draws you in. At least for us thriller/horror fans.
It all begins with an earring. The web of complexity that leads to each of the characters or better, yet victims make you hold your breath. I will admit I was up waaaay past my bedtime with this one. Once I started, I couldn’t find a place where I was willing to stop, I had to know what happened next. While the complexity and twists of how everyone and everything tied into each other made me think of famous franchises, this book took it to an entirely different level or mind blowing.
Forever in my mind after this read “no one is sane down a drain, and down a drain no one is sane”. Everything about this world tells you to run. The mystery, the puzzles, the characters, the intrigue, they all tell you to stay, to go down the drain and discover the truth. I truly cannot wait to see what this otherworldly author comes up with next.
It all begins with an earring. The web of complexity that leads to each of the characters or better, yet victims make you hold your breath. I will admit I was up waaaay past my bedtime with this one. Once I started, I couldn’t find a place where I was willing to stop, I had to know what happened next. While the complexity and twists of how everyone and everything tied into each other made me think of famous franchises, this book took it to an entirely different level or mind blowing.
Forever in my mind after this read “no one is sane down a drain, and down a drain no one is sane”. Everything about this world tells you to run. The mystery, the puzzles, the characters, the intrigue, they all tell you to stay, to go down the drain and discover the truth. I truly cannot wait to see what this otherworldly author comes up with next.
June 20, 2024
3.5 - 4 stars
This very dark and twisted thriller will have fans of the Twilight Zone & Freddie Kruger jumping in to read. Christopher Alan Broadstone pulls out all the stops in this macabre tale. He uses suspense, tension, and excitement to engage the audience to evoke strong emotional responses. His use of Greek mythology is interesting but better used when dispersed throughout the tale. It pulls the reader from the main game of engagement.
The Puzzleman is graphic, viscous, lurid, and gruesome, and the thing nightmares are made from. You will be pulled from one extreme to another and often feel like you have been in a car crash.
There is a cast of many and a lot happening in this book and at times would have been better spent with a few less words. I think you will either love it or hate it, but true lovers of this genre will love it.
Read if you dare!
This very dark and twisted thriller will have fans of the Twilight Zone & Freddie Kruger jumping in to read. Christopher Alan Broadstone pulls out all the stops in this macabre tale. He uses suspense, tension, and excitement to engage the audience to evoke strong emotional responses. His use of Greek mythology is interesting but better used when dispersed throughout the tale. It pulls the reader from the main game of engagement.
The Puzzleman is graphic, viscous, lurid, and gruesome, and the thing nightmares are made from. You will be pulled from one extreme to another and often feel like you have been in a car crash.
There is a cast of many and a lot happening in this book and at times would have been better spent with a few less words. I think you will either love it or hate it, but true lovers of this genre will love it.
Read if you dare!
August 29, 2024
3.5 - 4 stars
This very dark and twisted thriller will have fans of the Twilight Zone & Freddie Kruger jumping in to read. Christopher Alan Broadstone pulls out all the stops in this macabre tale. He uses suspense, tension, and excitement to engage the audience to evoke strong emotional responses. His use of Greek mythology is interesting but better used when dispersed throughout the tale. It pulls the reader from the main game of engagement.
The Puzzleman is graphic, viscous, lurid, and gruesome, and the thing nightmares are made from. You will be pulled from one extreme to another and often feel like you have been in a car crash.
There is a cast of many and a lot happening in this book and at times would have been better spent with a few less words. I think you will either love it or hate it, but true lovers of this genre will love it.
Read if you dare!
This very dark and twisted thriller will have fans of the Twilight Zone & Freddie Kruger jumping in to read. Christopher Alan Broadstone pulls out all the stops in this macabre tale. He uses suspense, tension, and excitement to engage the audience to evoke strong emotional responses. His use of Greek mythology is interesting but better used when dispersed throughout the tale. It pulls the reader from the main game of engagement.
The Puzzleman is graphic, viscous, lurid, and gruesome, and the thing nightmares are made from. You will be pulled from one extreme to another and often feel like you have been in a car crash.
There is a cast of many and a lot happening in this book and at times would have been better spent with a few less words. I think you will either love it or hate it, but true lovers of this genre will love it.
Read if you dare!
July 13, 2024
What can I say abut this book, well this book really had me reading it till the end that’s for sure. It was filled with so many twists and turns, that really made me wonder what was going on next that I just couldn’t put it down. Like how can a couple, a detective and one legged man all have in common? Will this book do just that, with its story telling. I really felt like I was right along with the ride of this horror, gore, history and folklore ride of a story. it was such a well detailed and world that I really felt like maybe just maybe these people were actually real and maybe living down the street. This book really was amazing I love reading horror and gore and this book really made it worth the read. highly suggest maybe not reading this thou before bed!
July 8, 2024
As a personal fan of all things suspense, thriller, and puzzle related, this book hit the nails on the head! As the title suggests, this book has the mind of a maniac with the logic of a genius. The character analysis and the world building truly enamor the reader into feeling like they are witnessing the words on the page first hand. For fans of this genre, it’s a hit! For readers unsure of this genre, it’ll hook them in!
July 17, 2024
Puzzleman by Christopher Alan Broadstone is an absolutely exceptional horror/thriller read. This book is dark, twisted, and at times uncomfortable, in the best was possible. This book is vivid and unique, and impossible to put down. The cover is creepy, and really sets the tone for the book. This is the first book I've read from this author, and I absolutely loved it, definitely recommend it!
August 30, 2014
Very scary and disturbing. Couldn't sleep for a week. Well written. Try it.
September 25, 2024
Thank you, Christopher Alan Broadstone and NetGalley, for the ARC. I leave this review voluntarily and happily. Also, thank you publishers for your hard work!
This was one twisted book. So much happened in this book. i honestly have no idea where to start with my review. The blood, gore, and death in this book and not to mention the descriptions of how it all went down had my skin crawling. This truly was a book I had to take stops to read so I could collect my thoughts and think back on what just happened. Every chapter had me realing, page to page I was thinking what did I just read and can I have more? This book is not for everyone. There are scenes in it that are disturbing and very unsettling. There is questioning of God in this book and other such things. Even if this was my first book from this author, it definitely has me wanting to read more from them.
Four different lives are eventually interwoven together, brought together by a hideous monstrosity known as The Puzzleman. They are all part of his game and what the Puzzleman wants he gets. They will suffer, experience things unholy, and they will question what's real and what's not. Will they come out of this alive, or will they become part of the Puzzlemans masterpiece? Down the pipes they go, down down down.
This truly was a one of a kind read. This one will stick with me for a while. It certainly makes me think twice about certain things and makes me wonder about the past and history. The mind that made this book is certainly one I wish to follow and read more of their work to see what they come up with in the future.
This was one twisted book. So much happened in this book. i honestly have no idea where to start with my review. The blood, gore, and death in this book and not to mention the descriptions of how it all went down had my skin crawling. This truly was a book I had to take stops to read so I could collect my thoughts and think back on what just happened. Every chapter had me realing, page to page I was thinking what did I just read and can I have more? This book is not for everyone. There are scenes in it that are disturbing and very unsettling. There is questioning of God in this book and other such things. Even if this was my first book from this author, it definitely has me wanting to read more from them.
Four different lives are eventually interwoven together, brought together by a hideous monstrosity known as The Puzzleman. They are all part of his game and what the Puzzleman wants he gets. They will suffer, experience things unholy, and they will question what's real and what's not. Will they come out of this alive, or will they become part of the Puzzlemans masterpiece? Down the pipes they go, down down down.
This truly was a one of a kind read. This one will stick with me for a while. It certainly makes me think twice about certain things and makes me wonder about the past and history. The mind that made this book is certainly one I wish to follow and read more of their work to see what they come up with in the future.
June 28, 2011
Christopher Alan Broadstone's PUZZLEMAN is an extremely ambitious first novel. It is very apparent a lot of research went into this book -- everything from Greek mythology, characters from World War II, and even a detailed description on how to shoot heroin most effectively.
While I wouldn't categorize this as a straight horror novel -- something more along the lines of Roman Polanski's THE NINTH GATE, many scenes are deliciously graphic without feeling over-the-top. Where the book didn't quite work for me, besides a few too many coincidences, was the sudden Greek history lesson in the middle where our protagonist discovers the background of the evil. I kind of got lost in trying to uncover the mystery along with him.
That being said, the pipe world in Puzzleman is very creative and original and somewhere I would never like to go -- nor would I even send my worst enemy. Sure, this 400+ pager could have been edited down a little, but it was an enjoyable ride nonetheless. I look forward to Broadstone's next novel and for those who have not seen his short horror films (which he wrote and brilliantly directed), I highly advise you to check out his website at www.blackcabproductions.com The three horror shorts that he made are easily the best -- if not THE best -- I've ever seen. And that says a lot.
While I wouldn't categorize this as a straight horror novel -- something more along the lines of Roman Polanski's THE NINTH GATE, many scenes are deliciously graphic without feeling over-the-top. Where the book didn't quite work for me, besides a few too many coincidences, was the sudden Greek history lesson in the middle where our protagonist discovers the background of the evil. I kind of got lost in trying to uncover the mystery along with him.
That being said, the pipe world in Puzzleman is very creative and original and somewhere I would never like to go -- nor would I even send my worst enemy. Sure, this 400+ pager could have been edited down a little, but it was an enjoyable ride nonetheless. I look forward to Broadstone's next novel and for those who have not seen his short horror films (which he wrote and brilliantly directed), I highly advise you to check out his website at www.blackcabproductions.com The three horror shorts that he made are easily the best -- if not THE best -- I've ever seen. And that says a lot.
June 8, 2015
As a reader, I often come across some books that astound me. Books that take me months to finish only to pick it up again to get lost within the world and characters. "Puzzleman" by Author Christopher Alan Broadstone is such a book. This review is months late because the prose is meaty and full of depth. I tried reading this while other things in my life were distracting me which left the book feeling disjointed and confusing. If I were to review it based on that first read it wouldn't be a good score but the book and author deserved more so as a reviewer I pushed other books back in the queue and started it again.
I'm glad I did.
With no distractions, I was able to delve deep into the author's work feeling every intricacy within the plot, characters, and setting. His characters come to life, even if you would rather them not, and some will leave you squirming.
"Puzzleman" is a multi-layered engrossing read that demands your attention.
I'm glad I did.
With no distractions, I was able to delve deep into the author's work feeling every intricacy within the plot, characters, and setting. His characters come to life, even if you would rather them not, and some will leave you squirming.
"Puzzleman" is a multi-layered engrossing read that demands your attention.
January 5, 2016
Puzzleman is an extreme horror novel that pays homage to yesteryear's pulp horror stories. Chris' talented world building skills conjures up the most imaginative and filthiest hellworld mythos I've ever read.
Part horror part mystery, we follow Amanda and Professor Rainbow unraveling the mysterious figure known as Conundrum aka Puzzleman. While Amanda leads the reader down a filthy hole full of sadist masochistic scenarios within hell, Rainbow explains the mythos of Puzzleman.
Hopefully, Broadstone will want to explore his well researched mythos as I am left wanting for more, especially in regards to the druid folklore.
Chris' style is heavy and at times his transitions can cause whiplash, which will cause readers to flip back to re read passages. However, for those who are fans of Clive Barker or Lovecraftian horror should definitively give this book a read.
Part horror part mystery, we follow Amanda and Professor Rainbow unraveling the mysterious figure known as Conundrum aka Puzzleman. While Amanda leads the reader down a filthy hole full of sadist masochistic scenarios within hell, Rainbow explains the mythos of Puzzleman.
Hopefully, Broadstone will want to explore his well researched mythos as I am left wanting for more, especially in regards to the druid folklore.
Chris' style is heavy and at times his transitions can cause whiplash, which will cause readers to flip back to re read passages. However, for those who are fans of Clive Barker or Lovecraftian horror should definitively give this book a read.
July 8, 2024
This cover just sends chill down your spine ! It’s a little taste of what’s to come 😉
My heart just aches for Amanda and the loss of her son and grief does strange things to people , we all cope and deal differently….
We have Jeanette and John and their lost love , then there’s Ben our retired detective and I think they’re much like farmers , they never can retire or sit still,let’s not forget the one legged man
Each of these people’s lives are somehow woven together in a frightful tale that has hints of mythology , horror , gore , history and folklore
The Grumemonsters are frightful and a living nightmare and I’d like to avoid crossing their path and I’d like to forget that the puzzle man exists 🙈😵💫
Was I on edge ? Yes ! Was I scared ? Yes! Did I have the passage light on ? Yes !
My heart just aches for Amanda and the loss of her son and grief does strange things to people , we all cope and deal differently….
We have Jeanette and John and their lost love , then there’s Ben our retired detective and I think they’re much like farmers , they never can retire or sit still,let’s not forget the one legged man
Each of these people’s lives are somehow woven together in a frightful tale that has hints of mythology , horror , gore , history and folklore
The Grumemonsters are frightful and a living nightmare and I’d like to avoid crossing their path and I’d like to forget that the puzzle man exists 🙈😵💫
Was I on edge ? Yes ! Was I scared ? Yes! Did I have the passage light on ? Yes !
July 18, 2024
I’ve been slowly trying to get out of my comfort zone as far as reading genres and decided to give this horror selection a try. For those who enjoy horror, it is definitely a good pick. As for me, I'm not sure if I’ll be reading the next one. It was a bit too intense but some of the storyline was quite interesting. It can be quite challenging in keeping up with the storyline at times but does have some thrills here and there. This story focuses on how tragedy deeply affects a group of people in different ways and as they come together.Each of the characters bring to the story aspects of mythology, history as well as the horror and gore to light. When the Puzzleman emerges from the creation of the Grumemonsters, the author captures every detail of its grotesque and appalling form. Definitely brings in creativity in a gruesome manner.
August 3, 2024
Puzzleman by Christopher Alan Broadstone features an intriguing storyline and a creatively imagined underworld that adds a unique dimension to the narrative. The author’s writing style is engaging, drawing readers into a world that is both original and thought-provoking.
However, the book also presents some challenges. The characters feel somewhat underdeveloped, which can affect the reader’s connection to the story. Additionally, the plot tends to be chaotic, making it difficult to follow at times. Moreover, the use of gruesome vocabulary might leave some readers feeling uncomfortable and grossed out, which could detract from the overall experience.
Despite these issues, Puzzleman may still appeal to those who enjoy a dark fantasy and intense world building. It’s evident that Broadstone put considerable effort into crafting this novel and it offers a distinctive take on its genre.
However, the book also presents some challenges. The characters feel somewhat underdeveloped, which can affect the reader’s connection to the story. Additionally, the plot tends to be chaotic, making it difficult to follow at times. Moreover, the use of gruesome vocabulary might leave some readers feeling uncomfortable and grossed out, which could detract from the overall experience.
Despite these issues, Puzzleman may still appeal to those who enjoy a dark fantasy and intense world building. It’s evident that Broadstone put considerable effort into crafting this novel and it offers a distinctive take on its genre.
August 31, 2015
Reading Christopher Broadstone requires more than being literate. It requires letting your mind take you to places you don't want to go, but yet you go gleefully hoping there's an accident you can't look away from at every mile marker. It's not an easy read, but that's not a bad thing. This isn't something by horror icons who spit out pulp two to three times a year. the kind of books where you could skip entire chapters and still know what is going on. Broadstone wants you to read and think about what you are reading. His prose is gorgeous and turned my mind into a Lynchian landscape for the horrifying Puzzleman. If you like highly intelligent horror, please check this one out.
May 22, 2025
The book is so terrifying, twisted and filled with human horror and supernatural twists. The details are grotesque, mysterious, and horrifying. I felt sorry for Amanda. Freighting and grotesque things keeps happening in book. If you are looking for a nail biting and spine chilling horror, read this book. The book freighted me. All those descriptions of the baby, infants death, and so many unsettling things. The book kept me on edge. This is a definitely macabre horror thriller. Do check the trigger warnings before reading this one. If you love Joe Hill,and Stephen King books, this book will appeal to you.
Thanks to the Publisher
Thanks to the Publisher
July 18, 2024
Puzzleman is definitely a book that will make you think. This was way different than anything I have read before and I enjoyed it. The complex web of how everyone is connected will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. I am not usually one to pick up a book like this as it is way outside of my comfort zone, but the cover drew me in and I figured I would give it a chance. Details for any kind of book are important and the author did a great job in that department. Overall I enjoyed this original story and wouldn't mind finding what else this author has to offer.
July 14, 2024
This book was different. It is a type of horror story. It was definitely a unique writing style. I did enjoy certain parts of the story. Its not the type of horror book I usually read but I enjoyed the characters, especially puzzleman and finding out what the deal was with him and the did to control the fear of his victims.
June 25, 2024
3 – 3.5 Stars
“….The pained-man slept restlessly on his fetid sleeping bag, the heroin taking him deeper and deeper into the abyss of his dreams.
Soon he had gone so deep the void became heavy...then compressed like the space sucked into a black hole. It grew so dense it reversed itself, turning from nothing into something. It became solidified oblivion––consciousness––then finally the darkest part of existence and the source of all nightmares: the unified core of the human psyche. Within moments the pained-man was slithering his way through this collective mind, like a worm slithering through wet earth. It was the puzzleman who had taught him this little trick––how to make a dreamcall––and he had always used it as instructed: for the betterment and evolution of the pipes.
Well not tonight, big brother.
It was finally time to use the dreamcall against the puzzleman. The grinning freak loved to play games and he loved to barter for fresh flesh, so the pained-man was going to conduct a real bargain this time. There would be no facades or playful haggling for the fun of the trade. He was going to collect a stable of victims, not just one or two, and then lay down some rules of his own at the bargaining table. The puzzleman could either pay what he asked ––
My legs. My freedom.
–– or he would spend the rest of what remained of his miserable life draining the living blood out of every human he could sink his claws or jaws into.
The pained-man chomped his teeth.
Although the puzzleman jokingly called himself Conundrum, and was most certainly an eternal enigma, there was a glitch in his character as clear and indelible as a placard carved into his forehead: he didn’t like to lose. Anything. Ever. He would never be able to bear the agony of letting so much living flesh slip through his fingers. Especially not to someone who had escaped his glorious pipes, legs lost or not.
So you can pay up, Conundrum, or I won’t feed your fuckin’ sewer anymore. The pained-man pushed his arrogance one step further. I might even start my own bloody little cesspool.
Worming upwards, he butted his head against the hard skull of the collective mind. Fuck!
He slithered off and tried again and again.
Gotta find it, gotta find it, gotta find it...
There was a lucky soft spot ahead––he could almost smell it––a place where he could break through this dark world and into the singular subconscious of some fatigued, unsuspecting sleeper…..”
Puzzleman by Christopher Alan Broadstone is a graphic and twisted horror/thriller with all kinds of disturbing details that made for a bit of an intense read. But that’s what you should expect from a well woven horror story, right.
Infused with plenty of tension, suspense, mystery, intrigue, supernatural elements, gore, macabre details, gruesome sadistic + gut-churning elements, and a touch of the bizarre- plus a very original premise, definitely made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
As this is the first book of Mr. Broadstone’s that I have read, I really didn’t know what to expect from his storytelling- but after reading this there is now no doubt in my mind of what Mr. Broadstone’s mind is capable of.
I do love a good horror story though, which probably stems from my teenage years, growing up thorough the 80’s- where my friends and I would watch every scary horror movie we could get our hands on. And there were some great horror movies to come out during the 80’s- which I think this book gives off those ‘vibes’, in spades. In fact, I can see this making a great horror movie too.
I will mention that the transitions were a little abrupt - which gave the story a bit of a disjointed, and choppy feel. And the story was a little ‘wordy’ in parts- which interrupted the flow and pulled me out of the storyline. Which affected my overall rating of the book. I think with a little ‘tweaking’ though, this book could be more of a stellar read!
Be warned, Puzzleman and Mr. Broadstone’s pipeworld is hellish in the extreme! This is not a light and fluffy read- it is not ‘easy’ reading, it is graphic and disturbing - so if that is not your vibe, then this is probably not the book for you.
Otherwise, Happy Reading…
Thank you, Christopher Alan Broadstone!
“….The pained-man slept restlessly on his fetid sleeping bag, the heroin taking him deeper and deeper into the abyss of his dreams.
Soon he had gone so deep the void became heavy...then compressed like the space sucked into a black hole. It grew so dense it reversed itself, turning from nothing into something. It became solidified oblivion––consciousness––then finally the darkest part of existence and the source of all nightmares: the unified core of the human psyche. Within moments the pained-man was slithering his way through this collective mind, like a worm slithering through wet earth. It was the puzzleman who had taught him this little trick––how to make a dreamcall––and he had always used it as instructed: for the betterment and evolution of the pipes.
Well not tonight, big brother.
It was finally time to use the dreamcall against the puzzleman. The grinning freak loved to play games and he loved to barter for fresh flesh, so the pained-man was going to conduct a real bargain this time. There would be no facades or playful haggling for the fun of the trade. He was going to collect a stable of victims, not just one or two, and then lay down some rules of his own at the bargaining table. The puzzleman could either pay what he asked ––
My legs. My freedom.
–– or he would spend the rest of what remained of his miserable life draining the living blood out of every human he could sink his claws or jaws into.
The pained-man chomped his teeth.
Although the puzzleman jokingly called himself Conundrum, and was most certainly an eternal enigma, there was a glitch in his character as clear and indelible as a placard carved into his forehead: he didn’t like to lose. Anything. Ever. He would never be able to bear the agony of letting so much living flesh slip through his fingers. Especially not to someone who had escaped his glorious pipes, legs lost or not.
So you can pay up, Conundrum, or I won’t feed your fuckin’ sewer anymore. The pained-man pushed his arrogance one step further. I might even start my own bloody little cesspool.
Worming upwards, he butted his head against the hard skull of the collective mind. Fuck!
He slithered off and tried again and again.
Gotta find it, gotta find it, gotta find it...
There was a lucky soft spot ahead––he could almost smell it––a place where he could break through this dark world and into the singular subconscious of some fatigued, unsuspecting sleeper…..”
Puzzleman by Christopher Alan Broadstone is a graphic and twisted horror/thriller with all kinds of disturbing details that made for a bit of an intense read. But that’s what you should expect from a well woven horror story, right.
Infused with plenty of tension, suspense, mystery, intrigue, supernatural elements, gore, macabre details, gruesome sadistic + gut-churning elements, and a touch of the bizarre- plus a very original premise, definitely made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
As this is the first book of Mr. Broadstone’s that I have read, I really didn’t know what to expect from his storytelling- but after reading this there is now no doubt in my mind of what Mr. Broadstone’s mind is capable of.
I do love a good horror story though, which probably stems from my teenage years, growing up thorough the 80’s- where my friends and I would watch every scary horror movie we could get our hands on. And there were some great horror movies to come out during the 80’s- which I think this book gives off those ‘vibes’, in spades. In fact, I can see this making a great horror movie too.
I will mention that the transitions were a little abrupt - which gave the story a bit of a disjointed, and choppy feel. And the story was a little ‘wordy’ in parts- which interrupted the flow and pulled me out of the storyline. Which affected my overall rating of the book. I think with a little ‘tweaking’ though, this book could be more of a stellar read!
Be warned, Puzzleman and Mr. Broadstone’s pipeworld is hellish in the extreme! This is not a light and fluffy read- it is not ‘easy’ reading, it is graphic and disturbing - so if that is not your vibe, then this is probably not the book for you.
Otherwise, Happy Reading…
Thank you, Christopher Alan Broadstone!
July 18, 2024
Amanda Zimmerman is a woman who has been through a lot in her lifetime, the worst being losing her child and after some years grieving this, she begins to have a feeling that something isn't right about it. John Rainbow is a professor of history who experienced young love in France with Jeanette Orfèvre, a vintner during World War II where he saw shadows in the beauty of the town and the dark cathedral overshadowing it.
As Amanda is figuring out what happened to her child, she keeps experiencing, visions, smells, thoughts and feelings and events which are testing her sanity, so she returns to where she first started grieving, but things don't go as smoothly as she hoped. This is where Ben Henfry, an ex-detective who knows something is wrong as soon as he runs into Amanda and sees her unusual behaviour, little does he know that she will draw him into a world he could never have expected or imagined. Meanwhile, she goes to see Professor Rainbow, an old acquaintance of the father of her child, however, he doesn't seem to want to, or be able to help her, so she continues on.
It is at this point that the professor realises that he needs to revisit his past and reconnect with Jeanette and face up to his loneliness, but first, after an encounter with Ben Henfry, he tries to find Amanda and also his old and now legless friend, however, what he finds in nothing he could ever imagine or expect. It is at her lowest point that Amanda is confronted with the truth of her recent behaviour and the Puzzleman decides to show her the reality of what he has been pushing into her mind and so in the sewers , Amanda and another are drawn deep into the world of the Puzzleman and the Gruemonsters he has created within it, creatures ever living in a state of disparate features, pain, delirium and delight as the Puzzleman reigns over them and the Professor watches them be taken, knowing that the other person is his old friend.
As these tangled lives intertwine, they are drawn deeper into the reality and history of the Puzzleman, his gruesome world and the mystery surrounding it, but will they be able to stop him and keep their sanity intact or will the go the same way as the Gruemonsters, after all no one is sane down a drain and down a drain no one is sane!
As Amanda is figuring out what happened to her child, she keeps experiencing, visions, smells, thoughts and feelings and events which are testing her sanity, so she returns to where she first started grieving, but things don't go as smoothly as she hoped. This is where Ben Henfry, an ex-detective who knows something is wrong as soon as he runs into Amanda and sees her unusual behaviour, little does he know that she will draw him into a world he could never have expected or imagined. Meanwhile, she goes to see Professor Rainbow, an old acquaintance of the father of her child, however, he doesn't seem to want to, or be able to help her, so she continues on.
It is at this point that the professor realises that he needs to revisit his past and reconnect with Jeanette and face up to his loneliness, but first, after an encounter with Ben Henfry, he tries to find Amanda and also his old and now legless friend, however, what he finds in nothing he could ever imagine or expect. It is at her lowest point that Amanda is confronted with the truth of her recent behaviour and the Puzzleman decides to show her the reality of what he has been pushing into her mind and so in the sewers , Amanda and another are drawn deep into the world of the Puzzleman and the Gruemonsters he has created within it, creatures ever living in a state of disparate features, pain, delirium and delight as the Puzzleman reigns over them and the Professor watches them be taken, knowing that the other person is his old friend.
As these tangled lives intertwine, they are drawn deeper into the reality and history of the Puzzleman, his gruesome world and the mystery surrounding it, but will they be able to stop him and keep their sanity intact or will the go the same way as the Gruemonsters, after all no one is sane down a drain and down a drain no one is sane!
July 15, 2024
This was a really unique read. I don't normally like horrors/thrillers but there was something about this book that made me want to read it and boy was I glad I did. This story is very intense. The author does an incredible job at describing characters and scenes so that you can actually see them happening as if it were a movie. There were parts of this story that literally made me jump and the images the author places in your mind is definately the stuff of nightmares.
This story is so intricate that I had to re read some parts to fully understand what I was reading but it was so worth the extra time doing that.
The characters and their lives are so well woven together even when at first they seem to have no connection at all. One thing that did come across for me is that every one of them were fighting demons of some sort or another and this is what draws the puzzleman to them.
This is a very chilling read that I definately got lost in. It is quite a big book however it flows so well that I read it in no time at all.
This was definitely one book I didn't read in the dark which to me is a sign of a good horror story.
This story is so intricate that I had to re read some parts to fully understand what I was reading but it was so worth the extra time doing that.
The characters and their lives are so well woven together even when at first they seem to have no connection at all. One thing that did come across for me is that every one of them were fighting demons of some sort or another and this is what draws the puzzleman to them.
This is a very chilling read that I definately got lost in. It is quite a big book however it flows so well that I read it in no time at all.
This was definitely one book I didn't read in the dark which to me is a sign of a good horror story.
June 19, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book by this author. This is my first book by this author. I enjoyed their attention to details that made the characters come to life. It made the story realistic and hard to put down. This is a well written story about the Puzzleman who pulls others into his living nightmare. A world where escape may not be possible. Do you dare go down that hole? I enjoyed the author’s creativity that made the twists and turns like no other. I enjoyed how scary this book was in parts which, for me, had me wanting to know more. There is great growth of the plot that makes the story easy to read and entertaining. This is a fast paced story that you don’t want to miss. It is a great story but if you don’t like gruesome things, it may not be for you. I highly recommend this book.
July 18, 2024
This was the first book I had picked up by this author and far from the last! I am such a huge fan of the horror and thriller genres, so as soon as caught a glimpse of this cover, I knew I had to pick it up. After reading the synopsis, I immediately dove in and didn’t come up for air until the end! This book grips you immediately in the first few pages and never lets go. I cannot stress enough how genius this writing style is. I am blown away that I have never heard of this author before, but I am recommending them to everyone now. This is a gripping, original read with absolutely incredibly horrifying imagery description of the Grumemonsters. I’m so excited to have found this author even if this does give me nightmares. If you are looking for a phenomenal horror book with intense twists and turns throughout, please do yourself a favor and pick this book up right now!
July 4, 2024
This book is a dark, twisted and intense horror / thriller story that, at times, was quite uncomfortable to read in the best way. This is the first book that I have read by this author and from the description I really did not know what to expect. The idea behind the book and the world created is so imaginative. It is detailed to the point that you can’t help but picture everything the author is describing.
The combination of characters in the book really worked. They were all so different by the very nature of the situation which added even more layers to the book. At times, I think the writing could have done with a little polish. The writing was a bit abrupt in places but overall it was a great story. I look forward to seeing what else this author has to offer.
The combination of characters in the book really worked. They were all so different by the very nature of the situation which added even more layers to the book. At times, I think the writing could have done with a little polish. The writing was a bit abrupt in places but overall it was a great story. I look forward to seeing what else this author has to offer.
July 8, 2024
Broadstone is a first time author for me and I am hooked! Puzzleman is horrifically original, macabre, and full of so many twists, turns, and a crazy interconnectedness. Broadstone weaves such an intricately detailed story and delivers it in such a way that the reader can smell the pipe world, feel the heat of the puzzleman's breath, and see the nauseating, deformed “bodies" of the grumemonsters. The characters are realistically flawed and believable. This book combines history, mythology, horror, mystery, and gore. There were a few places where the writing seemed a bit disjointed, but it did not detract from the story one bit. Overall, an amazing horror read by a great author. I can't wait to read more from Mr. Broadstone.
July 17, 2024
Puzzleman: A Macabre Thriller throws you into a dark world of twists and turns, intricate details, and realistically written characters. I thoroughly enjoyed the amount of time and research that went into the writing, with nods at Greek Mythology and WWII that I noticed. this is definitely one of the most creative and intricately original books I have read in quite awhile, and I loved the strangeness of it all. This is one that will keep you guessing, and the fact that the characters are imperfect makes it much more believable and emerges you even deeper into the experience. Upon checking into this author, I have found he also has a some horror shorts that are also very well written and quite good stories. I will surely be reading more from this author.
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