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Curse of the Cob Man
The sleepy, beautiful town of Apple Valley has a curse.
A curse that’s been kept at bay for hundreds of years.
A curse that’s about to be unleashed on the entire town.
When teenager Mikey Tomasi breaks Apple Valley’s covenant with the harvest deity that’s kept them flourishing with agricultural success for over two centuries, all hell breaks loose. What started as a simple prank turns into the darkest chapter in peaceful Apple Valley’s rich history.
What Mikey doesn’t realize is that he’s set in motion the … CURSE OF THE COB MAN.
A curse that’s been kept at bay for hundreds of years.
A curse that’s about to be unleashed on the entire town.
When teenager Mikey Tomasi breaks Apple Valley’s covenant with the harvest deity that’s kept them flourishing with agricultural success for over two centuries, all hell breaks loose. What started as a simple prank turns into the darkest chapter in peaceful Apple Valley’s rich history.
What Mikey doesn’t realize is that he’s set in motion the … CURSE OF THE COB MAN.
- GenresHorror
194 pages, Hardcover
Published November 5, 2023
3 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Robert P. Ottone
30 books113 followersRobert P. Ottone is the two-time Bram Stoker Award-winning author of THE TRIANGLE and THERE'S SOMETHING SINISTER IN CENTER FIELD. He is also the best-selling author of CURSE OF THE COB MAN, THE SLEEPY HOLLOW GANG, THE VILE THING WE CREATED and NOCTURNAL CREATURES.
His short fiction has been collected in TEAR ME OPEN: FEARS UNWRAPPED as well as HER INFERNAL NAME & OTHER NIGHTMARES.
He holds two master’s degrees in Education, as well as an MFA in Children’s Literature.
A bagel-loving fabulist of spooky absurdity, Ottone enjoys cigars, cocktails and time with his wife.
His short fiction has been collected in TEAR ME OPEN: FEARS UNWRAPPED as well as HER INFERNAL NAME & OTHER NIGHTMARES.
He holds two master’s degrees in Education, as well as an MFA in Children’s Literature.
A bagel-loving fabulist of spooky absurdity, Ottone enjoys cigars, cocktails and time with his wife.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 22, 2025
Now this was a stellar concept! Original, unique idea with a good leading cast, solid lore created, and a monster that is something permanently engrained in my mind. I'll never look at corn the same way again. And, while the creature was mostly kept hidden away until the very end, its presence was felt throughout. And there was another suspect that added to the intrigue for a bit, even casting doubt on what the monster was actually doing, too. So, great atmosphere created by the author. And I really enjoyed the family dynamics between Mikey, his sister, and both parents. Lots of complexities there, and we sort of got to see Mikey grow up very quickly, as he was faced with some hard truths and decisions, which was a lot of fun. I did want some more from Brian and Officer Bigelow. Their part in the story felt like it had more to tell, but what we got was still enjoyable. And I really was left unsure of what the Brian Bowyer reference was here. Like I don't know if this was meant to be a tribute to the horror author or if he helped with this book, and I didn't see any notes from Ottone. Just left me a little confused. But overall, this was a great experience and a very layered, rich story that satisfied the horror fan inside of me.
October 31, 2023
Wicked Fun!
What a perfect book to have finished reading on Halloween! You can't go wrong with anything by Ottone, and you're gonna have an amazing time with anything he writes. If you like fast, exciting horror filled with vivid imagery and great writing, you'll have a blast with CURSE OF THE COB MAN. Highly recommended!
What a perfect book to have finished reading on Halloween! You can't go wrong with anything by Ottone, and you're gonna have an amazing time with anything he writes. If you like fast, exciting horror filled with vivid imagery and great writing, you'll have a blast with CURSE OF THE COB MAN. Highly recommended!
October 19, 2023
Awesome
If you you’re a fan of folk horror, you’ll want to give the Cob Man a read. The story was excellent and superbly written. I enjoyed the cast of characters, especially Mikey’s mother… who’s one tough customer. The horror was a nice blend of suspense mixed with a fair amount of gore, but nothing over the top or extreme. Curse of the Cob Man is the perfect October read. I would’ve liked more of the Cob Man’s backstory and lore… perhaps there will be a sequel? Regardless, this was a 5 star read for me.
If you you’re a fan of folk horror, you’ll want to give the Cob Man a read. The story was excellent and superbly written. I enjoyed the cast of characters, especially Mikey’s mother… who’s one tough customer. The horror was a nice blend of suspense mixed with a fair amount of gore, but nothing over the top or extreme. Curse of the Cob Man is the perfect October read. I would’ve liked more of the Cob Man’s backstory and lore… perhaps there will be a sequel? Regardless, this was a 5 star read for me.
November 3, 2023
I want this to be a movie.
I WANT this to be a movie.
It is passed perfectly, there are NO conflicts between characters, and said characters are all likeable.
And the characters are SMART…..well except for Mikey but his big dumb is the whole reason for the book. I think that’s one of the things I like the most about this book. Most times you get unwarranted accusations between characters that can get aggravating after awhile. Here, everyone is making smart decisions given the circumstance.
Carlotta deserves mother of the year. When you read the book you’ll understand EXACTLY why.
I WANT this to be a movie.
It is passed perfectly, there are NO conflicts between characters, and said characters are all likeable.
And the characters are SMART…..well except for Mikey but his big dumb is the whole reason for the book. I think that’s one of the things I like the most about this book. Most times you get unwarranted accusations between characters that can get aggravating after awhile. Here, everyone is making smart decisions given the circumstance.
Carlotta deserves mother of the year. When you read the book you’ll understand EXACTLY why.
December 26, 2023
I want this made into a movie!! And not a crappy SyFy dumpster fire, but a legitimate production worthy of the violence, gore, and lore of the Cob Man.
This is a great "monster" story. The deaths are graphic and made me a bit squirmy in my seat. I may have a new fear of corn cobs: shucking the husk that can easily be used as a surgical tool and the "silk" that gets stuck in my teeth that can slice through my skin as if it's butter.
Must read for those who like graphic kills and a really creative story!
This is a great "monster" story. The deaths are graphic and made me a bit squirmy in my seat. I may have a new fear of corn cobs: shucking the husk that can easily be used as a surgical tool and the "silk" that gets stuck in my teeth that can slice through my skin as if it's butter.
Must read for those who like graphic kills and a really creative story!
November 15, 2023
Apple Valley has a legend about The Lord of the Harvest. An offering must be left for him. What if the offering is taken. Will Apple Valley survive? Is the legend real.
December 31, 2023
Roughly inspired by Italian giallo films, Curse of the Cob Man is a harvest horror treat, operating with the speed and storytelling efficiency of a drive-in B-movie. Ottone channels all the same gruesome giallo energy with his cheap thrill kills, and the book is about as absurd and bloody as one expects from the killer corn cob on the cover.
Much like giallo films and novels, Curse of the Cob Man is very much intended to be cheap and accessible entertainment, but Ottone does give the book more heart than might be expected for a matinee thrill. The book's characters feel authentic, and Ottone's ability to write convincing character dialogue is one of the book's major strengths. The book moves with the grace of a polished film script, sweeping through action and character development in tandem until its denouement. The influence of giallo film can most clearly be felt in the book's queer romance and its spectacular violence, but as cheap as the experience feels it is not cheapened by Ottone's earnestness to tell an engaging story.
If you're in search of a harvest creature feature, I can think of few as entertaining as Curse of the Cob Man. It's bloody, ridiculous, sometimes downright funny, but always earnest about being fun.
Disclaimer Note: I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the author. My thoughts and opinions reflected here are entirely my own and have not been influenced in any way by either publisher or author.
Much like giallo films and novels, Curse of the Cob Man is very much intended to be cheap and accessible entertainment, but Ottone does give the book more heart than might be expected for a matinee thrill. The book's characters feel authentic, and Ottone's ability to write convincing character dialogue is one of the book's major strengths. The book moves with the grace of a polished film script, sweeping through action and character development in tandem until its denouement. The influence of giallo film can most clearly be felt in the book's queer romance and its spectacular violence, but as cheap as the experience feels it is not cheapened by Ottone's earnestness to tell an engaging story.
If you're in search of a harvest creature feature, I can think of few as entertaining as Curse of the Cob Man. It's bloody, ridiculous, sometimes downright funny, but always earnest about being fun.
Disclaimer Note: I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the author. My thoughts and opinions reflected here are entirely my own and have not been influenced in any way by either publisher or author.
November 3, 2023
First, I have to admit my personal interest in this book. One of the characters is named after me.
(no, I don't survive) lol
Mr Ottone brings forth a harrowing urban legend with dire consequences.
Leave the offering! (and hope a damn teenager doesn't feel prankish)
(no, I don't survive) lol
Mr Ottone brings forth a harrowing urban legend with dire consequences.
Leave the offering! (and hope a damn teenager doesn't feel prankish)
November 24, 2023
Book Review
Curse of the Cob Man
I love a creature feature and small town horror. When they combine, it's magic. Continuing my Halloween reads from last month, I was able to read this ARC by Robert P. Ottone.
This horror read has a lot of heart. This felt like a classic scary story like I used to enjoy in the 90s. There's great story telling without too much gore. I loved how The Lord of the Harvest terrorized the small town. A fun thing to consider while reading is who do you think is to blame for the carnage. I personally think it's the town leaders. They should have done way more to educate their people.
Fans of cryptoids and horror should pick this one up. This book has a fun story in store for readers.
Curse of the Cob Man
I love a creature feature and small town horror. When they combine, it's magic. Continuing my Halloween reads from last month, I was able to read this ARC by Robert P. Ottone.
This horror read has a lot of heart. This felt like a classic scary story like I used to enjoy in the 90s. There's great story telling without too much gore. I loved how The Lord of the Harvest terrorized the small town. A fun thing to consider while reading is who do you think is to blame for the carnage. I personally think it's the town leaders. They should have done way more to educate their people.
Fans of cryptoids and horror should pick this one up. This book has a fun story in store for readers.
March 30, 2024
The book was good. I enjoyed it, though I am giving it a 3 star only because of how slow it is getting into the whole battle sequence of the Cob Man vs the main character. I would still recommend this book despite my rating, I enjoyed it, was at the edge of my seat. Good luck to Mikey in his recovery from all he has been through in this book.
May 14, 2024
There is usually one idiotic character that usually starts chaos in a small town, and of course its usually a teenager. This book was viscious and gruesome end of violence even for an ear of corn. But author did great with storyline.
December 22, 2023
Apple Valley may seem like a quaint little family-friendly rural town, but it’s shrouded by a curse. According to legend, every resident must provide an offering to the Lord of the Harvest – locally referred to as the Cob Man – or else death and blight will plague the town. Sounds pretty hard to believe, right? Those who grew up in the valley may cling to this legend and follow the rules, but what happens when someone who was not spoon-fed the legend their entire lives doesn’t play along? That’s when things start going wrong.
Curse of the Cob Man by Robert P. Ottone explores the “what if’s” of an urban legend. That is, what if a typical teenager doesn’t believe the legends and decides to play a prank on everyone just to prove how silly it is? I have always wondered how teens deal with urban legends in their own towns. Do they believe the stories? Have any of them ever rebelled against them? And what happens if they do?
Ottone’s novel is not so much a horrifying tale, but a warning of what could very well happen if the legends are ignored.
That aside, though, this story is not just about an urban legend, but also about a family struggling to fit in. Always the target of gossip and stories, the Tomasi family made their home in Apple Valley hoping for a life of less violence. But when the proverbial poop hit the fan, they go back into survival mode and know just how to battle the monster terrorizing their town and killing everyone. The state police think they have it covered, the local police starts deputizing citizens in order to get more eyes out for the killer, but it’s the Tomasi family that triumphs above it all, ready to kick ass and take names.
I also liked how Ottone describes the evil Cob Man creature – and how he has zombie-like helpers following him! That was so bizarre! Then there’s the part about the things the Cob Man does to the dead bodies. It’s kinda weird and kinda gross. But also creepily cool!
Curse of the Cob Man is a horrifying spin on an urban legend causing legendary havoc in a small town that failed to pay a tribute it demands on one night of the year. Ottone brilliantly “weaves” together a story that is the stuff of nightmares, complete with a terrifying, gruesome monster that will prompt a reader to never view an ear of corn in the same way ever again.
Curse of the Cob Man by Robert P. Ottone explores the “what if’s” of an urban legend. That is, what if a typical teenager doesn’t believe the legends and decides to play a prank on everyone just to prove how silly it is? I have always wondered how teens deal with urban legends in their own towns. Do they believe the stories? Have any of them ever rebelled against them? And what happens if they do?
Ottone’s novel is not so much a horrifying tale, but a warning of what could very well happen if the legends are ignored.
That aside, though, this story is not just about an urban legend, but also about a family struggling to fit in. Always the target of gossip and stories, the Tomasi family made their home in Apple Valley hoping for a life of less violence. But when the proverbial poop hit the fan, they go back into survival mode and know just how to battle the monster terrorizing their town and killing everyone. The state police think they have it covered, the local police starts deputizing citizens in order to get more eyes out for the killer, but it’s the Tomasi family that triumphs above it all, ready to kick ass and take names.
I also liked how Ottone describes the evil Cob Man creature – and how he has zombie-like helpers following him! That was so bizarre! Then there’s the part about the things the Cob Man does to the dead bodies. It’s kinda weird and kinda gross. But also creepily cool!
Curse of the Cob Man is a horrifying spin on an urban legend causing legendary havoc in a small town that failed to pay a tribute it demands on one night of the year. Ottone brilliantly “weaves” together a story that is the stuff of nightmares, complete with a terrifying, gruesome monster that will prompt a reader to never view an ear of corn in the same way ever again.
December 20, 2023
on halloween evening, our teenage protagonist mikey pulls what he believes to be an innocent prank by stealing the offerings that the town's residents have left out for the lord of the harvest; this turns out to have been a devastating mistake that results in a fair number of people being gruesomely killed - the first victim being, heartbreakingly, mikey's boyfriend. ok well, going into a book about what is essentially a giant, sentient corncob monster, i was expecting ridiculousness and tasty gore, which i got, but i was not expecting the genuine heartfelt emotion threaded throughout between not only mikey and his boyfriend, but his family and best friend as well. it was surprisingly touching. this was delightful all around, a great action filled thriller, truly delicious people-getting-torn-apart-and-put-back-together-wrong level ooey gooey gore. absolutely recommend, 5/5.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews