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Morphosis
Ollie, his romantic partner Dwayne, and Ollie's two children, Sam and Jodi Lee, have left their old lives behind for a farm outside of Larton, a small & simple farming community, where Ollie takes employment with the local Sheriff's Department as a deputy and the promise of a new beginning for his family feels within reach.
But as Dwayne seeks routine, he struggles to earn the children's acceptance as a new member to the family dynamic and collides with homophobia in town, causing complications with his chronic illness. But Ollie is his compass, in him he is complete, and Dwayne would face any challenge to be in Ollie's life.
Soon, the unnerving discovery that a serial killer, nicknamed The Visitor, is stalking teens in the area pulls the Sheriff's Department into a gruesome case, and Ollie's growing obsession with catching The Visitor, as the department's newest deputy, keeps him out of the house for nights on end, leaving Dwayne and his family to unravel without support.
Saxsma's gripping narrative is a captivating, relentless plunge into unease from beginning to horrific conclusion. Morphosis is perfect for readers looking for their next must-read novel!
But as Dwayne seeks routine, he struggles to earn the children's acceptance as a new member to the family dynamic and collides with homophobia in town, causing complications with his chronic illness. But Ollie is his compass, in him he is complete, and Dwayne would face any challenge to be in Ollie's life.
Soon, the unnerving discovery that a serial killer, nicknamed The Visitor, is stalking teens in the area pulls the Sheriff's Department into a gruesome case, and Ollie's growing obsession with catching The Visitor, as the department's newest deputy, keeps him out of the house for nights on end, leaving Dwayne and his family to unravel without support.
Saxsma's gripping narrative is a captivating, relentless plunge into unease from beginning to horrific conclusion. Morphosis is perfect for readers looking for their next must-read novel!
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About the author
A.J. Saxsma
4 books100 followersAJ is a queer writer and dog dad. He grew up in a small, rural farming community an hour outside of Chicago. He exited the Midwest in 2012 with a trunkful of his belongings and has been living in Los Angeles ever since. As an author, his literary work has earned awards from Almond Press UK, has been published in anthologies, and has also appeared in Under The Bed Magazine. As a screenwriter, his work has been an official selection for the Independent Horror Film Awards, Hollywood Screen Film Festival, Los Angeles Cinefest, and Los Angeles Horror Competition. He’s also written the narrative scripts for four video game projects produced by Oculus for the Oculus VR system.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
May 15, 2023
2 1/2 stars, bumped to 3.
April 9, 2025
It seems I'm in the minority here, but I enjoyed the rough aspect of this book. It's choppy and full or raw and sharp edges. The style made things feel tense and bleak which I thought was fitting for Dwayne's state of mind. There's a couple of things that I wish had been a little more polished but that didn't stop me being really into it.
April 8, 2023
Depressing and nonsense galore.
Nothing good happens in this story, nothing. It starts depressing and ends even worse. The characters vary from flat to horrible people. The murder mystery never gets solved. To make matters worse, the writing is annoying. it's chopped and repetitive, and the dialogues are so bad.
The only reason I finished it is because I kept hoping for something good to happen and change the story's vibe, but that never happened.
There were so many subjects to be explored there, but it was wasted.
Nothing good happens in this story, nothing. It starts depressing and ends even worse. The characters vary from flat to horrible people. The murder mystery never gets solved. To make matters worse, the writing is annoying. it's chopped and repetitive, and the dialogues are so bad.
The only reason I finished it is because I kept hoping for something good to happen and change the story's vibe, but that never happened.
There were so many subjects to be explored there, but it was wasted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2023
Compelling but uneven
This might have been a four-star review, but the last chapter was hard to swallow and it seemed like the author was scrambling to end the book with a twist. Too bad because the relationships between the main characters was intriguing. Each was horribly flawed in his or her own way, which made them seem more human. The horror elements involving the serial killer and his prey were hardly as unsettling as the way the four main family members reacted towards one another and how selfish they all were. And that paled in comparison to the way the community treated Dwayne, the most empathetic person in the story. An interesting piece of queer horror, though not conventionally scary.
This might have been a four-star review, but the last chapter was hard to swallow and it seemed like the author was scrambling to end the book with a twist. Too bad because the relationships between the main characters was intriguing. Each was horribly flawed in his or her own way, which made them seem more human. The horror elements involving the serial killer and his prey were hardly as unsettling as the way the four main family members reacted towards one another and how selfish they all were. And that paled in comparison to the way the community treated Dwayne, the most empathetic person in the story. An interesting piece of queer horror, though not conventionally scary.
March 30, 2023
5/5⭐️ for Morphosis written by AJ Saxsma! This book shook me to my core as I lived in a conservative rural town in 1987, which is the time and place this novella takes place. There is horror in the serial killer narrative but the real horror is the blatant bigotry and violence directed at a marginalized community in the book.
First of all, the book cover is absolutely stunning and depicts certain narratives of the book beautifully.
The book has excellent character development for such a short read. It is easy to love some characters and despise others. Morphosis is well written. It keeps the reader involved and it’s very difficult to put the book down. I will call Morphosis one of the “must read” books released in 2023!
The reader should take breaks from reading because emotions go on the ride of a lifetime. Anger is the emotion that hits the hardest while reading Morphosis. Anger at situations and anger at characters rips through the reader at an alarming pace. The anger does not persuade the reader to DNF the book though because it is righteous anger flowing. It makes the reader determined to see the book through the end.
The most horrifying part of reading this book is many people can say, “Yes, that is my life. I’ve lived it and still do.” The characters in the book are not able to take simple things for granted.
As a reader, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I feel it is a book that needs to be read. It tells a real horror story in history and that history is still being written today.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
First of all, the book cover is absolutely stunning and depicts certain narratives of the book beautifully.
The book has excellent character development for such a short read. It is easy to love some characters and despise others. Morphosis is well written. It keeps the reader involved and it’s very difficult to put the book down. I will call Morphosis one of the “must read” books released in 2023!
The reader should take breaks from reading because emotions go on the ride of a lifetime. Anger is the emotion that hits the hardest while reading Morphosis. Anger at situations and anger at characters rips through the reader at an alarming pace. The anger does not persuade the reader to DNF the book though because it is righteous anger flowing. It makes the reader determined to see the book through the end.
The most horrifying part of reading this book is many people can say, “Yes, that is my life. I’ve lived it and still do.” The characters in the book are not able to take simple things for granted.
As a reader, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I feel it is a book that needs to be read. It tells a real horror story in history and that history is still being written today.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 22, 2024
Contrary to popular opinion, a book written in a style different than the norm doesn't make it "bad". This one definitely has a writing style that doesn't lend itself to much dialogue or step by step character interactions. But it's dark, bleak, and bloody at times as well as moody. But it worked for me on a level which had me engaged with the narrative and, at the end, I loved the story it told and the unique way in which it was relayed.
A gay couple moves to a farmhouse with two children. One of them is starting as a deputy in town and the other is playing house father. But none of them respect him really. He's treated like a servant at best and is a recovering alcoholic. On top of that, he's sick (although not specifically mentioned, it seems to be HIV).
They all try to fit in as best as they can but homophobic townsfolk and a fire and brimstone anti-gay church seem to be driving a wedge even further into the family.
A viscious serial killer is on the loose, leaving a bloody body count behind and the new deputy ignores the family in favor of solving the case and gaining recognition for himself along the way... even if it means lying to do it.
This is not a book that walks you through a familiar narrative while solving all the problems along the way. It's more like real life which is complicated, messy, and sometimes doesn't have any black or white conclusions.
If you're looking for something different, dark, disturbing, and bloody, I recommend this book.
A gay couple moves to a farmhouse with two children. One of them is starting as a deputy in town and the other is playing house father. But none of them respect him really. He's treated like a servant at best and is a recovering alcoholic. On top of that, he's sick (although not specifically mentioned, it seems to be HIV).
They all try to fit in as best as they can but homophobic townsfolk and a fire and brimstone anti-gay church seem to be driving a wedge even further into the family.
A viscious serial killer is on the loose, leaving a bloody body count behind and the new deputy ignores the family in favor of solving the case and gaining recognition for himself along the way... even if it means lying to do it.
This is not a book that walks you through a familiar narrative while solving all the problems along the way. It's more like real life which is complicated, messy, and sometimes doesn't have any black or white conclusions.
If you're looking for something different, dark, disturbing, and bloody, I recommend this book.
July 24, 2023
The book felt like an unpolished project. It felt like it had no real direction or objective. The book had unfinished thoughts and seemingly tossed in at random plot points and conflicts. The author made it their mission to try and incorporate as many poorly presented conflicts as possible. To make matters worse, there were grammar mistakes. Overall, it was somewhat painful to read as it was hard to follow.
I wish the author had taken more time to craft this piece rather than rushing forward with publishing. Also, simplicity is not always the best answer to specific conflicts. Dwayne and Ollie’s abusive relationship was so obvious and not well hidden (really great authors can craft the nuances related to abusive relationships and the reasoning why, unfortunately, victims often stay in these relationships or deny the abuse). The author did none of these things. There was no redeeming quality of Ollie and no real clue into Dwayne’s thoughts about why he remained. The characters were mostly flat and not well-developed. Also, I feel like the author wrote Dwayne as an underappreciated, stereotypical housewife role (which is harmful and problematic).
There were questions that were never really answered – why Ollie and his father had a falling out, why Brady had this look “like he had designs”, if Dwayne will adopt Jodi and Sam, and how The Visitor chose victims.
Painful. 1 Star. I hope the author takes the time to reflect and revise this work.
I wish the author had taken more time to craft this piece rather than rushing forward with publishing. Also, simplicity is not always the best answer to specific conflicts. Dwayne and Ollie’s abusive relationship was so obvious and not well hidden (really great authors can craft the nuances related to abusive relationships and the reasoning why, unfortunately, victims often stay in these relationships or deny the abuse). The author did none of these things. There was no redeeming quality of Ollie and no real clue into Dwayne’s thoughts about why he remained. The characters were mostly flat and not well-developed. Also, I feel like the author wrote Dwayne as an underappreciated, stereotypical housewife role (which is harmful and problematic).
There were questions that were never really answered – why Ollie and his father had a falling out, why Brady had this look “like he had designs”, if Dwayne will adopt Jodi and Sam, and how The Visitor chose victims.
Painful. 1 Star. I hope the author takes the time to reflect and revise this work.
October 13, 2023
An interesting read!
I didn't know what to expect going into this book but it held my interest and had me reading it twice! One of the most interesting reads this year!
I didn't know what to expect going into this book but it held my interest and had me reading it twice! One of the most interesting reads this year!
June 22, 2023
this exhausted me, and the writing style was hard to get through.
June 18, 2023
Writing style real weird, like cut and dry, newspaper read in a book.. two stars were generous.
July 6, 2023
Slight minor spoilers.
I tried, but by the end of the book I've determined that I just didn't like it. I've seen other reviews saying that there are no likeable characters, and that's true. I could maybe say Sam because he's a kid and maybe possibly kind of Dwayne because he's at least trying, but still. Pretty much everyone is awful to a degree and it makes the story kind of tough to get through. The ending is also abrupt and unsatisfying. I would have liked to have seen more development with the side-story involving Jodi. There could have been some interesting character development and at times I felt there was some Outlast 2 or Frontier(s) plot devices going on, but that also fizzled. Same with the secondary character Beverly. I get the feeling that she has feelings for Jodi but because of the oppressive nature of her family and the church she's trying to address those while refusing to admit to them. Something interesting could have happened there. That could have been a bridge between Jodi and Dwayne. A mutual understanding. But no. Just awkward and uncomfortable and unsatisfying the whole way through.
Also, there is so much more telling instead of showing. To the point where we are being told dialogue instead of just getting dialogue. It's not a poorly written story, by any means, but misses the mark in too many places. Also, never before have I felt so deceived by a title and book cover.
I tried, but by the end of the book I've determined that I just didn't like it. I've seen other reviews saying that there are no likeable characters, and that's true. I could maybe say Sam because he's a kid and maybe possibly kind of Dwayne because he's at least trying, but still. Pretty much everyone is awful to a degree and it makes the story kind of tough to get through. The ending is also abrupt and unsatisfying. I would have liked to have seen more development with the side-story involving Jodi. There could have been some interesting character development and at times I felt there was some Outlast 2 or Frontier(s) plot devices going on, but that also fizzled. Same with the secondary character Beverly. I get the feeling that she has feelings for Jodi but because of the oppressive nature of her family and the church she's trying to address those while refusing to admit to them. Something interesting could have happened there. That could have been a bridge between Jodi and Dwayne. A mutual understanding. But no. Just awkward and uncomfortable and unsatisfying the whole way through.
Also, there is so much more telling instead of showing. To the point where we are being told dialogue instead of just getting dialogue. It's not a poorly written story, by any means, but misses the mark in too many places. Also, never before have I felt so deceived by a title and book cover.
April 11, 2023
Interesting new entry to queer horror.
I had mixed feelings about the writing style, at parts I found it distracted me from the actual story and at times it was really effective building the horror.
Will definitely keep my eye out for the authors upcoming work.
I had mixed feelings about the writing style, at parts I found it distracted me from the actual story and at times it was really effective building the horror.
Will definitely keep my eye out for the authors upcoming work.
May 16, 2023
. . . I’m just so confused about what I just read
May 27, 2023
fast paced which was nice, but the ending felt rushed and unsatisfying
June 3, 2023
Needs refinement
I really wanted to like this book but the writing style needs improvement. it felt like I was reading a first draft versus a finished book.
I really wanted to like this book but the writing style needs improvement. it felt like I was reading a first draft versus a finished book.
April 2, 2023
Morphosis perfectly captured how intertwined story’s can have drastically different endings.
Saxsma draws you in with their writing from the start, seeing this seemingly dysfunctional family described through film footage left me intrigued beyond belief, I had no idea what the story was about or where it was going but I desperately wanted to know.
The town seemed so beautiful at first but as we get to know the people behind it I marvel at Saxsmas use of parallels, especially in Ollie and Dwayne’s relationship, as we see Dwayne consciously making the decision to acknowledge his life isn’t as wonderful as he tells himself it is, and Ollie be forced into this same realisation with violent repercussions. Their drastically different perspectives shatter any remaining ideas that life in their new home will be perfect.
By the end of Morphosis I was impressed and certainly thoroughly enjoyed reading it, however I was left slightly disappointed that we never got to learn any backstory about Dwayne and Ollies relationship, which was rocky from the start, leaving me curious as to how they ended up in such a committed situation!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Saxsma draws you in with their writing from the start, seeing this seemingly dysfunctional family described through film footage left me intrigued beyond belief, I had no idea what the story was about or where it was going but I desperately wanted to know.
The town seemed so beautiful at first but as we get to know the people behind it I marvel at Saxsmas use of parallels, especially in Ollie and Dwayne’s relationship, as we see Dwayne consciously making the decision to acknowledge his life isn’t as wonderful as he tells himself it is, and Ollie be forced into this same realisation with violent repercussions. Their drastically different perspectives shatter any remaining ideas that life in their new home will be perfect.
By the end of Morphosis I was impressed and certainly thoroughly enjoyed reading it, however I was left slightly disappointed that we never got to learn any backstory about Dwayne and Ollies relationship, which was rocky from the start, leaving me curious as to how they ended up in such a committed situation!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 11, 2023
Not going to lie; the cover caught my attention immediately. The blurb sealed the deal. I love queer horror, and there isn't enough of it.
From the first page, the tension and sense of doom were palpable. The atmosphere in this book is excellent. It was like sitting in a room waiting for someone to die as these characters spiraled, unable to escape their patterns of destructive behavior. They manipulate and allow themselves to be manipulated. They tolerate the intolerable and dish it out. It only gets worse when a serial killer enters the fray, bringing out Ollie's narcissism and need to be praised by his father. This need takes over his entire life, even though it's clear it's only a distraction from the fact he's a terrible father, a heartless lover, and a man unwilling or incapable of supporting and protecting his family.
Even better is the fact that the plot doesn't rely on cheap twists. The real horror here isn't The Visitor. It's the fact we're prisoners to our human, flawed selves, and we can inflict terrible harm on others with neglect, shame, hatred, ignorance, and other traits we employ passively in our lives.
From the first page, the tension and sense of doom were palpable. The atmosphere in this book is excellent. It was like sitting in a room waiting for someone to die as these characters spiraled, unable to escape their patterns of destructive behavior. They manipulate and allow themselves to be manipulated. They tolerate the intolerable and dish it out. It only gets worse when a serial killer enters the fray, bringing out Ollie's narcissism and need to be praised by his father. This need takes over his entire life, even though it's clear it's only a distraction from the fact he's a terrible father, a heartless lover, and a man unwilling or incapable of supporting and protecting his family.
Even better is the fact that the plot doesn't rely on cheap twists. The real horror here isn't The Visitor. It's the fact we're prisoners to our human, flawed selves, and we can inflict terrible harm on others with neglect, shame, hatred, ignorance, and other traits we employ passively in our lives.
May 9, 2023
Just finished the book and WOW! I don't know how to describe my feelings. It, sadly, felt familiar and too close to home. Being a queer non-binary person from Texas I can feel the eyes of the townsfolk starting at me through the page. The writing style is completely unique. I have never read anything like it. It was as if I was watching the words from 500 feet in the air getting descriptions that were generic and vague but at the same time I was looking through the eyes of the characters and the descriptions were too vivid. I really enjoyed the experience reading the book. Excited to see what the author comes out with next!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 3, 2023
Strong
Did not expect to really vibe with this serial killer tale, but man once you catch its flow, it really resonates. Very good read from a writer I will be following.
Did not expect to really vibe with this serial killer tale, but man once you catch its flow, it really resonates. Very good read from a writer I will be following.
April 23, 2023
Something Different
Ok this book is not my cup of tea but what I can appreciate is good writing and character development.
The story is suspenseful and well thought out.
Ok this book is not my cup of tea but what I can appreciate is good writing and character development.
The story is suspenseful and well thought out.
April 22, 2023
Dark, Creepy Horror
This was an atmospheric page-turner with an engaging plot and characters. Brutal murders in a small, small-minded town bring out the worst in a blended family already deeply stressed by interpersonal issues. There’s a solid sense of foreboding that starts with the first sentence and continues through to the end. Although I enjoyed the read and will look for more from this writer, a few murky elements left me wondering at the larger meaning. Solid, creepy horror.
This was an atmospheric page-turner with an engaging plot and characters. Brutal murders in a small, small-minded town bring out the worst in a blended family already deeply stressed by interpersonal issues. There’s a solid sense of foreboding that starts with the first sentence and continues through to the end. Although I enjoyed the read and will look for more from this writer, a few murky elements left me wondering at the larger meaning. Solid, creepy horror.
June 26, 2023
This book was... bad. Just so bad.
While the blurb intrigued me it pretty much said everything that happened in the book. There was almost zero character development beyond what you could read in the description above. I disliked all of the characters, except for one that is fairly minor to the plot.
The writing in general is mediocre at best. The longest dialogue is maybe 5 or 6 lines, internal or otherwise. For my fans of Gilmore Girls... you know the episode where Lorelei gets to pick the free movie in the park and chooses to show Kirk's terrible short movie beforehand? This book is comparable to that short movie. Choppy and repetitive sentences that somehow have zero feeling. It's weird and out of touch.
I read this book in less than 48 hours, not because it was good, but because I knew if I stopped reading I would never want to pick it back up and I'd hit a major reading slump. I also had hoped it'd get better or there would be some crazy twist or it would bring it all together and make all the author's previous choices would make sense - didn't happen.
This is by far the most I have hated a book since I was in school and didn't have a choice in what I read. Just skip this one guys.
I won this book in a giveaway.
While the blurb intrigued me it pretty much said everything that happened in the book. There was almost zero character development beyond what you could read in the description above. I disliked all of the characters, except for one that is fairly minor to the plot.
The writing in general is mediocre at best. The longest dialogue is maybe 5 or 6 lines, internal or otherwise. For my fans of Gilmore Girls... you know the episode where Lorelei gets to pick the free movie in the park and chooses to show Kirk's terrible short movie beforehand? This book is comparable to that short movie. Choppy and repetitive sentences that somehow have zero feeling. It's weird and out of touch.
I read this book in less than 48 hours, not because it was good, but because I knew if I stopped reading I would never want to pick it back up and I'd hit a major reading slump. I also had hoped it'd get better or there would be some crazy twist or it would bring it all together and make all the author's previous choices would make sense - didn't happen.
This is by far the most I have hated a book since I was in school and didn't have a choice in what I read. Just skip this one guys.
I won this book in a giveaway.
July 4, 2023
I'm conflicted...I loved the premise, the setting, and the length of this book. It seemed very promising. It had its compelling moments but some of the transitions and chapters felt a little disjointed and I wasn't a fan of the ending. The ending felt rushed and lacked the substance it needed.
July 13, 2023
"The way monsters, the real ones that move through the world, can be so plain to us, so unassuming that the horrors they set loose are in complete and direct disagreement with their ordinary character."
Saxsma intended for this novel to be a tense and unsettling queer character study in which narcissism, codependency, and self-worth were explored. Saxsma's book looks at whether we are capable of escaping the worst parts of ourselves or if we stay prisoner to self-destructive cycles. And I think it is done really well. The book is completely different than anything I've read before. The way it's written helps to create this tense situation between all the characters. I think the thing I found most fascinating was that the author does this amazing job of setting up a traditional horror story.... creepy house, creepy town, cop partner, kids, partner who stays home and struggles with something. And yet... it's the reality of things that is most scary.
The novel showcases the dark side of human nature and it does it in a way that is so accurate it hurts. We have Ollie, who really seems like he only got into a new relationship to have someone to watch his children, and Dwayne who really just wants someone to love him and show him attention. Dwayne is very insecure for the majority of the novel. Ollie kind of just drops him in this town and becomes hyper focused on his police career, in an attempt to get his father's attention. The serial killer element really takes a back burner in my mind to the terrible conservative and judgmental town that Dwayne is forced to inhabit. It is the actions of the various people in the novel which are most disturbing and painful. I think this book is a fascinating look at the worst in people and does make you wonder if we can escape the cycle or if we are doomed to be stuck in our ways.
Saxsma intended for this novel to be a tense and unsettling queer character study in which narcissism, codependency, and self-worth were explored. Saxsma's book looks at whether we are capable of escaping the worst parts of ourselves or if we stay prisoner to self-destructive cycles. And I think it is done really well. The book is completely different than anything I've read before. The way it's written helps to create this tense situation between all the characters. I think the thing I found most fascinating was that the author does this amazing job of setting up a traditional horror story.... creepy house, creepy town, cop partner, kids, partner who stays home and struggles with something. And yet... it's the reality of things that is most scary.
The novel showcases the dark side of human nature and it does it in a way that is so accurate it hurts. We have Ollie, who really seems like he only got into a new relationship to have someone to watch his children, and Dwayne who really just wants someone to love him and show him attention. Dwayne is very insecure for the majority of the novel. Ollie kind of just drops him in this town and becomes hyper focused on his police career, in an attempt to get his father's attention. The serial killer element really takes a back burner in my mind to the terrible conservative and judgmental town that Dwayne is forced to inhabit. It is the actions of the various people in the novel which are most disturbing and painful. I think this book is a fascinating look at the worst in people and does make you wonder if we can escape the cycle or if we are doomed to be stuck in our ways.
July 8, 2023
The first thing that struck me about this novel was when I added it to Goodreads and saw an almost even split between all 5 star-ratings, which I've never seen before. And I get it: this book is divisive. The language uses repetition as a device to convey importance and at times even a sense of the mundane. It reads almost like thoughts due to this, ruminating on the unusual or unbelievable.
It deals with the topic of a gay male with AIDS in the 80s and struck a chord as the afflicted couldn't understand the hatred around him for just being who he was. There was veiled manipulation within the main relationship which had me taking sides, but the novel also cast almost every character in a questionable light, in a way in which it amplified the theme of "change or lack thereof". Topics of religion and religious manipulation also play into it, as well as a member of the police on a power trip who puts a huge investigation in jeopardy because of this.
The flawed humanity we see in each character as a commentary on society was obvious and reminded me in that way of how I felt reading The Only Good Indians. While this book wasn't the horror I'd hoped for, it was a subtle, nagging horror through this commentary.
It was a quick and easy read, the language mimicking thought helped a lot for me, and something about the mundaneness of the plot - an everyday family with everyday problems - actually had me eating this up. The events get stranger as the story progresses and the townspeople cover each other's arses for hateful acts committed towards the gay couple at the heart of this story.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, from RRBookTours.
It deals with the topic of a gay male with AIDS in the 80s and struck a chord as the afflicted couldn't understand the hatred around him for just being who he was. There was veiled manipulation within the main relationship which had me taking sides, but the novel also cast almost every character in a questionable light, in a way in which it amplified the theme of "change or lack thereof". Topics of religion and religious manipulation also play into it, as well as a member of the police on a power trip who puts a huge investigation in jeopardy because of this.
The flawed humanity we see in each character as a commentary on society was obvious and reminded me in that way of how I felt reading The Only Good Indians. While this book wasn't the horror I'd hoped for, it was a subtle, nagging horror through this commentary.
It was a quick and easy read, the language mimicking thought helped a lot for me, and something about the mundaneness of the plot - an everyday family with everyday problems - actually had me eating this up. The events get stranger as the story progresses and the townspeople cover each other's arses for hateful acts committed towards the gay couple at the heart of this story.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, from RRBookTours.
May 4, 2023
I love the use of the authors descriptive language. You become immersed in your surroundings so easily. The characters are so well developed, you feel like you know them which is why the stage is set for someone to die, you hope it's someone you dislike.
AJ drops a gay couple raising their children into small town where they experience little of the small town welcome one would expect. The two men, Dwayne and Ollie are very different and the rifts in their relationship begin developing quickly. The treatment by some of the people in town wear on Dwayne especially as he is the more sensitive of the two and he is also the primary caregiver. He also has a lot of demons to deal with what with being a recovering alcoholic and being ill.
Ollie works as a deputy and seems to seek approval while treating Dwayne poorly and being an absent father, even when he's in the same room. It is not surprising that thru relationship is strained. He uses work as an escape and Dwayne is not immune to that fact.
Even though their is a serial killer on the loose, this book is so much more than a murder mystery. The true killer is attitudes, shame, ignorance, judgement, and the past, to name a few. Excellent read and gripping plot made even more so by the undercurrents of family, neglect, and judgment swirling between the characters.
AJ drops a gay couple raising their children into small town where they experience little of the small town welcome one would expect. The two men, Dwayne and Ollie are very different and the rifts in their relationship begin developing quickly. The treatment by some of the people in town wear on Dwayne especially as he is the more sensitive of the two and he is also the primary caregiver. He also has a lot of demons to deal with what with being a recovering alcoholic and being ill.
Ollie works as a deputy and seems to seek approval while treating Dwayne poorly and being an absent father, even when he's in the same room. It is not surprising that thru relationship is strained. He uses work as an escape and Dwayne is not immune to that fact.
Even though their is a serial killer on the loose, this book is so much more than a murder mystery. The true killer is attitudes, shame, ignorance, judgement, and the past, to name a few. Excellent read and gripping plot made even more so by the undercurrents of family, neglect, and judgment swirling between the characters.
June 6, 2023
A random Kindle freebie find for me. I was drawn in by the cover. The rest took me by a surprise. A pleasant one, actually. Usually, these things tend to disappoint. But no, this book was both well written and professionally presented. From cover to editing,
But the main star attraction here is the author’s writing. There’s something about the seemingly simplistic short sentence structure and choppiness that evokes disturbingly well a sense of anxiety. In that, this short novel is very effective.
A dark psychological nightmare though and though, this is a tale of a fresh start gone very, very wrong.
Or about as right as you would expect for two gay men and a pair of kids in a 1987 conservative small town. One of the men becomes a deputy, determined to make his father proud. The thing is the father ship has long sailed, and the son is simply not smart enough to realize it. Also, not smart enough to make a proper go of it as a deputy. Or to be a good family man.
While his partner is left to take care of the new place and the kids who can’t stand him and deal with various personal disintegrations and addiction echoes.
Do yeah, watch this family fall apart. It’s neither conventionally enjoyable nor fun, but it’s as morbidly mesmerizing as a train wreck. Not for everyone, but those who can, should. It’s compellingly dark.
But the main star attraction here is the author’s writing. There’s something about the seemingly simplistic short sentence structure and choppiness that evokes disturbingly well a sense of anxiety. In that, this short novel is very effective.
A dark psychological nightmare though and though, this is a tale of a fresh start gone very, very wrong.
Or about as right as you would expect for two gay men and a pair of kids in a 1987 conservative small town. One of the men becomes a deputy, determined to make his father proud. The thing is the father ship has long sailed, and the son is simply not smart enough to realize it. Also, not smart enough to make a proper go of it as a deputy. Or to be a good family man.
While his partner is left to take care of the new place and the kids who can’t stand him and deal with various personal disintegrations and addiction echoes.
Do yeah, watch this family fall apart. It’s neither conventionally enjoyable nor fun, but it’s as morbidly mesmerizing as a train wreck. Not for everyone, but those who can, should. It’s compellingly dark.
July 6, 2023
"The people love it, they read all the gore and all the detail and read about all the blood and the grief. They love it. They read it and it sells..."
Short and queer thriller bordering on horror? Yes please!
I would say do not judge this book by its cover, because I don't think that it fits the story, it does have a meaning and looks awesome, but I feel like something else would have done the story more justice.
Speaking of justice, that murder scene in the end was so satisfying. All of the characters annoyed me and then I realised that's most people around me, always thinking about how to hurt others and control lives of strangers or interfere in any way. Some of the more messed up ones got what they deserved, and I might not have gotten the exact point this book was making with that last sentence, but it was a good ending nonetheless.
Homophobic small town with murderer roaming freely, you'd think that would be the the worst part, but they all were already quite unlikable. I wanted more about the murderer, that was the only bad thing about this short book, not enough of the murderer.
"...the way monsters, the real ones that move through the world, can be so plain to us, so unassuming that the horrors they set loose are in complete and direct disagreement with their ordinary character."
Short and queer thriller bordering on horror? Yes please!
I would say do not judge this book by its cover, because I don't think that it fits the story, it does have a meaning and looks awesome, but I feel like something else would have done the story more justice.
Speaking of justice, that murder scene in the end was so satisfying. All of the characters annoyed me and then I realised that's most people around me, always thinking about how to hurt others and control lives of strangers or interfere in any way. Some of the more messed up ones got what they deserved, and I might not have gotten the exact point this book was making with that last sentence, but it was a good ending nonetheless.
Homophobic small town with murderer roaming freely, you'd think that would be the the worst part, but they all were already quite unlikable. I wanted more about the murderer, that was the only bad thing about this short book, not enough of the murderer.
"...the way monsters, the real ones that move through the world, can be so plain to us, so unassuming that the horrors they set loose are in complete and direct disagreement with their ordinary character."
April 23, 2023
***Goodreads Giveaway Win***
This is a fantastic book. It's a horror novel where the slasher is the least horrible element of the story. This book will make you feel things, not good things. But that's why I like it. I was pissed at the Reagan era '80s; religion; health care; and how nothing has changed. It's impressive how Aj Saxsma lured me in with murder yet that was the least of my concern for the characters. The horror is regular people, and even our own families.
And then there's the writing! This is the kind of writing I need in all books. It's clean and clear and doesn't call attention to itself. It takes a real talent to write so that the reader becomes so swept up in the story she barely notices the writing.
The only issue I had, which may be intentional, is the relationship between Ollie and Dwayne. I could not figure out why Ollie would begin a relationship with Dwayne. What does he get out of it? Considering he seems to have no soul, he could have made his life easier by faking some other, more culturally accepted, relationship. I'd be curious to hear why Aj Saxsma made that choice. This isn't a knock on the book but more of good fodder for discussion.
I'm now an Aj Saxsma fan.
This is a fantastic book. It's a horror novel where the slasher is the least horrible element of the story. This book will make you feel things, not good things. But that's why I like it. I was pissed at the Reagan era '80s; religion; health care; and how nothing has changed. It's impressive how Aj Saxsma lured me in with murder yet that was the least of my concern for the characters. The horror is regular people, and even our own families.
And then there's the writing! This is the kind of writing I need in all books. It's clean and clear and doesn't call attention to itself. It takes a real talent to write so that the reader becomes so swept up in the story she barely notices the writing.
The only issue I had, which may be intentional, is the relationship between Ollie and Dwayne. I could not figure out why Ollie would begin a relationship with Dwayne. What does he get out of it? Considering he seems to have no soul, he could have made his life easier by faking some other, more culturally accepted, relationship. I'd be curious to hear why Aj Saxsma made that choice. This isn't a knock on the book but more of good fodder for discussion.
I'm now an Aj Saxsma fan.
July 12, 2023
4.5 stars
Whew buddy, where do I even start? I was sent a copy of this book by the author and the note that was included warned that the story is bleak - and it truly was. If you are looking for a book with a happy ending or any joy, this is not the book for you.
The book is set in 1987 amidst the AIDs crisis in a rural town. Queue all the fear-mongering over gay men, and righteous indignation. The horror in this book is not the murder and really isn't so much of a focus as you would think it would be, no, the true horror comes from the social commentary surrounding the treatment of Dwayne by everyone in this small community, including his own super narcissistic partner, Ollie. This book explores hopelessness, addiction, queerness, narcissism, and so much more. The narrative choices - repetitiveness and clipped short sentences, really added to the monotony and hopelessness experienced by some of the characters.
I loved this book - I just wish that the ending was a little less hurried.
In summation, I think a core theme here can be just the exploration of human suffering and how some things just go from bad to worse - there is no better - and what is more horrifying than that?
Whew buddy, where do I even start? I was sent a copy of this book by the author and the note that was included warned that the story is bleak - and it truly was. If you are looking for a book with a happy ending or any joy, this is not the book for you.
The book is set in 1987 amidst the AIDs crisis in a rural town. Queue all the fear-mongering over gay men, and righteous indignation. The horror in this book is not the murder and really isn't so much of a focus as you would think it would be, no, the true horror comes from the social commentary surrounding the treatment of Dwayne by everyone in this small community, including his own super narcissistic partner, Ollie. This book explores hopelessness, addiction, queerness, narcissism, and so much more. The narrative choices - repetitiveness and clipped short sentences, really added to the monotony and hopelessness experienced by some of the characters.
I loved this book - I just wish that the ending was a little less hurried.
In summation, I think a core theme here can be just the exploration of human suffering and how some things just go from bad to worse - there is no better - and what is more horrifying than that?
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