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Population:DEAD!
Clete Powers and Dallas Hogan are on the run from Dallas’s brutal brother, Carl Hogan, and corrupt sheriff Mitch Tanner. In the middle of a desert storm they find a town, seemingly deserted, apart from the old man who runs the saloon.
After telling them his story, the two lovers realise they are in more trouble than they ever thought possible.
Horrifying, violent and gory, Population:DEAD! fuses the Western genre with horror and builds to a gripping climax, and an unforgettable ending.
After telling them his story, the two lovers realise they are in more trouble than they ever thought possible.
Horrifying, violent and gory, Population:DEAD! fuses the Western genre with horror and builds to a gripping climax, and an unforgettable ending.
- GenresHorrorAnthologies
31 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2012
3 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Ken Preston
55 books79 followersKen Preston is the author of the Joe Coffin series of books, best described as gangsters versus vampires in Birmingham UK. He is also the author of zombie/cowboy mash-up Population:DEAD!, Satan meets Blackbeard pirate novel, The Devil and Edward Teach, and Speaking in Tongues, a short story about death, sex, rock n roll and God.
He has also had several short stories published in magazines and anthologies, and writes romance under the name of MJ Jackson.
Ken is also a creative writing teacher for children in years 5 and 6 and also children in years 7 to12, as well as adults.
He spends far too much time in his cellar, making stuff up, whilst his two cats prowl over his desk and computer keyboard, adding their own little additions to his stories.
Ken lives just a few doors down from the house where Jack the Ripper was born. (Allegedly.)
If you have read any of his books, or even if you haven’t, but just want a chat, Ken can be reached at kenpreston@kenpreston.co.uk
He has also had several short stories published in magazines and anthologies, and writes romance under the name of MJ Jackson.
Ken is also a creative writing teacher for children in years 5 and 6 and also children in years 7 to12, as well as adults.
He spends far too much time in his cellar, making stuff up, whilst his two cats prowl over his desk and computer keyboard, adding their own little additions to his stories.
Ken lives just a few doors down from the house where Jack the Ripper was born. (Allegedly.)
If you have read any of his books, or even if you haven’t, but just want a chat, Ken can be reached at kenpreston@kenpreston.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 12, 2022
** Reread November 2022 **
Reread short story "Population: DEAD!" as part of a new compilation of stories called "Corpse and Stump Meet the Vampire Bride".
I'm pretty sure my appreciation and knowledge of what constitutes a well written and composed short story has improved. I really enjoyed this tale on second reading and have updated my 🌟 to 4.
Original Review: 3 🌟
This is an interesting collection of tales that encompasses the ghoulish, the eerie and the downright weird.
Well written, with a good pace, it is a remarkably quick read that you can slot in between longer novels. Unfortunately I don't think it reaches quite the same level of excellence as the author's Joe Coffin series.
Reread short story "Population: DEAD!" as part of a new compilation of stories called "Corpse and Stump Meet the Vampire Bride".
I'm pretty sure my appreciation and knowledge of what constitutes a well written and composed short story has improved. I really enjoyed this tale on second reading and have updated my 🌟 to 4.
Original Review: 3 🌟
This is an interesting collection of tales that encompasses the ghoulish, the eerie and the downright weird.
Well written, with a good pace, it is a remarkably quick read that you can slot in between longer novels. Unfortunately I don't think it reaches quite the same level of excellence as the author's Joe Coffin series.
November 15, 2017
In this collection, Preston's stories range from the Wild American West to modern English village, from WWII Germany to a dystopian future. While I usually prefer more of a unifying theme in a short story collection, there's entertaining variety here. I feel the strongest stories are the first two and the final five -- with a small lull tucked between.
In "Three Sixes Ranch", we're in mid-action but Preston's vivid descriptions set the scene. Boss Hogan holds his grown daughter, Dallas, captive as his personal nurse with plans to gift her and the ranch to his youngest son -- Dallas' brother. When Clete shows up and gives Dallas hope, they discover a deadly town. Great action and characters with a full storyline.
While "Drive Fast" carries the cautionary tone of an urban legend, "Holiday Hell" strays too far into satire for this collection. "How to Eat a Car" was both disgusting and mesmerizing -- I had no idea where it would lead! There's a bit of Ripper Street in the air with "Mrs. DeRutzen's Jewels" and "Ghosts in the Camera", two solid haunting tales. Loved the creepy suspense of "Little Monsters", just wished for a more dramatic ending for such a great build-up.
Of all these weird tales, my favorite is "Upside Down" for its Kafka-esque premise. It was both surreal and terrifying, simple yet harrowing. This story has a classic quality that will last beyond any horror genre tropes. Great ebook deal for so many well-composed strange stories!
In "Three Sixes Ranch", we're in mid-action but Preston's vivid descriptions set the scene. Boss Hogan holds his grown daughter, Dallas, captive as his personal nurse with plans to gift her and the ranch to his youngest son -- Dallas' brother. When Clete shows up and gives Dallas hope, they discover a deadly town. Great action and characters with a full storyline.
While "Drive Fast" carries the cautionary tone of an urban legend, "Holiday Hell" strays too far into satire for this collection. "How to Eat a Car" was both disgusting and mesmerizing -- I had no idea where it would lead! There's a bit of Ripper Street in the air with "Mrs. DeRutzen's Jewels" and "Ghosts in the Camera", two solid haunting tales. Loved the creepy suspense of "Little Monsters", just wished for a more dramatic ending for such a great build-up.
Of all these weird tales, my favorite is "Upside Down" for its Kafka-esque premise. It was both surreal and terrifying, simple yet harrowing. This story has a classic quality that will last beyond any horror genre tropes. Great ebook deal for so many well-composed strange stories!
August 26, 2021
*Note: the rating given is an average rating of all 11 short stories*
- Population: DEAD! - 4*
An interesting, all be it fairly predictable, wild west short story that starts in the middle of a well written action scene. The action continues throughout and leaves you wanting more.
- Drive Fast! She Said - 3*
A cautionary tale of what can happen to young, impressionable drivers.
- The Man Who Murdered Himself - 2*
I found this short story rather strange and the time jump to the end, cutting out the action, made it feel rushed and unfinished.
- The Nazi Superweapon - 3*
An interesting WWII vampire story.
- The NYT List - 3*
A cautionary tale of how the world could end up due to pollution and climate change and how people may start acting towards those they see as responsible.
- Holiday Hell - 4*
This short story draws you in with intrigue and a hidden "enemy" and leaves you wanting more with a hinted at ending.
- How To Eat a Car - 1*
I really didn't understand or enjoy this story.
- Mrs De Runtzen's Jelews - 2*
A short ghost story about a woman who wishes to regain her jewellery and exact revenge on the thieves.
- Upside Down - 3*
An intriguing story about the world going topsy-turvy.
- Ghost in the Camera - 2*
The premise is interesting but unfortunately I found it extremely predictable.
- Little Monsters - 4*
A disturbing story set in a village I know well. Well written and captivating short story.
- Population: DEAD! - 4*
An interesting, all be it fairly predictable, wild west short story that starts in the middle of a well written action scene. The action continues throughout and leaves you wanting more.
- Drive Fast! She Said - 3*
A cautionary tale of what can happen to young, impressionable drivers.
- The Man Who Murdered Himself - 2*
I found this short story rather strange and the time jump to the end, cutting out the action, made it feel rushed and unfinished.
- The Nazi Superweapon - 3*
An interesting WWII vampire story.
- The NYT List - 3*
A cautionary tale of how the world could end up due to pollution and climate change and how people may start acting towards those they see as responsible.
- Holiday Hell - 4*
This short story draws you in with intrigue and a hidden "enemy" and leaves you wanting more with a hinted at ending.
- How To Eat a Car - 1*
I really didn't understand or enjoy this story.
- Mrs De Runtzen's Jelews - 2*
A short ghost story about a woman who wishes to regain her jewellery and exact revenge on the thieves.
- Upside Down - 3*
An intriguing story about the world going topsy-turvy.
- Ghost in the Camera - 2*
The premise is interesting but unfortunately I found it extremely predictable.
- Little Monsters - 4*
A disturbing story set in a village I know well. Well written and captivating short story.
July 9, 2019
@ken.preston100 has done it again- given his audience a literary ride down into the squeamish world of death and nightmares. Thank you to @voraciousreadersonly for giving me the opportunity to connect with an author whose writing gives me delicious, yet revolted shivers as I turn page after ghastly page. This collection of short stories covers terrifying ground between a ghost town with an undead twist to an upside down type of day with dire consequences to trick or treating to an extreme no one wants to reach. The only disappointing part of this book was that it ended. I give this book 2 giant 👍🏼👍🏼!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2020
An enjoyable short story written by an author who knows how to give you all the creepy vibes of a horror tale.
Set in the Old American West, two lovers flee her tyrannical father and end up in a deserted mining town. But, is it truly deserted or just inhabited by a different type of "person"?
The author also narrated this short story and does a great job. I love the addition of the music and Mr. Preston does a good job in his performance.
Set in the Old American West, two lovers flee her tyrannical father and end up in a deserted mining town. But, is it truly deserted or just inhabited by a different type of "person"?
The author also narrated this short story and does a great job. I love the addition of the music and Mr. Preston does a good job in his performance.
March 1, 2020
Readable short stories of the horror/supernatural genres. Mixed settings however the 'Wild West' was a surprise. Well done
Joe Coffin is a great character and thoroughly enjoyed that read.
Thank you
A free book from Voracious Readers.
Joe Coffin is a great character and thoroughly enjoyed that read.
Thank you
A free book from Voracious Readers.
June 10, 2022
I really enjoyed these short stories. Each had a unique feel and an interesting psychological approach. If anyone is looking for some fun reads, this book is for you. Not only that, but Author Ken Preston has given me inspiration for some of my own stories.
August 16, 2024
A rather interesting collection of short scary stories, some were interesting while others felt like they could have been better.
The stories weren't bad at all but I feel like calling them "horror and suspense tales" might be pushing it a bit, at least in my opinion 🤔
The stories weren't bad at all but I feel like calling them "horror and suspense tales" might be pushing it a bit, at least in my opinion 🤔
March 1, 2019
Brilliant collection of short stories. My favourite is the man who murdered himself.
July 30, 2019
Amazing!!!! I love these types of books. Captivating from the first story to the last. Definitely a must read for anyone who likes books with thrilling short stories! Will for sure be reading again!
January 27, 2020
Pretty quick read of some short scary stories.
May 25, 2021
horror stories. This starts with a zombie western
March 16, 2017
Not Kindle Unlimited, think the guy has 'issues' with his home country, but at least he's not whinging on but entertaining with it.
Project Wormhole (Planet of the Dinosaurs Book 1)
Joe Coffin Season One Episode One (A Vampire Suspense and Gory Horror Series: Episode 1 Book 0)
Not sure if this is was prequel or mislabeled}
Joe Coffin, Season One (A Vampire Suspense and British Gangster Series Book 1)
Joe Coffin, Season Two (A Vampire Suspense and British Gangster Series Book 2)
Joe Coffin Season Three (A Vampire Suspense and British Gangster Series Book 3)
Population:DEAD! -- How To Eat A Car, The Man Who Murdered Himself, Population:DEAD!
Project Wormhole (Planet of the Dinosaurs Book 1)
Joe Coffin Season One Episode One (A Vampire Suspense and Gory Horror Series: Episode 1 Book 0)
Not sure if this is was prequel or mislabeled}
Joe Coffin, Season One (A Vampire Suspense and British Gangster Series Book 1)
Joe Coffin, Season Two (A Vampire Suspense and British Gangster Series Book 2)
Joe Coffin Season Three (A Vampire Suspense and British Gangster Series Book 3)
Population:DEAD! -- How To Eat A Car, The Man Who Murdered Himself, Population:DEAD!
December 22, 2020
I enjoyed every word in this compilation of the macabre. All very individual but all well written and so much fun.
Thank you victorious readers for introducing me to the world of Ken Preston.
I would definitely recommend this book for horror nuts. There is a story for everyone. Zombies, upside down worlds, little monsters, ghosts, you name it.
Have fun!
Thank you victorious readers for introducing me to the world of Ken Preston.
I would definitely recommend this book for horror nuts. There is a story for everyone. Zombies, upside down worlds, little monsters, ghosts, you name it.
Have fun!
October 12, 2014
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is a quaint little story that's an easy read but packs a punch. Clete and Dallas find themselves on the run and wind up in the town of Desperation, which has a freshly-updated sign out front: "Population: DEAD!" In their exploration, they meet a man who tells them a fascinating story about the town and its inhabitants, and then the story really kicks off. I'd recommend this to anyone who likes a little undead with their afternoon tea.
4.5 stars
This is a quaint little story that's an easy read but packs a punch. Clete and Dallas find themselves on the run and wind up in the town of Desperation, which has a freshly-updated sign out front: "Population: DEAD!" In their exploration, they meet a man who tells them a fascinating story about the town and its inhabitants, and then the story really kicks off. I'd recommend this to anyone who likes a little undead with their afternoon tea.
4.5 stars
January 7, 2016
Good collection of scary tales!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews