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Sing Me A Death Song
Word travels slowly across a desert plane. By the time Blue Covington arrived back to La Plateau after word that his family ranch had been taken over by marauders, he found another mystery plaguing the townsfolk. Three musicians have been singing death songs, terrorizing the locals. Those who can leave are fleeing, but pride keeps others around, hoping a death song isn't sung for them. Those unfortunates don't make it through the night, and the aftermath is a testament to brutality. After such a strange homecoming, Blue seeks guidance from an old flame. Louise uses her psychic abilities, but the cloud of darkness hanging over La Plateau is thick. The people are scared. Blue has to face the fears of an entire town and partner up with unlikely allies to have a chance at getting the family ranch back from a gang of psychopaths with one vengeance against Blue Covington. Who's name will be on the lips that sing the next death song?
- GenresHorror
192 pages, Paperback
Published December 10, 2024
4 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Robert Essig
92 books278 followersRobert Essig is the author of 30 books such as Baby Fights, Disco Rice, and Master of Bodies, which was nominated for a Splatterpunk Award. He has published over 130 short stories and edited three anthologies. Robert lives with his family in east Tennessee.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 22, 2025
Finally found a splatter western that I LOVED!!! Yay!!
This genre is so hard for me; I seem to have a love/hate relationship with most books that fall into this category.
Essig’s novel was brilliant though, full of supernatural events, gunfights, bounty hunters, and brutal murders.
“His screams came in ear-bleeding pitch, high and dripping with terror and pain.”
Blue has received word that a band of marauders have taken over his mother’s ranch. As he sets out to get their land back, he finds the nearby town of La Plateau has its own troubles; a cursed band has taken up residence and brought a dark magic with them.
“News travels slow across countless miles of dusty plateaus and desolate hills.
Travels about as fast as a stagecoach can ride or a horse can gallop, that is if the rider doesn’t run into trouble on the way.
News dies then.”
Grab this book for its spectacular plot, imaginative and unique characters, and its captivating cover (by Luke Spooner).
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Dead Sky Publishing/Death’s Head Press for a copy.
This genre is so hard for me; I seem to have a love/hate relationship with most books that fall into this category.
Essig’s novel was brilliant though, full of supernatural events, gunfights, bounty hunters, and brutal murders.
“His screams came in ear-bleeding pitch, high and dripping with terror and pain.”
Blue has received word that a band of marauders have taken over his mother’s ranch. As he sets out to get their land back, he finds the nearby town of La Plateau has its own troubles; a cursed band has taken up residence and brought a dark magic with them.
“News travels slow across countless miles of dusty plateaus and desolate hills.
Travels about as fast as a stagecoach can ride or a horse can gallop, that is if the rider doesn’t run into trouble on the way.
News dies then.”
Grab this book for its spectacular plot, imaginative and unique characters, and its captivating cover (by Luke Spooner).
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Dead Sky Publishing/Death’s Head Press for a copy.
September 8, 2024
I got this arc for review on netgally.
Might be 4.5 stars but definitely more of a 5 stars then a 4 stars.
I was intrigued with the synopsis and very quickly got invested in the story and it's characters even if a lot of them weren'tvery lukeable. It was gruesome in parts and the death songs very terrifying to think about. I really liked the book.
Might be 4.5 stars but definitely more of a 5 stars then a 4 stars.
I was intrigued with the synopsis and very quickly got invested in the story and it's characters even if a lot of them weren'tvery lukeable. It was gruesome in parts and the death songs very terrifying to think about. I really liked the book.
March 24, 2025
Well, was this a gem hidden in the rough. I already knew that Robert Essig could write, having previously read Baby Fights and loved it.
There's a special place reserved in my affections for this brilliant splatter western story.
Blue is a bounty hunter with a reputation for shooting first, asking questions later. His mama is dead and a woman called Minnie has taken over his ranch. Meanwhile a trio of musicians take over Blue's hometown of La Plateau by singing death songs that bring bloodshed to the town.
There's a special place reserved in my affections for this brilliant splatter western story.
Blue is a bounty hunter with a reputation for shooting first, asking questions later. His mama is dead and a woman called Minnie has taken over his ranch. Meanwhile a trio of musicians take over Blue's hometown of La Plateau by singing death songs that bring bloodshed to the town.
September 10, 2024
Saddle up partners for this fantastic western horror novella which features gruesomely bloody kills, a revenge story, and black magic.
Blue is a bounty hunter with a reputation. When he finds out his momma's ranch has been taken over, he heads back home to reclaim it.
But his town has another problem. A group of traveling musicians with supernatural powers sing death songs each night. Whomever they sing it to is brutally killed in the night and it appears they can't die.
With a psychopathic group holed up at the ranch waiting to kill Blue, and this group of murderous musicians, Blue is headed back to more than he bargained for.
This story is going to place all these elements together and creates a horrifying, bloody, and (at times) heartfelt narrative which will keep you reading until the end.
The characters are ones you'll love and loathe and there's a palm reader who will play her part and really rounds this novella out wonderfully.
Filled with wild west vibes and teeming with atmosphere and dread, I can highly recommend this western horror.
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
Blue is a bounty hunter with a reputation. When he finds out his momma's ranch has been taken over, he heads back home to reclaim it.
But his town has another problem. A group of traveling musicians with supernatural powers sing death songs each night. Whomever they sing it to is brutally killed in the night and it appears they can't die.
With a psychopathic group holed up at the ranch waiting to kill Blue, and this group of murderous musicians, Blue is headed back to more than he bargained for.
This story is going to place all these elements together and creates a horrifying, bloody, and (at times) heartfelt narrative which will keep you reading until the end.
The characters are ones you'll love and loathe and there's a palm reader who will play her part and really rounds this novella out wonderfully.
Filled with wild west vibes and teeming with atmosphere and dread, I can highly recommend this western horror.
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
November 23, 2024
(Rounded up from 2.5)
The premise and plotting of this bloody revenge tale are great. The novella starts with multiple storylines happening simultaneously that later join together for the final act, which isn’t something you see in this genre. The bloody violence isn’t overwhelming, but when it comes it doesn’t hold back. The action is a little bit of a mixed bag, not generally elaborated on and written in a somewhat direct and terse manner, but for some of the scenes that made it even more brutal feeling. I’d have liked to luxuriate in at least one action set-piece a little longer, but overall it worked, and was complemented by the gory aftermath. It is clear there is more to the characters than the stereotypes that they could easily fall into. Overall, it was a quick, fun read. If horror westerns are your jam then you will have a good time with this.
Unfortunately, it did leave me wanting a little more. Most of the exposition was blunt, much more “tell” instead of “show.” This was how our characters’ histories and emotions and everything were kind of filled in, with this exposition that didn’t ever really give the feel of what was going on. It felt like the kind of narration you might find in a short story, where space is limited and you want to get to other things quickly, but that made it feel out of place here. I would have liked it to be on display than in discussion. The characters were similar, in that there was discussion of their histories in such a way that they weren’t simple stereotypes, they had more to them, but you didn’t see very much of that, it was just mentioned. I appreciated the depth that was given to the characters but again it felt more explained to me than something I experienced in the course of the narrative. Finally, the dialogue didn’t really win me over. The language and vernacular of the time and place were well done, that felt natural, but a lot of the conversations felt a little stilted.
It is not a bad story, like I said the premise is fun, and the pace works well for the story being told. The way the story moves across different perspectives and different story threads was well done. It kept the story feeling like it was moving, and it was never boring. Some of the character and narrative work could have been a little bit elongated, to really rope me in and convince me to care for these characters, but I still had a fun time with this nasty little story.
I want to thank the author, the publisher Dead Sky Publishing | Death's Head Press, and NetGalley, who provided a complimentary eARC for review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The premise and plotting of this bloody revenge tale are great. The novella starts with multiple storylines happening simultaneously that later join together for the final act, which isn’t something you see in this genre. The bloody violence isn’t overwhelming, but when it comes it doesn’t hold back. The action is a little bit of a mixed bag, not generally elaborated on and written in a somewhat direct and terse manner, but for some of the scenes that made it even more brutal feeling. I’d have liked to luxuriate in at least one action set-piece a little longer, but overall it worked, and was complemented by the gory aftermath. It is clear there is more to the characters than the stereotypes that they could easily fall into. Overall, it was a quick, fun read. If horror westerns are your jam then you will have a good time with this.
Unfortunately, it did leave me wanting a little more. Most of the exposition was blunt, much more “tell” instead of “show.” This was how our characters’ histories and emotions and everything were kind of filled in, with this exposition that didn’t ever really give the feel of what was going on. It felt like the kind of narration you might find in a short story, where space is limited and you want to get to other things quickly, but that made it feel out of place here. I would have liked it to be on display than in discussion. The characters were similar, in that there was discussion of their histories in such a way that they weren’t simple stereotypes, they had more to them, but you didn’t see very much of that, it was just mentioned. I appreciated the depth that was given to the characters but again it felt more explained to me than something I experienced in the course of the narrative. Finally, the dialogue didn’t really win me over. The language and vernacular of the time and place were well done, that felt natural, but a lot of the conversations felt a little stilted.
It is not a bad story, like I said the premise is fun, and the pace works well for the story being told. The way the story moves across different perspectives and different story threads was well done. It kept the story feeling like it was moving, and it was never boring. Some of the character and narrative work could have been a little bit elongated, to really rope me in and convince me to care for these characters, but I still had a fun time with this nasty little story.
I want to thank the author, the publisher Dead Sky Publishing | Death's Head Press, and NetGalley, who provided a complimentary eARC for review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 8, 2024
According to the publisher, Robert Essig's "Sing Me A Death Song" is the "latest stand alone entry in the wildly popular Splatter Western line". It is that - but it is so much more! I've read so much Western horror lately, but Essig's book is something else! Essig takes a small town horror story, a flawed main character, and a series of extremely spooky happenings, puts them in the Western blender, and comes up with the perfect splatter horror novella in western dress: you have supernatural adventure, curses, magic, psychics, graphic violence and gore, nasty gangs, loathsome psychopaths, some really good instances of dark humor, banter, and just the right amount of vulgarity, and lots of grim attitude, gruesome moral dilemmas, and gunfights! You can easily visualize the plot, and feel the desolation of the Wild West landscapes. And the ending... the brutality, oh man, the brutality! A must-read for all kinds of horror fans!
December 13, 2024
SING ME A DEATH SONG
By Robert Essig
Release: 12/10/24
Page count: 176
KU: No
Hoopla: Yes
Synopsis: While Blue tries to get his family’s ranch back after leaving to be a bounty hunter, his old town has been dealing with a string of deaths caused by something unheard of.
First line: “News travels slow across countless miles of dusty plateaus and desolate hills.”
Favorite line: “No one likes a sheriff who’s drunk by noon.”
Thoughts: Oh, this was a fun one. Songs detailing your death, a palm reader, a psychopathic torturer, and a man on a mission? What’s not to love!? A top 5 in the Splatter Western series from DHP/DSP. This is Essig at his best.
Rating: 5/5
Other recommendations: THIS DAMNED HOUSE, TWEAKER CREATURES
DEAD SKY Publishing
By Robert Essig
Release: 12/10/24
Page count: 176
KU: No
Hoopla: Yes
Synopsis: While Blue tries to get his family’s ranch back after leaving to be a bounty hunter, his old town has been dealing with a string of deaths caused by something unheard of.
First line: “News travels slow across countless miles of dusty plateaus and desolate hills.”
Favorite line: “No one likes a sheriff who’s drunk by noon.”
Thoughts: Oh, this was a fun one. Songs detailing your death, a palm reader, a psychopathic torturer, and a man on a mission? What’s not to love!? A top 5 in the Splatter Western series from DHP/DSP. This is Essig at his best.
Rating: 5/5
Other recommendations: THIS DAMNED HOUSE, TWEAKER CREATURES
DEAD SKY Publishing
October 15, 2025
A great blend of western with supernatural elements. Blue finds out that his ranch that he has gotten from his mom has been taken over by bandits. Being someone who is well versed in violence, he rides back to his home to get his land back. However, he finds three musicians strung up, still singing. Not only that, but their songs actually kill whoever they sing about. Now he has another problem.
Highly recommended, just a fun quick read with great characters.
Highly recommended, just a fun quick read with great characters.
October 29, 2024
"Sing Me A Death Song" by Robert Essig" is my first experience with the Splatter Western genre, and it’s perfect for Halloween reading!
The story centres on three haunting musicians whose eerie death songs have sent shivers through a local community. As fear spreads, some townsfolk try to flee, hoping to escape the deadly melodies, while others stay behind, clinging to pride or holding onto the belief that they might survive. Essig’s mix of horror and dark humour stands out, especially against the harsh and unforgiving landscapes of the American West, where bizarre and gruesome events unfold.
I found myself drawn into the themes of mortality, the ways people react under pressure, and the intense psychological toll of fear. The writing is captivating, and the story flows well, making it hard to put down. For my first foray into the Splatter Western genre, it’s an intense, unforgettable read!
The eerie coverage is indeed haunting!!!!!
The story centres on three haunting musicians whose eerie death songs have sent shivers through a local community. As fear spreads, some townsfolk try to flee, hoping to escape the deadly melodies, while others stay behind, clinging to pride or holding onto the belief that they might survive. Essig’s mix of horror and dark humour stands out, especially against the harsh and unforgiving landscapes of the American West, where bizarre and gruesome events unfold.
I found myself drawn into the themes of mortality, the ways people react under pressure, and the intense psychological toll of fear. The writing is captivating, and the story flows well, making it hard to put down. For my first foray into the Splatter Western genre, it’s an intense, unforgettable read!
The eerie coverage is indeed haunting!!!!!
December 13, 2024
3.5☆
I had a lot of fun reading this one. I can't remember having read Western horror or 'splatter western ' and I was pleasantly surprised.
The death song singing trio was the main point of interest. I thought the book would be more centered around them, and I suppose it kind of was, but Blue, the bounty hunter, and his goal to get back his ranch seemed to be the main drive.
It was disappointing and a little odd that the singing trio wasn't really all that threatening. Their songs were, but not the characters, which didn't really match up. I think I'd rather the book be more about them. It was also a little odd the way things ended, a little too sappy and neat for how it started.
Still, this was a fun and very quick reading experience.
I had a lot of fun reading this one. I can't remember having read Western horror or 'splatter western ' and I was pleasantly surprised.
The death song singing trio was the main point of interest. I thought the book would be more centered around them, and I suppose it kind of was, but Blue, the bounty hunter, and his goal to get back his ranch seemed to be the main drive.
It was disappointing and a little odd that the singing trio wasn't really all that threatening. Their songs were, but not the characters, which didn't really match up. I think I'd rather the book be more about them. It was also a little odd the way things ended, a little too sappy and neat for how it started.
Still, this was a fun and very quick reading experience.
November 18, 2024
Thanks so much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me this eARC in exchange for a review. Surprises await the reader as this is another excellent entry into Death's Head Press weird western or horror western series. It appears to be a slight departure from novel length works towards novella length works but I'm ok with that. This novella focuses on several well drawn characters, a plot filled with emotion and gore, and a satisfying ending. Readers will love this story. Highly recommended.
February 5, 2025
A splatter western with a supernatural twist. Three traveling musicians are in town singing a song to die for. But every night that song is heard someone dies. Not soon after the sheriff gives them a death sentence to hang on the gallows.
A bounty hunter is coming home after he found out his ranch was stolen, but first he needs the musicians. Great story, but short. I loved it notheless.
A bounty hunter is coming home after he found out his ranch was stolen, but first he needs the musicians. Great story, but short. I loved it notheless.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews