A collection of six stories from Dan Shrader, this is my first time reading his work and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Six great stories, each with their own unique voice.
Dan definitely has the potential to go places in the indie horror scene so keep your eyes peeled. He writes like a temptress, teasing you along with hints and tidbits of information until he gives it all up, with lots of unexpected twists and turns.
As always with collections and anthologies, I will write a few words for each story. My standouts were FROM THE GUTTERS and CRAVENS FREAKS.
EYESORE…. Chris and Molly’s marriage is a bit stale, and the ugly tree in the back yard is a bone of contention between them. Molly wants it gone, but Chris made a promise. A promise he cannot break.
Infidelity, regrets and revenge.
CASPER…. a year away from turning 70, suffering from depression, alcohol dependent and fed up, Casper lives to make his niece, Deboah’s life a little more difficult by being a grumpy, messy, cantankerous old man. Their relationship is one of playful insults, love and respect.
When recent local killings seem very similar to ones Casper had to deal with 20 years ago, the police approach him for help. Begrudgingly he reveals what he knows, and it makes him feel alive again.
A family that plays together, stays together….
WHISPERS FROM THE VOID…. Elizabeth is a young woman in a much older woman’s body. She’s seen things, things that have changed her dramatically. It all started when she went to The Island, on a kind of treasure hunt. A cursed island that doesn't hold back in letting loose its horrors….
FROM THE GUTTERS…. Stewg and his friends are out for a ride in his old pinto, a car with a dark history. They head to Robin Hood Hills, the last place the car was seen, and also, the last time the car's previous owners were seen. What they meet next is horrifying beyond belief. Stewg wants to get closer to Vickey, to have a special night just the two of them, but they end up with a lot of nasty, unwanted guests, and a brutal twist!!
CRAVENS FREAKS…. Jason is finally being released from prison after serving a rather long sentence, although not long enough for the crime he committed. He’s a scumbag, and proud of the fact. He gets in with the mob on the inside and on his release, they have a job for him. But his marks beat him to it, they have an ultimatum for him, and he gets a taste of his own sick, violent medicine!
With a nice, unexpected twist, I do love a good bit of revenge torture….
MY SEVENTH DEATH…. Walter is a broken man, everything in his life is great, apart from his abusive wife. So, when he’s at his lowest and he gets a new trainee, things start to look up for him finally, but at what cost?
3.5/5