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Milk-Blood Trilogy #1
Milk-Blood
Lilly is ten years old, born with a heart defect, and already addicted to heroin. Her mother is gone from her life, and there are rumors that she was killed by her father and buried near the abandoned house across the street. The house intrigues her, she can't stay away, and the monstrous homeless man who lives there has been trying to get Lilly to come inside.
For her mother is there, buried in the back, and this homeless man is Lilly's true father, and both want their daughter back.
For her mother is there, buried in the back, and this homeless man is Lilly's true father, and both want their daughter back.
154 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2014
88 people are currently reading
1693 people want to read
About the author
Mark Matthews
25 books416 followersMark Matthews is a graduate of the University of Michigan and a licensed professional counselor who has worked in behavioral health for over 20 years. He is the author of On the Lips of Children, All Smoke Rises, Milk-Blood, and The Hobgoblin of Little Minds. He is also the editor of a trio of 'addiction horror' anthologies including Orphans of Bliss, Lullabies for Suffering and Garden of Fiends. In 2021, he was nominated for a Shirley Jackson Award. His next novel, To Those Willing to Drown, is expected in May, 2025, followed by the novella, Kali's Web, in August, 2025.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
October 20, 2016
A disturbing reading... in a good sense!
The author contacted me and I received a copy of the book in exchange of a honest review.
BLOODY MILK
This novel is exceptionally well written developing interesting characters in a raw scenario where anything can happens.
It's a story merging several genres where horror is the leading one but also you can found family drama, some bizarre romance, using paranormal elements, even adding brutally real stuff like drug use, home violence, etc...
This is not a story for the faint of heart, but while it has several gory moments (or the allusion of them), the book is so well written with a smart and elegant style that only if you are too sensitive to stuff like mentioned in the previous paragraph, you maybe would feel uncomfortable on the process of reading it.
The personal insight of Mark Matthews, the author, due his experience as social worker is priceless to the construction of believable characters living in a real but quite hostile urban enviroment.
Even during the reading you are able to experience many different points of view, sometimes about the same chapter but also the story is narrated by very different points of view of the main characters on it.
The insertion of paranormal elements is made in such nifty way that you have no doubt that it's really happening.
Also, in the early stages of the story you may think that some comments or scenes are kinda random but when you advance into the book, you realize how crafty and wonderfully are intersected the apparent separate lives of the main characters to form a sad but brilliant tale.
The author contacted me and I received a copy of the book in exchange of a honest review.
BLOODY MILK
This novel is exceptionally well written developing interesting characters in a raw scenario where anything can happens.
It's a story merging several genres where horror is the leading one but also you can found family drama, some bizarre romance, using paranormal elements, even adding brutally real stuff like drug use, home violence, etc...
This is not a story for the faint of heart, but while it has several gory moments (or the allusion of them), the book is so well written with a smart and elegant style that only if you are too sensitive to stuff like mentioned in the previous paragraph, you maybe would feel uncomfortable on the process of reading it.
The personal insight of Mark Matthews, the author, due his experience as social worker is priceless to the construction of believable characters living in a real but quite hostile urban enviroment.
Even during the reading you are able to experience many different points of view, sometimes about the same chapter but also the story is narrated by very different points of view of the main characters on it.
The insertion of paranormal elements is made in such nifty way that you have no doubt that it's really happening.
Also, in the early stages of the story you may think that some comments or scenes are kinda random but when you advance into the book, you realize how crafty and wonderfully are intersected the apparent separate lives of the main characters to form a sad but brilliant tale.
June 8, 2020
this is a very unsettling novella, which takes the horror of drug addiction, child neglect, and domestic abuse and then heaps a supernatural horror on top of it, in case it's just not devastating enough on its own. this becomes an allegory of the cycle of addiction, which is not to diminish or underplay the harsh realities of these kinds of situations; instead it brings a fresh immediacy to a social problem that is such a familiar headline, there's a danger of desensitization. this story makes sure you're still horrified by this reality, can still feel outrage.
it is very effective, and there are some incredibly uncomfortable scenes, so if you have delicate sensibilities, you should stick to something else.
the author has worked in the addiction counseling field for a number of years, and has seen some shit he can't unsee. as a piece of (figurative) exorcism-fiction, i imagine it was very cathartic. it's not always easy to read, because the subject matter is harsh and inevitable, but it is not without … i wouldn't call it hope exactly, but something that means less than "hope" and more than "justice." probably something there's a word for in german.
read it if you dare!!
come to my blog!
it is very effective, and there are some incredibly uncomfortable scenes, so if you have delicate sensibilities, you should stick to something else.
the author has worked in the addiction counseling field for a number of years, and has seen some shit he can't unsee. as a piece of (figurative) exorcism-fiction, i imagine it was very cathartic. it's not always easy to read, because the subject matter is harsh and inevitable, but it is not without … i wouldn't call it hope exactly, but something that means less than "hope" and more than "justice." probably something there's a word for in german.
read it if you dare!!
come to my blog!
April 19, 2017
Incredibly well written novella that takes the reader into the darkest side of life, both real and imagined.
This is not for the faint of heart...This journey smacks you in the face right from chapter one. There is drug abuse, child abuse, rape, murder. With characters so deep in addiction that they no longer care to find out if the voices in their head are real or just another part of their madness.
Amazingly, thrown in to this dark mix is the beautifully depicted Lilly. A child born into this depravity with no voice of her own. Taken care of (if you can call it that) by people who shouldn't be allowed to take care of a guppy.
This is the story of her life, by those who brought her into it, and those who are shaping it. It's not an easy story to read, but I was mesmerized none the less.
I am both dreading and looking forward to finding out what is next for Lily with part 2 of this trilogy.
My thanks to Booklover Catlady for the digital copy sent at my request in exchange for a review. I wanted to read this book and am really glad I did!
This is not for the faint of heart...This journey smacks you in the face right from chapter one. There is drug abuse, child abuse, rape, murder. With characters so deep in addiction that they no longer care to find out if the voices in their head are real or just another part of their madness.
Amazingly, thrown in to this dark mix is the beautifully depicted Lilly. A child born into this depravity with no voice of her own. Taken care of (if you can call it that) by people who shouldn't be allowed to take care of a guppy.
This is the story of her life, by those who brought her into it, and those who are shaping it. It's not an easy story to read, but I was mesmerized none the less.
I am both dreading and looking forward to finding out what is next for Lily with part 2 of this trilogy.
My thanks to Booklover Catlady for the digital copy sent at my request in exchange for a review. I wanted to read this book and am really glad I did!
June 27, 2014
This is a serious as shit, no holds barred, urban horror story. It was difficult to read at times and I've read a lot of horror books. Trust me on this.
Being an addiction counselor, Mark Matthews knows what he is talking about when it comes to drug addictions. There are scenes here where characters are using drugs and the things they do-the things they put their bodies through- they're hard to stomach. Really hard.
When these scenes involve children, it's even worse. Somehow though, he reels the reader in-and with no soft promises that everything is going to be okay- either. Everything is definitely NOT okay. In fact, there is one scene from this story that I will never forget and even now, (I read this some months back before it was released), it sends chills up my spine.
It sounds like a brutal book, and it was, but in a way, I still found hope in it. Maybe just in the fact that someone noticed Lilly or thought about Lilly and her life. Or maybe I have to feel that way, so I don't have to admit that lives like this actually exist.
Highly recommended for fans of urban horror!
July 12, 2014
Don't do drugs kids...just don't
This book. It's going to take a bit to get it out of my head. Not for the fainthearted at all!!!
Don't do drugs
I received an copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book. It's going to take a bit to get it out of my head. Not for the fainthearted at all!!!
Don't do drugs
I received an copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2018
Milk Blood is blood taken from a drug addict who has heroin in their system to be injected into the taker. Horrendous concept, but it's happening. Described as suburban horror, this is writing at it's finest. Stunning.
Clever, clever writing Mark Matthews! This is an astonishing book that had me fixated, unable to let go. I could feel the tension in my body whilst reading this book, the range of emotions stirred up from hope to disgust and shock. Absolutely brilliant fiction. I can't rave enough.
The concept of the book itself is sheer genius, the author takes us on a journey with him into his imagination and life. We are introduced to troubled, damaged and lethal characters. This book has darkness splashed all over it. Mark Matthews drew me in and left me speechless at the end.
Set in Detroit, in a run down street - heroin addicts, criminals, rapists, and murderers. You can see and sense the hopelessness and danger through the writing, the imagery is exceptional, my imagination was going berserk reading this book.
Lilly is ten years old, born with a heart defect, and already addicted to heroin. Her mother is gone from her life, and there are rumors that she was killed by her father and buried near the abandoned house across the street. The house intrigues her, she can't stay away, and the monstrous homeless man who lives there has been trying to get Lilly to come inside.
For her mother is there, buried in the back, and this homeless man is Lilly's true father, and both want their daughter back.
We hear from different perspectives, Lilly is a wonderful character, born into a difficult situation not of her choosing, the product of a vicious rape, born addicted to heroin - yet she is so darn precious I just wanted to run her out of this hell hole and get her to safer ground. Not to be. Lilly is sucked into a black and dark world, introduced to things no young girl should ever be subjected to. I shook my head, over and over again.
The man across the street, the scruffy homeless, drug riddled man who lives in the burnt out house is a fascination to Lilly, bad idea honey. Really, really bad idea. He wants her back, she is his you see, he made her and he is listening to her mother who wants her back also, except she is buried six feet underground, dead as a doornail. And that is not the only 'person' he is listening to. He hears a lot of voices.
Holy macaroni is this book creepy and deranged. I can't share how clever the writing is and the format of the book, the plot - it's so purposeful. By the end of the book when it all comes together in a resoundingly powerful and horrifying series of events it all makes sense, but until then the book keeps you dangling, the pieces not quite fitting together. The bathroom scene! Just you wait!
The tension this book created was tangible in me, I could not stop turning the pages on my Kindle app, my eyes were popping out of my head and I am pretty sure I held my breath more than once. Riveted and fascinating in an awful way. There are some scenes in this book that defy logic, but this is horror writing, it's meant to take you out of your comfort zone.
It's sublime, clever and magical the way it gets a hold of your feelings and imagination. Just go with it. Honestly, I loved this book. If you a horror fan, or even like something with a strong suspenseful creepy factor, this one is for you. Outstanding story telling.
The characters are all exceptionally done, each and every one. I could see them, smell them, felt repelled by some of them. I could see inside their deranged brains thanks to the author. Then there is precious Lilly caught up with all this crazy stuff around her, like a little light hidden in the mud, but someone wants to put that light out, will it dim slowly or keep shining on?
An absolutely fantastic book that I highly recommend to anyone brave enough to go there, try something new even, step outside that safe zone. I bet you can't put it down once you get going.
My thanks to the author, Mark Matthews who kindly sent me a copy of his book at my request in exchange for a review, I wanted to read this book and am really glad I did, thanks for the opportunity Mark.
Clever, clever writing Mark Matthews! This is an astonishing book that had me fixated, unable to let go. I could feel the tension in my body whilst reading this book, the range of emotions stirred up from hope to disgust and shock. Absolutely brilliant fiction. I can't rave enough.
The concept of the book itself is sheer genius, the author takes us on a journey with him into his imagination and life. We are introduced to troubled, damaged and lethal characters. This book has darkness splashed all over it. Mark Matthews drew me in and left me speechless at the end.
Set in Detroit, in a run down street - heroin addicts, criminals, rapists, and murderers. You can see and sense the hopelessness and danger through the writing, the imagery is exceptional, my imagination was going berserk reading this book.
Lilly is ten years old, born with a heart defect, and already addicted to heroin. Her mother is gone from her life, and there are rumors that she was killed by her father and buried near the abandoned house across the street. The house intrigues her, she can't stay away, and the monstrous homeless man who lives there has been trying to get Lilly to come inside.
For her mother is there, buried in the back, and this homeless man is Lilly's true father, and both want their daughter back.
We hear from different perspectives, Lilly is a wonderful character, born into a difficult situation not of her choosing, the product of a vicious rape, born addicted to heroin - yet she is so darn precious I just wanted to run her out of this hell hole and get her to safer ground. Not to be. Lilly is sucked into a black and dark world, introduced to things no young girl should ever be subjected to. I shook my head, over and over again.
The man across the street, the scruffy homeless, drug riddled man who lives in the burnt out house is a fascination to Lilly, bad idea honey. Really, really bad idea. He wants her back, she is his you see, he made her and he is listening to her mother who wants her back also, except she is buried six feet underground, dead as a doornail. And that is not the only 'person' he is listening to. He hears a lot of voices.
Holy macaroni is this book creepy and deranged. I can't share how clever the writing is and the format of the book, the plot - it's so purposeful. By the end of the book when it all comes together in a resoundingly powerful and horrifying series of events it all makes sense, but until then the book keeps you dangling, the pieces not quite fitting together. The bathroom scene! Just you wait!
The tension this book created was tangible in me, I could not stop turning the pages on my Kindle app, my eyes were popping out of my head and I am pretty sure I held my breath more than once. Riveted and fascinating in an awful way. There are some scenes in this book that defy logic, but this is horror writing, it's meant to take you out of your comfort zone.
It's sublime, clever and magical the way it gets a hold of your feelings and imagination. Just go with it. Honestly, I loved this book. If you a horror fan, or even like something with a strong suspenseful creepy factor, this one is for you. Outstanding story telling.
The characters are all exceptionally done, each and every one. I could see them, smell them, felt repelled by some of them. I could see inside their deranged brains thanks to the author. Then there is precious Lilly caught up with all this crazy stuff around her, like a little light hidden in the mud, but someone wants to put that light out, will it dim slowly or keep shining on?
An absolutely fantastic book that I highly recommend to anyone brave enough to go there, try something new even, step outside that safe zone. I bet you can't put it down once you get going.
My thanks to the author, Mark Matthews who kindly sent me a copy of his book at my request in exchange for a review, I wanted to read this book and am really glad I did, thanks for the opportunity Mark.
November 17, 2016
Milk blood is a bleak, unflinching look at people in desperate situations. When I say bleak, I am not exaggerating. These people are more than down on their luck, they have hit rock bottom. It’s a gripping mix of the horror show that is drug addiction and otherworldly horror that feels so natural your skin may crawl. It’s descriptive and gut-wrenching and some truly terrible things happen to an innocent young girl. You might want to have something upbeat nearby because some of these scenes may wreck you. Unless I’m just getting wimpier as the years go by. Nah. I don't think that's it.
I listened to this story in its unabridged audiobook format which immerses you in the desolation of the story. The narrator is deadly serious (as he needs to be) and, to be honest, though it’s only 3 hours or so, I had to take breaks and listen to some silly horror podcasts in between. This story is intense and bothered me on a level that most horror can’t reach. It’s similar to Lynda Barry’s Cruddy in that way. Only without the humor. There's nothing humorous here.
Don’t do drugs people.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I listened to this story in its unabridged audiobook format which immerses you in the desolation of the story. The narrator is deadly serious (as he needs to be) and, to be honest, though it’s only 3 hours or so, I had to take breaks and listen to some silly horror podcasts in between. This story is intense and bothered me on a level that most horror can’t reach. It’s similar to Lynda Barry’s Cruddy in that way. Only without the humor. There's nothing humorous here.
Don’t do drugs people.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2014
If you like to read tales disturbing and unsettling, if you aren't afraid to boldly stride over to the dark side, you may want to make Lilly's acquaintance. Her name has dual meanings - 'a flower of death, and new beginnings'. In a crumbling section of Detroit, there is a house that has been fire-bombed. It sits there, malevolent, rotting and reeking, but not altogether abandoned.
A horror story of family and hardcore addiction, this one promises/threatens to stick (pun more or less intended) with me for a very long time.
A horror story of family and hardcore addiction, this one promises/threatens to stick (pun more or less intended) with me for a very long time.
February 2, 2018
MILK-BLOOD: A Tale of Urban Horror is an amazing book. Take -
One child, who should never have been born and certainly never should have survived.
Her mother, who was impregnated by one father, and wanted the other to kill the child.
Two fathers, one who is doing his drug-addled best to care for Lily, the other who simply wants her back.
Then there is Uncle Nelson who introduces Lily to his "medicine" which won't make her better, but makes her feel better.
And the derelict house across the road to which Lily is drawn, and the voices talk to her.....
I have been sucked into this world that is completely alien to me; a world of abject poverty, of hopeless despair, of drug addiction.
This is a compulsive read; one that had me holding my breath in horror, in dismay, in disbelief; one that had my heart pounding and my fingers trembling.
Thank you Mark Matthews for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I will be seeking out your other works: On the Lips of Children, The Jade Rabbit and STRAY.
All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions. Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
One child, who should never have been born and certainly never should have survived.
Her mother, who was impregnated by one father, and wanted the other to kill the child.
Two fathers, one who is doing his drug-addled best to care for Lily, the other who simply wants her back.
Then there is Uncle Nelson who introduces Lily to his "medicine" which won't make her better, but makes her feel better.
And the derelict house across the road to which Lily is drawn, and the voices talk to her.....
I have been sucked into this world that is completely alien to me; a world of abject poverty, of hopeless despair, of drug addiction.
This is a compulsive read; one that had me holding my breath in horror, in dismay, in disbelief; one that had my heart pounding and my fingers trembling.
Thank you Mark Matthews for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I will be seeking out your other works: On the Lips of Children, The Jade Rabbit and STRAY.
All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions. Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
October 25, 2014
"The house was like me. Burnt up with enough holes that you could see its insides."
There is so much to like here. First, "A Tale of Urban Horror" could not be more appropriate to describe this story. In addition to the supernatural horror element, there is also a vivid depiction of the real life horror faced by some whose lives are touched by extreme poverty and violence. Of course, that's not to say that everyone who faces poverty also faces certain aspects particular to Lilly's story. But that's one of the things I truly liked about Mr. Matthew's approach. I never once felt that there were generalizations being made, or that the characters came across as caricatures or stereotypes. The circumstances felt unique to these people, while also painting a realistic picture of darker sides of life.
The entire package, the horror story and the realism, made for a very riveting and compelling read. There are some powerful scenes, two in particular come to mind, that made me say wow. The characters are also very well done. They are flawed and very human. In fact, I found each one compelling in their own right.
And then there is the writing. Oh how I love the writing and the style. I wanted to roll around in it. Even the dialogue matches the tone of the story perfectly. Just well done, I say. Well done.
So, if you're looking for a well-written unique story served with a dose of realism, then I highly recommend Milk-Blood.
Final Rating: 4 Stars
There is so much to like here. First, "A Tale of Urban Horror" could not be more appropriate to describe this story. In addition to the supernatural horror element, there is also a vivid depiction of the real life horror faced by some whose lives are touched by extreme poverty and violence. Of course, that's not to say that everyone who faces poverty also faces certain aspects particular to Lilly's story. But that's one of the things I truly liked about Mr. Matthew's approach. I never once felt that there were generalizations being made, or that the characters came across as caricatures or stereotypes. The circumstances felt unique to these people, while also painting a realistic picture of darker sides of life.
The entire package, the horror story and the realism, made for a very riveting and compelling read. There are some powerful scenes, two in particular come to mind, that made me say wow. The characters are also very well done. They are flawed and very human. In fact, I found each one compelling in their own right.
And then there is the writing. Oh how I love the writing and the style. I wanted to roll around in it. Even the dialogue matches the tone of the story perfectly. Just well done, I say. Well done.
So, if you're looking for a well-written unique story served with a dose of realism, then I highly recommend Milk-Blood.
Final Rating: 4 Stars
June 17, 2014
Mr. Matthews was gracious enough to give me the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. Thanks, man!
What a dark, twisted and bizarre book this was. I knew going into it that it dealt with heroin addiction (I am a big fan of Neil Young) so I was prepared for some gritty, urban fare. I had recently read the short story THE DAMAGE DONE, which was a tie-in to the novel, so I was also familiar with the character Jervis already.
What I did not see coming was the unique, captivating tale in which I was to be immersed.
This is one of the most striking Urban horror stories I have read in a long time.
My hat is truly off to Mark Matthews. This is one I will certainly tag as a future reread.
I will warn those with a sensitive nature to run for the hills posthaste. You might be better off going out of your way to avoid this street. There are some truly disturbing themes presented within these pages.
The final segment was a jaw-dropper.
One last thing: There are a few interludes in which the author speaks to the reader about the chapter to come, and I will admit this technique had me scratching my head, at first. This ended up being one of the best parts of the narrative, but I can't say why for fear of spoiling it for other readers.
Highly recommended!
What a dark, twisted and bizarre book this was. I knew going into it that it dealt with heroin addiction (I am a big fan of Neil Young) so I was prepared for some gritty, urban fare. I had recently read the short story THE DAMAGE DONE, which was a tie-in to the novel, so I was also familiar with the character Jervis already.
What I did not see coming was the unique, captivating tale in which I was to be immersed.
This is one of the most striking Urban horror stories I have read in a long time.
My hat is truly off to Mark Matthews. This is one I will certainly tag as a future reread.
I will warn those with a sensitive nature to run for the hills posthaste. You might be better off going out of your way to avoid this street. There are some truly disturbing themes presented within these pages.
The final segment was a jaw-dropper.
One last thing: There are a few interludes in which the author speaks to the reader about the chapter to come, and I will admit this technique had me scratching my head, at first. This ended up being one of the best parts of the narrative, but I can't say why for fear of spoiling it for other readers.
Highly recommended!
July 19, 2015
I could not put this book down. It is the story of broken spirits and damaged hearts, and the perseverance to endure both life and death. Told from several points of view, it is the story of drug addiction, mental illness, violence and frustration. It's also the story of those who observe what is going on around them. Some people observe the characters' hardships through jaded eyes and do not get involved enough to help. But one observer gets involved in a different way. He empathizes with the characters' situations and surroundings and ultimately becomes their salvation. This book may break your heart, but it may also give you the courage to see situations through other people's eyes. Highly recommended.
June 21, 2014
This story was injected into my veins long ago. It has finally bled out onto the page, but it will always be a part of me and I am quite fond of it.
October 17, 2015
4.5 stars.
"This is how it's going to be."
How do you measure horror? It depends on where you're from. For 10 year old Lilly, who has never known anything else, it would probably be measured in the sum of her years. Born in the slums of Detroit, with a defective heart and almost zero chance of survival, the least of Lilly's concerns is the street she lives on. She knows this street and the street knows her... better than she could possibly know.
"You do the best with what you got. That's what we do."
Life is hard for Lilly's father Zach, who alone takes care of both Lilly and his ailing elderly mother. There's never enough food, never enough money. The welfare and social security checks just aren't enough to feed three bellies and Zach's habits. Zach is no saint, but he's doing the best he can with what he's got.
"The bathroom is a slaughterhouse. You need to be careful there."
When Lilly's life collides (not-so-accidentally) with Jervis, the schizophrenic who lives in the burned-out house across the street, it unleashes an evil that was never meant to unburied, better known as Lilly's mother. Who says that the monsters without are scarier than the monsters within? The horrors that await Lilly are nothing compared to her daily struggle just to stay alive. To this imitation of life on a street that bleeds hell. That hemorrhages it. The real horror is not always that which takes away life. It's that endless chasm of a life from which there is no release. From a mental and physical anguish that cannot be extinguished.
Milk-Blood just became one of the top books I read this year from an author whose prose I am in love with.
"This is how it's going to be."
How do you measure horror? It depends on where you're from. For 10 year old Lilly, who has never known anything else, it would probably be measured in the sum of her years. Born in the slums of Detroit, with a defective heart and almost zero chance of survival, the least of Lilly's concerns is the street she lives on. She knows this street and the street knows her... better than she could possibly know.
"You do the best with what you got. That's what we do."
Life is hard for Lilly's father Zach, who alone takes care of both Lilly and his ailing elderly mother. There's never enough food, never enough money. The welfare and social security checks just aren't enough to feed three bellies and Zach's habits. Zach is no saint, but he's doing the best he can with what he's got.
"The bathroom is a slaughterhouse. You need to be careful there."
When Lilly's life collides (not-so-accidentally) with Jervis, the schizophrenic who lives in the burned-out house across the street, it unleashes an evil that was never meant to unburied, better known as Lilly's mother. Who says that the monsters without are scarier than the monsters within? The horrors that await Lilly are nothing compared to her daily struggle just to stay alive. To this imitation of life on a street that bleeds hell. That hemorrhages it. The real horror is not always that which takes away life. It's that endless chasm of a life from which there is no release. From a mental and physical anguish that cannot be extinguished.
Milk-Blood just became one of the top books I read this year from an author whose prose I am in love with.
March 8, 2015
Milk Blood - the concept alone is disturbing. Matthews takes it 1800 steps further.
The story follows a 10-year-old girl with cyanosis - per Wikipedia (yeah I had to fucking look it up, back the fuck off - um I apologize for the hostility and the treatment of Wikipedia as a legitimate reference source) "a bluish discoloration, especially of the skin and mucous membranes, due to excessive concentration of deoxyhemoglobin in the blood caused by deoxygenation" (what??? um, now that that's perfectly explained...)
Anyway, the little girl's name is Lilly. With her, Matthews creates a character that invokes pity, stirs the heart, tortures the mind, and challenges the soul. Her plight, mostly thrust upon her by the sins of others, is heart-breaking, and the stuff of good literature.
Her guardian was my hero, for a chapter anyway, but he's real and gritty and does the best he can with what he has (a theme prevalent throughout the novel). The mother - I hated her, and if the author tried to get me to relate to her in any way, he missed on that account.
Story? Damn! Injecting drugs into your veins is bad enough, but
This story is dark and original. The "author intrusion" between initial chapters pissed me off, though it readily became apparent what was going on after the second offense. I don't know how I feel about the ending and those scenes now. They have purpose, but I am not sure if the story might be stronger without them.
The writing? Matthews isn't the most technically sound writer/editor, but any quirks are minimal (one a chapter?). However, he is brilliantly descriptive and can turn a phrase and even more so, pack an emotional punch. He knows how to trigger an emotional response the likes of which I don't see often in horror.
Overall, this book is recommended for fans of DARK fiction. It's better than 4 stars, so I will give it 4 stars here and 5 on Amazon. Nicely done!
The story follows a 10-year-old girl with cyanosis - per Wikipedia (yeah I had to fucking look it up, back the fuck off - um I apologize for the hostility and the treatment of Wikipedia as a legitimate reference source) "a bluish discoloration, especially of the skin and mucous membranes, due to excessive concentration of deoxyhemoglobin in the blood caused by deoxygenation" (what??? um, now that that's perfectly explained...)
Anyway, the little girl's name is Lilly. With her, Matthews creates a character that invokes pity, stirs the heart, tortures the mind, and challenges the soul. Her plight, mostly thrust upon her by the sins of others, is heart-breaking, and the stuff of good literature.
Her guardian was my hero, for a chapter anyway, but he's real and gritty and does the best he can with what he has (a theme prevalent throughout the novel). The mother - I hated her, and if the author tried to get me to relate to her in any way, he missed on that account.
Story? Damn! Injecting drugs into your veins is bad enough, but
This story is dark and original. The "author intrusion" between initial chapters pissed me off, though it readily became apparent what was going on after the second offense. I don't know how I feel about the ending and those scenes now. They have purpose, but I am not sure if the story might be stronger without them.
The writing? Matthews isn't the most technically sound writer/editor, but any quirks are minimal (one a chapter?). However, he is brilliantly descriptive and can turn a phrase and even more so, pack an emotional punch. He knows how to trigger an emotional response the likes of which I don't see often in horror.
Overall, this book is recommended for fans of DARK fiction. It's better than 4 stars, so I will give it 4 stars here and 5 on Amazon. Nicely done!
June 21, 2014
A free copy of this book was provided in exchange for my honest review.
I can imagine that this book would possibly not be as entertaining to someone who lives in and is one with the ghetto. I live in what is pretty close to a ghetto, but I am far from being able to call myself part of it. I am not sure if that is something anyone would want to be able to do or not, but it is what it is. That being said, I live my life seeing things without being on the inside.
Reading this novel took me to the inside, all the way into the head of what may or may not be an imaginary child. Some details may have been changed to protect the innocent, but the effect of the story being believable to a fault is there. It's not a perfect tale but it is by far a very entertaining one.
I could speculate with you on if any of it was supposed to a metaphor for something else, or what was really intended to be conveyed... But in the end what really matters is this was enjoyable to read regardless of the intent.
I can't get through the beginning scenes of Trainspotting, but with this book I was so enraptured in what it could possibly be like to be addicted to Heroine that I couldn't stop reading. I don't plan on finding out what this is really like, ever, so this was a safe and intriguing way to learn more. It could be way off base, but I didn't care, the writing was solid and enjoyable. If you can get into a story regardless of where it's going simply because it is a pleasure to read, then why not?
I cared what was going to happen, I was sucked in and buttered up for the punch. I absolutely love reading a story that I can do nothing but keep reading in order to find out what happens next. There is little foreshadowing to prepare you for what will happen which for some might be maddening, but for more is just fine.
The story follows the birth and life of a poor ghetto child. It explores what it can be like to really know how to just barely get by. That was upsetting for me, but not completely foreign. It also added a good element of psychological horror. The reason being is it is so easy to understand how things can turn into a cluster when you are already starting from rock bottom.
It is violent, gruesome, imaginative and awesome. Not entirely sane, but that is not a requirement for entertainment. I really don't want to spoil any of the twists and turns. Either you are already intrigued and are going to find this book and read it, or my review gave enough info to advise you to pass it up. To each their own.
I can imagine that this book would possibly not be as entertaining to someone who lives in and is one with the ghetto. I live in what is pretty close to a ghetto, but I am far from being able to call myself part of it. I am not sure if that is something anyone would want to be able to do or not, but it is what it is. That being said, I live my life seeing things without being on the inside.
Reading this novel took me to the inside, all the way into the head of what may or may not be an imaginary child. Some details may have been changed to protect the innocent, but the effect of the story being believable to a fault is there. It's not a perfect tale but it is by far a very entertaining one.
I could speculate with you on if any of it was supposed to a metaphor for something else, or what was really intended to be conveyed... But in the end what really matters is this was enjoyable to read regardless of the intent.
I can't get through the beginning scenes of Trainspotting, but with this book I was so enraptured in what it could possibly be like to be addicted to Heroine that I couldn't stop reading. I don't plan on finding out what this is really like, ever, so this was a safe and intriguing way to learn more. It could be way off base, but I didn't care, the writing was solid and enjoyable. If you can get into a story regardless of where it's going simply because it is a pleasure to read, then why not?
I cared what was going to happen, I was sucked in and buttered up for the punch. I absolutely love reading a story that I can do nothing but keep reading in order to find out what happens next. There is little foreshadowing to prepare you for what will happen which for some might be maddening, but for more is just fine.
The story follows the birth and life of a poor ghetto child. It explores what it can be like to really know how to just barely get by. That was upsetting for me, but not completely foreign. It also added a good element of psychological horror. The reason being is it is so easy to understand how things can turn into a cluster when you are already starting from rock bottom.
It is violent, gruesome, imaginative and awesome. Not entirely sane, but that is not a requirement for entertainment. I really don't want to spoil any of the twists and turns. Either you are already intrigued and are going to find this book and read it, or my review gave enough info to advise you to pass it up. To each their own.
Read
October 28, 2014review to come
October 27, 2014
Milk-Blood – Mark Matthews
I will start with a big thank you to Mark Matthews who kindly sent me an electronic copy of Milk-Blood in exchange for an honest review! This is not the sort of book I would normally pick up otherwise and I’m so so glad I got the opportunity to read it.
Just the definition above makes me cringe before I’ve even started the book. Milk-Blood centres on the unsettling life of ten year old Lilly who was born with an addiction to heroin and has a heart defect. It delves into the real life horrors of a disturbing childhood, drug addiction and a violent home-life, and then throws paranormal aspects into the mix, just to make it that little bit more terrifying.
Just a brief warning if you’re planning on reading this: there are some disconcerting scenes (a certain scene still makes me feel uneasy thinking back on it now), and some bits of gruesomeness... I mean, I absolutely love gruesomeness in books, but it may not be for the faint hearted!
That being said, although disturbing, it’s engrossing. It might be upsetting, but it’s immersive. It may make you feel uncomfortable, but you’ll still feel the need to turn the page. This is a magnificent piece of writing and a powerful novella by Mark Matthews, and his experience as a social worker clearly proved incredibly useful in his construction of the very real yet disturbing setting of a run-down, drug-filled area of Detroit, and he didn’t hold back on the true ugliness that comes with a drug addiction.
Mark Matthews has done an outstanding job creating the characters in this book. I felt repulsed by them, I felt emotional for them, I loathed them, I loved them. They were just so diverse (Zach in particular) and terrifyingly realistic and believable. They’ll stick with me for a long long time to come.
At first I found the author notes within the story quite interrupting, but once I reached the end and everything came together it all made sense. I won’t go any further into this as I don’t wish to spoil the reading experience for anyone, but the ending was a perfect finish to a faultless piece of writing.
So, if you’re feeling daring and looking for something different (and by different I mean disturbing, gruesome, horrific, unsettling, shocking, grisly... you get the picture), then I recommend you grab yourself a copy of this book. It’s a definite page turner and not only does it have a disturbing impact on your mind, you’ll experience your body cringing, your heart beating, your toes tensing in fear. Seriously, it’s that good.
Oh, and don’t do drugs kids. Fo’ real.
I will start with a big thank you to Mark Matthews who kindly sent me an electronic copy of Milk-Blood in exchange for an honest review! This is not the sort of book I would normally pick up otherwise and I’m so so glad I got the opportunity to read it.
“Milk-blood: The act of extracting heroin-laden blood, for reinjection at a later time. It usually is one's own blood, but could also be the blood of someone who has just overdosed.. It is done as "insurance" in case one's heroin supply runs out.”
Just the definition above makes me cringe before I’ve even started the book. Milk-Blood centres on the unsettling life of ten year old Lilly who was born with an addiction to heroin and has a heart defect. It delves into the real life horrors of a disturbing childhood, drug addiction and a violent home-life, and then throws paranormal aspects into the mix, just to make it that little bit more terrifying.
Just a brief warning if you’re planning on reading this: there are some disconcerting scenes (a certain scene still makes me feel uneasy thinking back on it now), and some bits of gruesomeness... I mean, I absolutely love gruesomeness in books, but it may not be for the faint hearted!
That being said, although disturbing, it’s engrossing. It might be upsetting, but it’s immersive. It may make you feel uncomfortable, but you’ll still feel the need to turn the page. This is a magnificent piece of writing and a powerful novella by Mark Matthews, and his experience as a social worker clearly proved incredibly useful in his construction of the very real yet disturbing setting of a run-down, drug-filled area of Detroit, and he didn’t hold back on the true ugliness that comes with a drug addiction.
Mark Matthews has done an outstanding job creating the characters in this book. I felt repulsed by them, I felt emotional for them, I loathed them, I loved them. They were just so diverse (Zach in particular) and terrifyingly realistic and believable. They’ll stick with me for a long long time to come.
At first I found the author notes within the story quite interrupting, but once I reached the end and everything came together it all made sense. I won’t go any further into this as I don’t wish to spoil the reading experience for anyone, but the ending was a perfect finish to a faultless piece of writing.
So, if you’re feeling daring and looking for something different (and by different I mean disturbing, gruesome, horrific, unsettling, shocking, grisly... you get the picture), then I recommend you grab yourself a copy of this book. It’s a definite page turner and not only does it have a disturbing impact on your mind, you’ll experience your body cringing, your heart beating, your toes tensing in fear. Seriously, it’s that good.
Oh, and don’t do drugs kids. Fo’ real.
December 22, 2017
There was definitely something dragging me into this story, or at least the first half of it. Truth be told, the reason I finished the second half was because it's a short one. Parts of the writing are good and parts feels very much like a sophomore effort (and maybe it is, I'm not sure of the order of the books). Some grips - like the incessant repetition of being a social worker and 'been there - done this - seen that' and the strange repetition of chapter 1 from another character's perspective (yes, the chapter was quite powerful, but not so powerful so the book would have suffered by selecting one of the viewpoints) - not to mention the 'author notes' - all seem awfully self-important and sets the reader off a bit. The fact that this is a story of broken people that have had bad things happen to them and will continue to have bad things happen to them with no hope of anything else (really not a spoiler, it's evident from the description...) makes it a not so motivating read for me (this is more than some things down to personal preference and nothing else of course).
The horrible idea of "Milk-blood" awakens both the nurse and engineer in me and a quick googling reveals that the meaning and background of the "Needle and the Damage Done"-expression is very much in dispute. Extracting blood from someone who has injected heroin - oneself or other - seems both hard accomplished and quite pointless to me. Some sources of the internet even speak about heroinists withdrawing blood for “later use”. Anyone familiar with clotting - i.e. inhabitants of earth - would question this I think. Also, if you have the foresight to do this at the high of a fix, maybe you could save some to begin with? How much would that need to be? I’m glad you asked! The syringes I’ve seen in use have invariably been smaller, but let’s go with 10 mL’s to be on the safe side. An adult has about 5 L of blood. Assuming uniform distribution that gives 10/5000 = .2 % of the original ‘fix’ concentration. .2 % of 10 mL is 20 uL (basically, you would easily get the same amount of drug by rinsing the used syringe with water, no need to mess with blood). What more is, if that amount is enough for a fix, why not dilute the original fix and get 500 fixes for the price of one? I’ll stop now, you should have taken warning by ‘the engineer in me’...
Finally, the psychiatric nurse in me also wants to question the (somewhat romantic) myth/notion that “most schizophrenics are highly intelligent” as they’re really not, actually.
I’d think that there’s a good chance that later offerings by the author could be good (as in well written and told), but since they do seem to be more of the same, I think I’ll save myself the agony and pass.
The horrible idea of "Milk-blood" awakens both the nurse and engineer in me and a quick googling reveals that the meaning and background of the "Needle and the Damage Done"-expression is very much in dispute. Extracting blood from someone who has injected heroin - oneself or other - seems both hard accomplished and quite pointless to me. Some sources of the internet even speak about heroinists withdrawing blood for “later use”. Anyone familiar with clotting - i.e. inhabitants of earth - would question this I think. Also, if you have the foresight to do this at the high of a fix, maybe you could save some to begin with? How much would that need to be? I’m glad you asked! The syringes I’ve seen in use have invariably been smaller, but let’s go with 10 mL’s to be on the safe side. An adult has about 5 L of blood. Assuming uniform distribution that gives 10/5000 = .2 % of the original ‘fix’ concentration. .2 % of 10 mL is 20 uL (basically, you would easily get the same amount of drug by rinsing the used syringe with water, no need to mess with blood). What more is, if that amount is enough for a fix, why not dilute the original fix and get 500 fixes for the price of one? I’ll stop now, you should have taken warning by ‘the engineer in me’...
Finally, the psychiatric nurse in me also wants to question the (somewhat romantic) myth/notion that “most schizophrenics are highly intelligent” as they’re really not, actually.
I’d think that there’s a good chance that later offerings by the author could be good (as in well written and told), but since they do seem to be more of the same, I think I’ll save myself the agony and pass.
July 30, 2014
I am still trying to digest reading the last 2/3 of this book in one sitting! This book was so intense, it will get under your skin in no time at all (no pun intended!)
I read the "prequel" of sorts to this, THE DAMAGE DONE, and immediately had to delve into this book. The voice of the characters really rang with conviction throughout the entire novel--these people virtually came alive on the page. Mark Matthews has created an extremely haunting tale that is not for those easily disturbed.
Recommended!
I read the "prequel" of sorts to this, THE DAMAGE DONE, and immediately had to delve into this book. The voice of the characters really rang with conviction throughout the entire novel--these people virtually came alive on the page. Mark Matthews has created an extremely haunting tale that is not for those easily disturbed.
Recommended!
December 3, 2014
First, I was contacted by the author after I entered a give away of his book through Goodreads, to see if I was interested in getting a free digital copy. Hell ya!!
Whoa! I have never read a story that was like this deep into this story matter. I literally had a dream about it last night after I finished it. With that said this book is not for the faint of heart. Great story line. Excellent details. Written very well. This book will definitely stay with you for awhile after you read it.
Whoa! I have never read a story that was like this deep into this story matter. I literally had a dream about it last night after I finished it. With that said this book is not for the faint of heart. Great story line. Excellent details. Written very well. This book will definitely stay with you for awhile after you read it.
January 24, 2015
An uncompromising glimpse into a world that most would prefer not to think about but which is sadly all too common in this day and age, Mark Matthew's Milk-Blood is both bleak and brutal. It is also very sad, and I would be surprised to learn anyone could have a good time with this. That's not say to say it can't be enjoyed - because it is very effective at what it sets out to do - but if you're looking for something light and fluffy, Milk-Blood would be the equivalent of choosing to see Dead Man Walking on a first date. That is to say, inadvisable.
Told in an oddly intriguing style, Matthews writes himself into the narrative with his author's notes that initially seem out of place, but by the end make sense and feel a complete part of the story. I had to think about that element of the novella for a while before deciding that was my overall reaction, which speaks to Milk-Blood's main strength: how thought provoking it is. I doubt, for example, that I'll walk straight past the next homeless person I see without wondering just how they came to be there and thinking of this novella.
The supernatural element also adds something important to this tale. And I really liked the way Matthews described schizophrenia as possibly being more about those afflicted with it experiencing things the rest of us cannot, rather than experiencing things that simply are not there. Again, something that gave me pause to think ...
Tough, gritty, and more than a bit of a downer (while being all the stronger for it), Milk-Blood deserves to be read.
4 3547s for Milk-Blood.
Told in an oddly intriguing style, Matthews writes himself into the narrative with his author's notes that initially seem out of place, but by the end make sense and feel a complete part of the story. I had to think about that element of the novella for a while before deciding that was my overall reaction, which speaks to Milk-Blood's main strength: how thought provoking it is. I doubt, for example, that I'll walk straight past the next homeless person I see without wondering just how they came to be there and thinking of this novella.
The supernatural element also adds something important to this tale. And I really liked the way Matthews described schizophrenia as possibly being more about those afflicted with it experiencing things the rest of us cannot, rather than experiencing things that simply are not there. Again, something that gave me pause to think ...
Tough, gritty, and more than a bit of a downer (while being all the stronger for it), Milk-Blood deserves to be read.
4 3547s for Milk-Blood.
October 16, 2015
4.5 stars.
"This is how it's going to be."
How do you measure horror? It depends on where you're from. For 10 year old Lilly, who has never known anything else, it would probably be measured in the sum of her years. Born in the slums of Detroit, with a defective heart and almost zero chance of survival, the least of Lilly's concerns is the street she lives on. She knows this street and the street knows her... better than she could possibly know.
"You do the best with what you got. That's what we do."
Life is hard for Lilly's father Zach, who alone takes care of both Lilly and his ailing elderly mother. There's never enough food, never enough money. The welfare and social security checks just aren't enough to feed three bellies and Zach's habits. Zach is no saint, but he's doing the best he can with what he's got.
"The bathroom is a slaughterhouse. You need to be careful there."
When Lilly's life collides (not-so-accidentally) with Jervis, the schizophrenic who lives in the burned-out house across the street, it unleashes an evil that was never meant to unburied, better known as Lilly's mother.
Who says that the monsters without are scarier than the monsters within? The horrors that await Lilly are nothing compared to her daily struggle just to stay alive. To this imitation of life on a street that bleeds hell. That hemorrhages it. The real horror is not always that which takes away life. It's that endless chasm of a life from which there is no release. From a mental and physical anguish that cannot be extinguished.
Milk-Blood just became one of the top books I read this year from an author whose prose I am in love with.
"This is how it's going to be."
How do you measure horror? It depends on where you're from. For 10 year old Lilly, who has never known anything else, it would probably be measured in the sum of her years. Born in the slums of Detroit, with a defective heart and almost zero chance of survival, the least of Lilly's concerns is the street she lives on. She knows this street and the street knows her... better than she could possibly know.
"You do the best with what you got. That's what we do."
Life is hard for Lilly's father Zach, who alone takes care of both Lilly and his ailing elderly mother. There's never enough food, never enough money. The welfare and social security checks just aren't enough to feed three bellies and Zach's habits. Zach is no saint, but he's doing the best he can with what he's got.
"The bathroom is a slaughterhouse. You need to be careful there."
When Lilly's life collides (not-so-accidentally) with Jervis, the schizophrenic who lives in the burned-out house across the street, it unleashes an evil that was never meant to unburied, better known as Lilly's mother.
Who says that the monsters without are scarier than the monsters within? The horrors that await Lilly are nothing compared to her daily struggle just to stay alive. To this imitation of life on a street that bleeds hell. That hemorrhages it. The real horror is not always that which takes away life. It's that endless chasm of a life from which there is no release. From a mental and physical anguish that cannot be extinguished.
Milk-Blood just became one of the top books I read this year from an author whose prose I am in love with.
June 24, 2015
I guess I should get the disclaimers out of the way, I was a beta-reader for this book and the author sent me a free copy, so if you have a problem with me reviewing this book then move right along, no further reading necessary.
This is a tale of urban decay, drug addiction and a family. The majority of the story is spent in the real world but slips into the supernatural from time to time. The main character, Lilly seems doomed from the very beginning with her, shall we say, strange conception and her very dysfuntional family life. So right off the bat you're cheering for Lilly to overcome. But she really faces an uphill battle considering her dad, uncle, the kids at school and Jervis the squatter in the burned out house across the street.
There are some unforgettable scenes in the story including the previously mentioned conception of Lilly, the bathroom sequence with grandma and the transformation of Lilly(in several ways). All told I thought this book did a good job of straddling the line between a bleak reality and the supernatural and presented some pretty memorable characters.
This is a tale of urban decay, drug addiction and a family. The majority of the story is spent in the real world but slips into the supernatural from time to time. The main character, Lilly seems doomed from the very beginning with her, shall we say, strange conception and her very dysfuntional family life. So right off the bat you're cheering for Lilly to overcome. But she really faces an uphill battle considering her dad, uncle, the kids at school and Jervis the squatter in the burned out house across the street.
There are some unforgettable scenes in the story including the previously mentioned conception of Lilly, the bathroom sequence with grandma and the transformation of Lilly(in several ways). All told I thought this book did a good job of straddling the line between a bleak reality and the supernatural and presented some pretty memorable characters.
August 11, 2014
I don't think I'm out of line calling this book Ketchumesque. Fan's of Jack Ketchum probably know what I'm talking about but for the rest of you - both authors write about things that can be found in the newspaper on any given day. There are no zombies or vampires. Those are the things we read about when we want to escape the realities of the 'no-shit-this-is-happening-right-now' horror.
Milk-Blood is newspaper horror. It has no need for such fantastical creatures. This is one of the most powerful novels I have read this year and I highly recommend it to anyone who thinks they can handle it. That is a disclosure to cover my own ass. Reading two or more Mark Matthews novels in a row may result in clinical depression so I only ask that you tread carefully while still encouraging you to read and reflect.
Highly recommended reality horror.
Milk-Blood is newspaper horror. It has no need for such fantastical creatures. This is one of the most powerful novels I have read this year and I highly recommend it to anyone who thinks they can handle it. That is a disclosure to cover my own ass. Reading two or more Mark Matthews novels in a row may result in clinical depression so I only ask that you tread carefully while still encouraging you to read and reflect.
Highly recommended reality horror.
August 1, 2014
Addiction, betrayal, poverty, despair, and survival.
This one is pretty disturbing and creepy. At times, brutal. At times, heartbreaking. Lilly was born with a rare heart disorder. Born to junkie parents. Born of ashes. She lives in constant pain. She is looking for someone or something to take the pain away. The ghosts of the past are all around her and they desperately want her become one of them.
This is a pretty dark tale from Mr. Matthews. He does not pull any punches when it comes to the ugliness and tragedy of addiction. Mix that in with a healthy dose of delusion and the supernatural and you get a pretty bleak, yet engrossing novella.
This one is pretty disturbing and creepy. At times, brutal. At times, heartbreaking. Lilly was born with a rare heart disorder. Born to junkie parents. Born of ashes. She lives in constant pain. She is looking for someone or something to take the pain away. The ghosts of the past are all around her and they desperately want her become one of them.
This is a pretty dark tale from Mr. Matthews. He does not pull any punches when it comes to the ugliness and tragedy of addiction. Mix that in with a healthy dose of delusion and the supernatural and you get a pretty bleak, yet engrossing novella.
January 10, 2015
That was really good!
This book had me gripped from the very start. The story itself is brilliant and very believable. The writing was quite simple, but that's what made it work I think? It felt like I was genuinely listening to the story being told by the characters.
This book is a definite little gem and I'm really happy I found it. The ending went a tiny bit off, but not enough to ruin it or anything. I just think maybe I would have finished it a little bit differently.
Overall I say four out of five stars and I'm pretty sure I will be looking at some other works by this author.
All reviews can be found at http://lennonslair.blogspot.co.uk
This book had me gripped from the very start. The story itself is brilliant and very believable. The writing was quite simple, but that's what made it work I think? It felt like I was genuinely listening to the story being told by the characters.
This book is a definite little gem and I'm really happy I found it. The ending went a tiny bit off, but not enough to ruin it or anything. I just think maybe I would have finished it a little bit differently.
Overall I say four out of five stars and I'm pretty sure I will be looking at some other works by this author.
All reviews can be found at http://lennonslair.blogspot.co.uk
May 18, 2015
H is for hero(in)
Quick word association I say horror and you think
...
Vampire- nope none of those here, not even the non sparkly kind
Werewolf- nope they aren't here either
Zombies- again nugatory, and really seems market is a little saturated anyhow
Ghosts or hauntings- aha bingo but only a subtle hint and even then the ghosts may be results of people's dope laden imaginations.
What other am trying to express is a novel doesn't need a supernatural element to be classified as horror. matthews seems to understand there can be enough horror found in the human condition a story doesn't need all the bells and whistles of a typical horror tale to upset and create a visceral reaction in readers.
I liked his writing and this book but can I say I enjoyed it? Not really when my eyes weren't glazing over with unshed tears bile was rising but I think this might be the anticipated reaction so well done Mark matthews
Quick word association I say horror and you think
...
Vampire- nope none of those here, not even the non sparkly kind
Werewolf- nope they aren't here either
Zombies- again nugatory, and really seems market is a little saturated anyhow
Ghosts or hauntings- aha bingo but only a subtle hint and even then the ghosts may be results of people's dope laden imaginations.
What other am trying to express is a novel doesn't need a supernatural element to be classified as horror. matthews seems to understand there can be enough horror found in the human condition a story doesn't need all the bells and whistles of a typical horror tale to upset and create a visceral reaction in readers.
I liked his writing and this book but can I say I enjoyed it? Not really when my eyes weren't glazing over with unshed tears bile was rising but I think this might be the anticipated reaction so well done Mark matthews
April 13, 2015
This review of Milk-Blood by Mark Matthews is the result of a copy sent to Ginger Nuts of Horror in exchange for an honest review.
As I like to do with review requests coming into Ginger Nuts, this is the first time I have read Mark Matthews. It won’t be the last but this one has left me, eh, disturbed is probably the best description.
Lilly is 10 years old. She has cyanosis. It basically makes her skin a bit blue and a bit see through. Her mom has gone. She doesn’t know where to. She doesn’t know her dad has killed her and buried her across the street. She doesn’t know her dad isn’t her dad. Jervis is a homeless man living in the derelict house across the street. The same one her mom “lives” at. Jervis has secrets too. He also has a lot of voices in his head telling him to do all sorts of nasty things. Lilly is becoming addicted to heroin. Jervis wants her to come stay with him. She has no idea why but she’ll find out soon enough.
OK. I really don’t know where to go with this. I knew this had to do with drug use. The definition of Milk-Blood after all is removing the blood containing drugs from an addict and injecting it into yourself thus getting a high. Wonderful. Sickening. Harrowing to think that people actually do this.
That is the thing that disturbed me the most about this book. The author has been involved with addiction and mental health treatment for a lot of his life so he should know what he is writing about. But, by god it was hard to read at times.
It begins with Lilly’s mom and dad, being told in the third person. The first chapter is repeated, seeing it from both parents’ points of view. This was an interesting concept but when it then changed from third person to first person, seeing things through the eyes of Lilly I thought this a bit weird. Mr Matthews also has “Notes from the Author” at various points throughout the story and I also found these a bit off-putting.
In essence the story follows Lilly in her struggles with potential bullying in school. It follows her and her dad’s permanent battle with child protection services and then her addiction to heroin. The bum Jervis who lives in the burnt out house across the street comes into the story more and more as the voices in his head try to convince him to do things for them regarding Lilly. I can’t tell you what they want him to do because that will spoil a lot of the plot for you.
Characters wise you have very strong individuals all battling various problems for various reasons. Lilly is a little girl, but one who knows what to do to keep the authorities off the family’s backs. She is growing up but unfortunately makes some bad choices along the way. Her dad is a man battling all sorts of evils. In one sense he is strong and in another, so weak it’s unbelievable. I’ll let you make your own mind up in what way. Jervis is probably my favourite character in the story. The scenes where we get to know more about him are fantastic. We truly get inside his head, listening to his conversations with himself, his friends and the ghosts. A fascinating insight as to what it could be like in someone’s head.
I’m at a bit of a loss to tell you much more about this one without giving you spoilers. I don’t think it is the greatest writing in the world, but, it is very effective writing. I mentioned to my wife a few times while reading it that I found it disturbing. This, I suppose proves the point that it’s very effective if it gets you thinking about it enough to discuss it with someone not interested in it. The scenes of drug use that it uses are disgusting at worst, harrowing at best, especially when it involves a child using drugs. It does however make you think about what it must be like to live like that. I’m not sure if this is what Mr Matthews set out to do but if he did, he achieved it very well.
To summarise: Urban horror. Don’t be expecting jump out of your seat moments but it is definitely horrific. Harrowing. Sad. Very very dark. A good read but it will, I suspect take you a bit longer to read than normal. You may need to take a break or two.
How do I rate something like this? I have no idea. It’s one of those books that 20% in, I was thinking two stars. Then it moved to four, then back down again. I think I have to go right in the middle because I simply cannot make my mind up. If I re-read the story it may change.
As I like to do with review requests coming into Ginger Nuts, this is the first time I have read Mark Matthews. It won’t be the last but this one has left me, eh, disturbed is probably the best description.
Lilly is 10 years old. She has cyanosis. It basically makes her skin a bit blue and a bit see through. Her mom has gone. She doesn’t know where to. She doesn’t know her dad has killed her and buried her across the street. She doesn’t know her dad isn’t her dad. Jervis is a homeless man living in the derelict house across the street. The same one her mom “lives” at. Jervis has secrets too. He also has a lot of voices in his head telling him to do all sorts of nasty things. Lilly is becoming addicted to heroin. Jervis wants her to come stay with him. She has no idea why but she’ll find out soon enough.
OK. I really don’t know where to go with this. I knew this had to do with drug use. The definition of Milk-Blood after all is removing the blood containing drugs from an addict and injecting it into yourself thus getting a high. Wonderful. Sickening. Harrowing to think that people actually do this.
That is the thing that disturbed me the most about this book. The author has been involved with addiction and mental health treatment for a lot of his life so he should know what he is writing about. But, by god it was hard to read at times.
It begins with Lilly’s mom and dad, being told in the third person. The first chapter is repeated, seeing it from both parents’ points of view. This was an interesting concept but when it then changed from third person to first person, seeing things through the eyes of Lilly I thought this a bit weird. Mr Matthews also has “Notes from the Author” at various points throughout the story and I also found these a bit off-putting.
In essence the story follows Lilly in her struggles with potential bullying in school. It follows her and her dad’s permanent battle with child protection services and then her addiction to heroin. The bum Jervis who lives in the burnt out house across the street comes into the story more and more as the voices in his head try to convince him to do things for them regarding Lilly. I can’t tell you what they want him to do because that will spoil a lot of the plot for you.
Characters wise you have very strong individuals all battling various problems for various reasons. Lilly is a little girl, but one who knows what to do to keep the authorities off the family’s backs. She is growing up but unfortunately makes some bad choices along the way. Her dad is a man battling all sorts of evils. In one sense he is strong and in another, so weak it’s unbelievable. I’ll let you make your own mind up in what way. Jervis is probably my favourite character in the story. The scenes where we get to know more about him are fantastic. We truly get inside his head, listening to his conversations with himself, his friends and the ghosts. A fascinating insight as to what it could be like in someone’s head.
I’m at a bit of a loss to tell you much more about this one without giving you spoilers. I don’t think it is the greatest writing in the world, but, it is very effective writing. I mentioned to my wife a few times while reading it that I found it disturbing. This, I suppose proves the point that it’s very effective if it gets you thinking about it enough to discuss it with someone not interested in it. The scenes of drug use that it uses are disgusting at worst, harrowing at best, especially when it involves a child using drugs. It does however make you think about what it must be like to live like that. I’m not sure if this is what Mr Matthews set out to do but if he did, he achieved it very well.
To summarise: Urban horror. Don’t be expecting jump out of your seat moments but it is definitely horrific. Harrowing. Sad. Very very dark. A good read but it will, I suspect take you a bit longer to read than normal. You may need to take a break or two.
How do I rate something like this? I have no idea. It’s one of those books that 20% in, I was thinking two stars. Then it moved to four, then back down again. I think I have to go right in the middle because I simply cannot make my mind up. If I re-read the story it may change.
November 5, 2014
In a review I often say that I enjoyed reading a book, however, this was definitely not the case with MILK-BLOOD. I've never before felt that uncomfortable and queasy while reading a book. Not only was the story a thunderous blow to the mind, it also affected me physically: my muscles seemed to tighten and draw together, like I do when I'm really cold or as if to pull away and hide from some kind of attack. There were several scenes, especially those with needle pricking, that made my skin crawl and my stomach contract.
But instead of putting the book aside as reason suggested, I had to keep on reading no matter what, not able to break its spell.
While the story contained some traces of mystery and suspense, the ultimate horror derived from the reality of drug addiction and desperation oozing from each chapter and page. What the author describes is miles away from what I thankfully know, or better said don't know myself, but to learn that such a fate defines some other people's everyday life is quite a bitter lesson. I guess this book will keep haunting me for quite some time.
Reading this book is highly recommended, but doing so will definitely not be a pleasure.
(I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review)
But instead of putting the book aside as reason suggested, I had to keep on reading no matter what, not able to break its spell.
While the story contained some traces of mystery and suspense, the ultimate horror derived from the reality of drug addiction and desperation oozing from each chapter and page. What the author describes is miles away from what I thankfully know, or better said don't know myself, but to learn that such a fate defines some other people's everyday life is quite a bitter lesson. I guess this book will keep haunting me for quite some time.
Reading this book is highly recommended, but doing so will definitely not be a pleasure.
(I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review)
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