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Hunger on the Chisholm Trail: Splatter Western, Book 2
The first cattle drive of the season leaves Texas for Abilene, Kansas along the Chisholm Trail, but unforeseen terrors lay hidden in the natural beauty of the land. In the heart of Indian Territory lies the sleepy town of Duncan, a friendly respite from the dusty land. But something lurks in the untamed West - a powerful creature that hunts to satiate its horrifying hunger. The land will run red with blood, and only Karl Beck has a chance against this ancient evil.
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First published May 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
July 13, 2022
This is the second book in the Splatter Western series and again I'm very impressed.
It's such a page turner, full of action and memorable characters.
Most of all I enjoyed the writing, it was very descriptive, never boring and was well edited - straight to the point with no padding.
Awesome job by Lori Michelle on the book layout. 👌
I'm now looking forward to reading Splatter Western Book 3, 'Dust' by Chris Miller. ✅️
It's such a page turner, full of action and memorable characters.
Most of all I enjoyed the writing, it was very descriptive, never boring and was well edited - straight to the point with no padding.
Awesome job by Lori Michelle on the book layout. 👌
I'm now looking forward to reading Splatter Western Book 3, 'Dust' by Chris Miller. ✅️
March 4, 2021
Book 2 in Death’s Head Press’ Splatter Western series, ‘Hunger on the Chisholm Trail’ by first-time novelist M. Ennenbach, features one of horror lits most underutilised (and most frightening) creatures to deliver the requisite blood and gore to this weird western tale.
The town of Duncan is a new settlement. The townsfolk are few and the land surrounding it is barren and desolate, but it is a town where everyone is able to enjoy as peaceful, laidback a life as the West will allow. When an incoming cattle drive brings word of a monster haunting the plains, one hungry for human flesh and impervious to bullets, nobody wants to believe the stories, until they see the awful truth with their own eyes.
Enter Karl Beck: Monster Hunter. Mr Beck has encountered and fought all manner of creatures and beasts in his day, and none have survived to tell their tale, but the deathless monster that stalks the town of Duncan may be beyond even his powers to stop. He and his newfound friends must band together to try before there is no town left to save.
The Wendigo is an absolutely inspired choice as an antagonist for a Splatter Western book, hailing from Northern America and being cannibalistic ticks both boxes beautifully, and Ennenbach uses the creature to great effect in ‘Hunger on the Chisholm Trail’. When it appears on the page, it has a unique and disquieting presence, menacing and sincerely scary, and it was these scenes that help this book stand apart from other books in this incredibly high-quality series.
Unlike other Splatter Westerns I’ve read to date, ‘Hunger on the Chisholm Trail’ is fairly slow-paced (at least by the standards set in other entries). A lot of time is dedicated to getting to know characters and, while there are a number of set pieces featuring creature feature action throughout, it’s not until the books closing chapters that things really take off. It’s big in scale and scope, introducing a lot of different characters, all of whom get their moment in the spotlight and feel three dimensional as a result. Nobody feels introduced simply to be fodder for the Wendigo and when characters are dispatched, it matters, and I enjoyed this approach a great deal.
The finale makes up for a largely slow-burn build-up, ramping up the action and spectacle when a whole town becomes under siege, racking up a big body count and tossing characters around in a manic fight for survival. It was an exciting and satisfying conclusion to a well-paced story that builds up tension and dread just as effectively as it delivers on the expected carnage and violence. Fans of the series should also watch out for a fun teaser for the next book in the series (‘Dust’ by Chris Miller).
Overall, ‘Hunger on the Chisholm Trail’ is another strong entry in a series that any and all horror fans should be reading. The slower pace allows more time for characters to develop, but the spotlight is definitively stolen by the books featured monster, which is as frightening as it is memorable. A great read.
You can read more reviews of new and upcoming horror releases at www.myindiemuse.com/category/genre/ho...
I also promote indie horror via Twitter - @RickReadsHorror
The town of Duncan is a new settlement. The townsfolk are few and the land surrounding it is barren and desolate, but it is a town where everyone is able to enjoy as peaceful, laidback a life as the West will allow. When an incoming cattle drive brings word of a monster haunting the plains, one hungry for human flesh and impervious to bullets, nobody wants to believe the stories, until they see the awful truth with their own eyes.
Enter Karl Beck: Monster Hunter. Mr Beck has encountered and fought all manner of creatures and beasts in his day, and none have survived to tell their tale, but the deathless monster that stalks the town of Duncan may be beyond even his powers to stop. He and his newfound friends must band together to try before there is no town left to save.
The Wendigo is an absolutely inspired choice as an antagonist for a Splatter Western book, hailing from Northern America and being cannibalistic ticks both boxes beautifully, and Ennenbach uses the creature to great effect in ‘Hunger on the Chisholm Trail’. When it appears on the page, it has a unique and disquieting presence, menacing and sincerely scary, and it was these scenes that help this book stand apart from other books in this incredibly high-quality series.
Unlike other Splatter Westerns I’ve read to date, ‘Hunger on the Chisholm Trail’ is fairly slow-paced (at least by the standards set in other entries). A lot of time is dedicated to getting to know characters and, while there are a number of set pieces featuring creature feature action throughout, it’s not until the books closing chapters that things really take off. It’s big in scale and scope, introducing a lot of different characters, all of whom get their moment in the spotlight and feel three dimensional as a result. Nobody feels introduced simply to be fodder for the Wendigo and when characters are dispatched, it matters, and I enjoyed this approach a great deal.
The finale makes up for a largely slow-burn build-up, ramping up the action and spectacle when a whole town becomes under siege, racking up a big body count and tossing characters around in a manic fight for survival. It was an exciting and satisfying conclusion to a well-paced story that builds up tension and dread just as effectively as it delivers on the expected carnage and violence. Fans of the series should also watch out for a fun teaser for the next book in the series (‘Dust’ by Chris Miller).
Overall, ‘Hunger on the Chisholm Trail’ is another strong entry in a series that any and all horror fans should be reading. The slower pace allows more time for characters to develop, but the spotlight is definitively stolen by the books featured monster, which is as frightening as it is memorable. A great read.
You can read more reviews of new and upcoming horror releases at www.myindiemuse.com/category/genre/ho...
I also promote indie horror via Twitter - @RickReadsHorror
June 20, 2020
3.5! Round up to 4 for Goodreads
HUNGER ON THE CHISHOLM TRAIL by M. Ennenbach is the second book in the AH-MAY-ZING Splatter Western Series published by Death's Head Press.
The first book, THE MAGPIE COFFIN by Wile E. Young (review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
is a tough act to follow but it's my opinion that Ennenbach held his own.
While Young's book is a revenge story where men are monsters, HUNGER is a creature-feature.
The story begins with some cattle drivers who are crossing through Native American Territories and already sleeping with one eye open as they encounter a malevolent, supernatural creature that feeds on human flesh.
Staying true to the genre label, Splatter Western, our creature goes on a gore-fueled rampage before the story winds up in the modest town of, Duncan.
I struggled to stay interested/connected to the first 20% of the book. I felt like all the "savages" this and "redskin" that wore on me. The men on the cattle drive seemed a bit too on the nose with certain dialects and slang. There are also some problematic editing issues, which I normally don't mention because I'm usually too emotionally invested to notice things like that, but since I had trouble getting started with this one, I noticed.
As soon as the 'monster hunter' Karl Beck shows up on the pages, things got more exciting for me. There's one scene in particular that I loved where there's a group of characters having dinner together and the conversation turns to sharing various different stories about monsters and demons.
I loved the later introduction of some female characters and with their presence, some much needed sarcastic, playful banter, and romantic interests.
I'll also note here that Ennenbach emphasized setting in his tale a little more than book 1. Several chapters lead with a descriptive paragraph of the landscape or the weather, and I enjoyed this. I think part of the charm of good Western storytelling is helping the reader feel transported to the dusty plains or a dimly lit saloon.
I loved that about this story-I felt like a fly on the wall here.
HUNGER ON THE CHISHOLM TRAIL is a solid follow-up to the first book. Ennenbach stayed in-step with the solid groundwork Wile E. Young pioneered while intentionally blazing his own trails.
Really looking forward to Book 3, DUST by Chris Miller. I'm a legit fan of this series through and through. I'm in for the long haul.
*I read this with the Night Worms Review Team for a #NightWormsBookParty
HUNGER ON THE CHISHOLM TRAIL by M. Ennenbach is the second book in the AH-MAY-ZING Splatter Western Series published by Death's Head Press.
The first book, THE MAGPIE COFFIN by Wile E. Young (review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
is a tough act to follow but it's my opinion that Ennenbach held his own.
While Young's book is a revenge story where men are monsters, HUNGER is a creature-feature.
The story begins with some cattle drivers who are crossing through Native American Territories and already sleeping with one eye open as they encounter a malevolent, supernatural creature that feeds on human flesh.
Staying true to the genre label, Splatter Western, our creature goes on a gore-fueled rampage before the story winds up in the modest town of, Duncan.
I struggled to stay interested/connected to the first 20% of the book. I felt like all the "savages" this and "redskin" that wore on me. The men on the cattle drive seemed a bit too on the nose with certain dialects and slang. There are also some problematic editing issues, which I normally don't mention because I'm usually too emotionally invested to notice things like that, but since I had trouble getting started with this one, I noticed.
As soon as the 'monster hunter' Karl Beck shows up on the pages, things got more exciting for me. There's one scene in particular that I loved where there's a group of characters having dinner together and the conversation turns to sharing various different stories about monsters and demons.
I loved the later introduction of some female characters and with their presence, some much needed sarcastic, playful banter, and romantic interests.
I'll also note here that Ennenbach emphasized setting in his tale a little more than book 1. Several chapters lead with a descriptive paragraph of the landscape or the weather, and I enjoyed this. I think part of the charm of good Western storytelling is helping the reader feel transported to the dusty plains or a dimly lit saloon.
I loved that about this story-I felt like a fly on the wall here.
HUNGER ON THE CHISHOLM TRAIL is a solid follow-up to the first book. Ennenbach stayed in-step with the solid groundwork Wile E. Young pioneered while intentionally blazing his own trails.
Really looking forward to Book 3, DUST by Chris Miller. I'm a legit fan of this series through and through. I'm in for the long haul.
*I read this with the Night Worms Review Team for a #NightWormsBookParty
June 16, 2020
A debut novel that sinks its teeth in and never lets up. Karl Beck's trail has just begun!
June 19, 2020
Hunger On the Chisholm Trail is the second book in the Splatter Western series by Death's Head Press, and I officially cannot wait to read the rest of these books . I can now say with absolute certainty that Splatter Westerns are one of my new favorite subgenres of horror.
Most of this book takes place in the town of Duncan, but it begins with a cattle drive along the Chisholm Trail. Something is murdering men and feeding on them. Something that the cattle drivers want to believe is an animal, but they know deep down isn't true. Ennenbach takes a Canadian mythological creature and relocates it to the American West with chilling results. I was truly on the edge of my seat over this one. The creature is so ghastly that the body count it leaves behind is truly disturbing. I like it when a writer takes a popular myth or convention in writing and turns into something unique. The monster that preys on the cattlemen and the citizens of Duncan is certainly a fresh twist on an old legend.
This one started out a bit confusing for me because there are a lot of characters, and it jumps back and forth quite a bit between the Trail and the town of Duncan. But once the action really ramps up and the gore starts to spatter the pages I became fully invested. Eventually the book takes place solely in Duncan and that confusion goes away. This is where the important characters reside, and where I feel the book truly finds its pace. At that point I finished it all in one go, and I was very satisfied with the ending. My early confusion is a minor thing, and the series is starting off strong enough to make me already want the third book. I definitely recommend this series to everyone who enjoys extreme horror. Who knew that Westerns and horror could be such a great pair?
Most of this book takes place in the town of Duncan, but it begins with a cattle drive along the Chisholm Trail. Something is murdering men and feeding on them. Something that the cattle drivers want to believe is an animal, but they know deep down isn't true. Ennenbach takes a Canadian mythological creature and relocates it to the American West with chilling results. I was truly on the edge of my seat over this one. The creature is so ghastly that the body count it leaves behind is truly disturbing. I like it when a writer takes a popular myth or convention in writing and turns into something unique. The monster that preys on the cattlemen and the citizens of Duncan is certainly a fresh twist on an old legend.
This one started out a bit confusing for me because there are a lot of characters, and it jumps back and forth quite a bit between the Trail and the town of Duncan. But once the action really ramps up and the gore starts to spatter the pages I became fully invested. Eventually the book takes place solely in Duncan and that confusion goes away. This is where the important characters reside, and where I feel the book truly finds its pace. At that point I finished it all in one go, and I was very satisfied with the ending. My early confusion is a minor thing, and the series is starting off strong enough to make me already want the third book. I definitely recommend this series to everyone who enjoys extreme horror. Who knew that Westerns and horror could be such a great pair?
June 13, 2020
"Wiiiiiiiindeeeeeegoooooooo!" Oh my little horror heart was so happy to see that this installation of the Splatter Western series was about this mythological creature.
With quite a cast of characters, be careful as you follow the trail. Jai-Li and Kenzie - well hello there ladies. I loved these two strong women characters! They also brought a lot of levity which was a lot of fun to read. I absolutely love some humor thrown into any genre I pick up.
Let's look over any errors within the pages and stay with the story itself - we get the Western and we get the Splatter! Dare I say I expected, or rather wanted, MORE splatter? Quite frankly, I was rooting for the Wendigo the whole time - I mean, it's just hangry and I know that feeling. *wink* And Karl. I mean, I can root for them both, right?
This series is proving to be SO much fun! They can be read as standalones as they're all separate stories by different authors and I am looking forward to reading the next one! From the opening scene to the last burial, we get a mixture of humor and horror painted onto a full on Western world where you can feel the grit of the dirt and the chill from the Wendigo. You better watch yourself.
With quite a cast of characters, be careful as you follow the trail. Jai-Li and Kenzie - well hello there ladies. I loved these two strong women characters! They also brought a lot of levity which was a lot of fun to read. I absolutely love some humor thrown into any genre I pick up.
Let's look over any errors within the pages and stay with the story itself - we get the Western and we get the Splatter! Dare I say I expected, or rather wanted, MORE splatter? Quite frankly, I was rooting for the Wendigo the whole time - I mean, it's just hangry and I know that feeling. *wink* And Karl. I mean, I can root for them both, right?
This series is proving to be SO much fun! They can be read as standalones as they're all separate stories by different authors and I am looking forward to reading the next one! From the opening scene to the last burial, we get a mixture of humor and horror painted onto a full on Western world where you can feel the grit of the dirt and the chill from the Wendigo. You better watch yourself.
May 10, 2022
4.5 stars, rated up for GR!
Are you a big fan of westerns? Because I'm not, but I loved this! HUNGER is the second book in the 'Splatter Western' series being published by Death's Head Press where each book is a total standalone that you can enjoy even independently of books that come before/after it. I love this kind of series, 'cause it's really accessible to new readers as well as old fans to the genre. Maybe one book isn't your thing? That's okay, 'cause you've got several more titles (and authors) to choose from! Lucky for me, so far, 2 out of 2 of these books have hit home runs for me. While I may not normally consider myself a 'western fan' type of girl, these books and this series are starting to change that for me. I'm loving the dangerous, dusty trails, and the towns filled with wild casts of characters - the bloodshed and gore that are trademark of the 'splatter western' subgenre are a really awesome bonus!
In HUNGER, we start off with a little set-up to set the pacing for the violence in the story. Within the first few pages, we've already got people doing Bad Things, a terrifying creature, and a whole lot of death. If you've ever wondered what listening to the chomping of flesh sounds like, this is the book to give that to you - some of the descriptions here were nauseatingly thorough (and I mean that in a very respectful, in-awe-of-the-descriptive-writing kind of way, trust me!). Although it takes a little bit for us to meet our main character, Karl Beck, I didn't at all mind the journey, bloodstained as it was.
While the first book in this series was more focused on terrible people doing terrible things, this one is focused on actual monsters - and I LOVED THAT! It sort of reminded me of an old western version of the show Supernatural, with our monster hunting protagonist focused on his mission to rid the world of its evil. I love this sort of singular focus in a character, and even besides Karl, I really enjoyed how fleshed out even the most minor of supporting characters was - specifically, with some of the women! I didn't expect this going in, nor did I expect the witty humor sprinkled throughout the writing, but appreciated both surprised immensely!
This Splatter Western series is really doing something great with the books being put out, and I'd urge both fans and those who wouldn't consider themselves fans of westerns to look into reading a few. If blood & gore are your things, you'll really enjoy this - let the terror and the well-written characters be the cherry on top of your western reading experience!
Big thanks to the publisher, author, and book party organizers for sending this one my way to review!
Are you a big fan of westerns? Because I'm not, but I loved this! HUNGER is the second book in the 'Splatter Western' series being published by Death's Head Press where each book is a total standalone that you can enjoy even independently of books that come before/after it. I love this kind of series, 'cause it's really accessible to new readers as well as old fans to the genre. Maybe one book isn't your thing? That's okay, 'cause you've got several more titles (and authors) to choose from! Lucky for me, so far, 2 out of 2 of these books have hit home runs for me. While I may not normally consider myself a 'western fan' type of girl, these books and this series are starting to change that for me. I'm loving the dangerous, dusty trails, and the towns filled with wild casts of characters - the bloodshed and gore that are trademark of the 'splatter western' subgenre are a really awesome bonus!
In HUNGER, we start off with a little set-up to set the pacing for the violence in the story. Within the first few pages, we've already got people doing Bad Things, a terrifying creature, and a whole lot of death. If you've ever wondered what listening to the chomping of flesh sounds like, this is the book to give that to you - some of the descriptions here were nauseatingly thorough (and I mean that in a very respectful, in-awe-of-the-descriptive-writing kind of way, trust me!). Although it takes a little bit for us to meet our main character, Karl Beck, I didn't at all mind the journey, bloodstained as it was.
While the first book in this series was more focused on terrible people doing terrible things, this one is focused on actual monsters - and I LOVED THAT! It sort of reminded me of an old western version of the show Supernatural, with our monster hunting protagonist focused on his mission to rid the world of its evil. I love this sort of singular focus in a character, and even besides Karl, I really enjoyed how fleshed out even the most minor of supporting characters was - specifically, with some of the women! I didn't expect this going in, nor did I expect the witty humor sprinkled throughout the writing, but appreciated both surprised immensely!
This Splatter Western series is really doing something great with the books being put out, and I'd urge both fans and those who wouldn't consider themselves fans of westerns to look into reading a few. If blood & gore are your things, you'll really enjoy this - let the terror and the well-written characters be the cherry on top of your western reading experience!
Big thanks to the publisher, author, and book party organizers for sending this one my way to review!
July 3, 2020
After devouring book one, THE MAGPIE COFFIN, the #NightWormsBookParty moved on to the second splatter western in the series, HUNGER ON THE CHISHOLM TRAIL by M. Ennenbach. Can I say that I am officially a splatter western fan? The guts and gore of horror set in a western setting gives me all the tingles.
Set in the late 1800s, we follow cattle-drivers making their way on a trail from Kansas to the town of Duncan to rest before their final destination in Texas. Along the way, they encounter a savage mythical creature called Wendigo. The town of Duncan is waiting for their guests to arrive but instead the town is greeted by carnage and mayhem.
My reading enjoyment always goes up a notch when a flesh-eating creature stars in the story. Ennenbach wrote fully fleshed out, fantastic characters, including my favorite, Karl Beck. When we meet Karl Beck, we find out he is a monster hunter who was arrested for attempting to summon a demon. Now that’s just hardcore awesomeness. I love the style in which the story is told, especially the combination of humor mixed with gore. He also wrote the perfect depiction of the old west complete with saloons, dusty plains, and horses. If you’re in the mood for an action-packed western adventure, give this a try.
Thank you to Deaths Head Press and the Night Worms for the free copy.
Set in the late 1800s, we follow cattle-drivers making their way on a trail from Kansas to the town of Duncan to rest before their final destination in Texas. Along the way, they encounter a savage mythical creature called Wendigo. The town of Duncan is waiting for their guests to arrive but instead the town is greeted by carnage and mayhem.
My reading enjoyment always goes up a notch when a flesh-eating creature stars in the story. Ennenbach wrote fully fleshed out, fantastic characters, including my favorite, Karl Beck. When we meet Karl Beck, we find out he is a monster hunter who was arrested for attempting to summon a demon. Now that’s just hardcore awesomeness. I love the style in which the story is told, especially the combination of humor mixed with gore. He also wrote the perfect depiction of the old west complete with saloons, dusty plains, and horses. If you’re in the mood for an action-packed western adventure, give this a try.
Thank you to Deaths Head Press and the Night Worms for the free copy.
June 15, 2020
”Monsters have always been tall tales told to explain the incomprehensible fear of the dark.”
Something evil is lurking on the trail killing off some deplorable characters. As this evil entity is making its way to Duncan he is leaving a messy stream of gore that has folks very confused.
On to book two in the Splatter Wester series, HUNGER ON THE CHISHOLM TRAIL. I swear each book gets better and better. Granted we’re only by book two but I had a similar experience as I did with The Magpie Coffin. I laughed, mourned, scrunched my face up in disgust, and enjoyed myself terribly.
While HOTCT is book two in the series, these two books are not part of the same world. We follow a whole new set of characters and storyline. The only thing these two books share is the amount of gore so consider yourself warned. Guts and gore is the name of the game with this series. Here we follow a slew of characters, some of which are following a path through the Chisholm Trail trying to get to a town named Duncan, where we follow another set of characters.
One of my favorite characters in this novel is, of course, Karl Beck. He is sort of a slayer of monsters and demons, in other words a BADASS!! He exudes this calm confidence and is full of stories of evil creatures that lurk in the dark. Creatures that many will have a hard time believing are real, as many do in the town of Duncan.
”Man cannot hope to know everything in this great big world. Only God knows.”
I want to mention a little con with this book. There are a few grammatical errors and misspellings throughout it, but honestly these are easily overlooked and don’t have any impact on the overall outcome of the story. Just a little heads up. I still gave this book 5 stars, because the story really stands out and sticks with you.
Needless to say I absolutely loved this novel. I’M A HUGE FAN! I am so ready to continue rummaging my way through the carnage that Death Head Press is releasing.
Thank you so much to DHP, the author and Night Worms for an amazing Western book party!
Something evil is lurking on the trail killing off some deplorable characters. As this evil entity is making its way to Duncan he is leaving a messy stream of gore that has folks very confused.
On to book two in the Splatter Wester series, HUNGER ON THE CHISHOLM TRAIL. I swear each book gets better and better. Granted we’re only by book two but I had a similar experience as I did with The Magpie Coffin. I laughed, mourned, scrunched my face up in disgust, and enjoyed myself terribly.
While HOTCT is book two in the series, these two books are not part of the same world. We follow a whole new set of characters and storyline. The only thing these two books share is the amount of gore so consider yourself warned. Guts and gore is the name of the game with this series. Here we follow a slew of characters, some of which are following a path through the Chisholm Trail trying to get to a town named Duncan, where we follow another set of characters.
One of my favorite characters in this novel is, of course, Karl Beck. He is sort of a slayer of monsters and demons, in other words a BADASS!! He exudes this calm confidence and is full of stories of evil creatures that lurk in the dark. Creatures that many will have a hard time believing are real, as many do in the town of Duncan.
”Man cannot hope to know everything in this great big world. Only God knows.”
I want to mention a little con with this book. There are a few grammatical errors and misspellings throughout it, but honestly these are easily overlooked and don’t have any impact on the overall outcome of the story. Just a little heads up. I still gave this book 5 stars, because the story really stands out and sticks with you.
Needless to say I absolutely loved this novel. I’M A HUGE FAN! I am so ready to continue rummaging my way through the carnage that Death Head Press is releasing.
Thank you so much to DHP, the author and Night Worms for an amazing Western book party!
June 24, 2020
*3.5 out of 5*
Though this title isn’t as strong as The Magpie Coffin, Hunger on the Chisholm Trail (book two in the Splatter Western series) is a fast and furious read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
A cattle drive from Texas to Kansas is about to have a bad time. Along the Chisholm Trail, a powerful creature lies in wait, hungry for the feast on display. There’s also a town along the way – called Duncan – that is also ripe for slaughter, save for Karl Beck (a monster hunter) and his Sheriff friend set to leave town soon with his wife.
There are numerous characters in this short novel, very few of which left any real impression with me. As a result, I sometimes forgot who was who for a page or two. There was also a problem with Beck – the supposed hero – who you’d expect to have a stronger personality (or actual skills worth displaying), but instead blends in with the crowd.
Some scenes also felt a little rushed and lacking in detail. You don’t want that when the action and horror kick in, but it happens nevertheless here. Luckily, the finale in Duncan makes up for those softer moments, providing us a healthy body count.
Despite my complaints, I found this book to be a lot of damn fun. At the very least, it has continued to the Splatter Western series in the right direction, providing us another enjoyable ride through blood and guts (which there was more of here than in book one of the series). Ennenbach also benefited his story with great set pieces and descriptions; unlike The Magpie Coffin, I really felt the Wild West foundation in this one – I appreciated that quite a bit, as you can imagine.
I will be heading straight into book three next: Dust!
You can follow me and my reviews via www.aidenmerchant.com, Instagram (@AidenMerchant.Official), and Twitter (@AidenMerchant89).
Though this title isn’t as strong as The Magpie Coffin, Hunger on the Chisholm Trail (book two in the Splatter Western series) is a fast and furious read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
A cattle drive from Texas to Kansas is about to have a bad time. Along the Chisholm Trail, a powerful creature lies in wait, hungry for the feast on display. There’s also a town along the way – called Duncan – that is also ripe for slaughter, save for Karl Beck (a monster hunter) and his Sheriff friend set to leave town soon with his wife.
There are numerous characters in this short novel, very few of which left any real impression with me. As a result, I sometimes forgot who was who for a page or two. There was also a problem with Beck – the supposed hero – who you’d expect to have a stronger personality (or actual skills worth displaying), but instead blends in with the crowd.
Some scenes also felt a little rushed and lacking in detail. You don’t want that when the action and horror kick in, but it happens nevertheless here. Luckily, the finale in Duncan makes up for those softer moments, providing us a healthy body count.
Despite my complaints, I found this book to be a lot of damn fun. At the very least, it has continued to the Splatter Western series in the right direction, providing us another enjoyable ride through blood and guts (which there was more of here than in book one of the series). Ennenbach also benefited his story with great set pieces and descriptions; unlike The Magpie Coffin, I really felt the Wild West foundation in this one – I appreciated that quite a bit, as you can imagine.
I will be heading straight into book three next: Dust!
You can follow me and my reviews via www.aidenmerchant.com, Instagram (@AidenMerchant.Official), and Twitter (@AidenMerchant89).
May 15, 2020
Wow! This is one of the sickest Wendigo tales I’ve ever heard, a really nasty rampaging ghoul of a creature, with an unstoppable appetite, driven forth by pure evil IT WAS AWESOME!!! Mike keeps the heads rolling and the offal churning as the Wendigo plops and slops its way across the Chisholm Trail. Read this book. You’ll love it. What a great gore-score!!
5/5 Skulls
☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️
5/5 Skulls
☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️
May 13, 2020
A superior western AND horror story...a home run!
Death's Head Press, a relative newcomer to indie horror publishing, has started a series of books called "Splatter Westerns", releasing one per month or so right now. First, we had Wile E. Young set the tone with THE MAGPIE COFFIN, doling out brutal carnage across the old west. And the second effort--this one from Mr. Ennenbach and titled HUNGER ON THE CHISHOLM TRAIL--shines brightly as the perfect mix of the western and the horror story. In fact, it isn't even so much a balance between western and horror, it's a western story that involves a supernatural creature, and it hits on all points.
In 1872, weary cattle-drivers driving up to Kansas from Texas are looking forward to some respite at the sleepy town of Duncan, which is located in what would later become Oklahoma. Along the way, they encounter a beast of legend--the Wendigo--and carnage ensues. Meanwhile, drifter Karl Beck is being held in Duncan by the sheriff so that he can sort out some minor business. Duncan is bustling along, the brothel and saloon readying for the cattle-drivers. Little do they know of the carnage that has happened on the plains, and what even then was headed their way.
This novel, Ennenbach's first, hits the ball out of the proverbial park. There is a very large cast, which rounds out the old west nicely with nuanced characters and a really wonderful setting. All of the characters are well-developed and engaging, and quite varied. The main character, Karl Beck, is a particular treat (and I hope we get to see more of him down the road!). The dialogue is crisp and the action is fast and mean. The author isn't known for being a horror writer, but he sure managed to tell one hell of a brutal tale here.
The plains, to use a cliche, run red with blood. The monster is vicious and wicked, even chilling my spine with the very few words it speaks throughout. The thought put into this story, the characters and their relationships, all of it culminates in an epic western tale of terror that leaves gore streaked across the pages and had my heart racing.
It ALSO manages a rather brilliant sense of humor throughout.
Easter eggs abound with references to many in the indie writing community, so if you're a part of it or know some who are, you may pick up on those. It also features one of the most cinematic action scenes I've read in recent history. I don't want to spoil it, so I won't, but that monster can hop!
This book is a home run on all fronts. Great characters, terrific pacing, chilling scenes of terror, and characters you can really root for. I loved every second of it, and I think you will, too. M. Ennenbach has penned a beautiful, heartfelt, thrilling look into the old west, and gives us a twist unlike any other western I've ever read. Being the author's first novel, I cannot WAIT to see what he has in store next! This is hands down one of the very best books I've read this year, and it should rocket straight to the top of your TBR pile.
Giddy up, partners. This one's a winner.
Death's Head Press, a relative newcomer to indie horror publishing, has started a series of books called "Splatter Westerns", releasing one per month or so right now. First, we had Wile E. Young set the tone with THE MAGPIE COFFIN, doling out brutal carnage across the old west. And the second effort--this one from Mr. Ennenbach and titled HUNGER ON THE CHISHOLM TRAIL--shines brightly as the perfect mix of the western and the horror story. In fact, it isn't even so much a balance between western and horror, it's a western story that involves a supernatural creature, and it hits on all points.
In 1872, weary cattle-drivers driving up to Kansas from Texas are looking forward to some respite at the sleepy town of Duncan, which is located in what would later become Oklahoma. Along the way, they encounter a beast of legend--the Wendigo--and carnage ensues. Meanwhile, drifter Karl Beck is being held in Duncan by the sheriff so that he can sort out some minor business. Duncan is bustling along, the brothel and saloon readying for the cattle-drivers. Little do they know of the carnage that has happened on the plains, and what even then was headed their way.
This novel, Ennenbach's first, hits the ball out of the proverbial park. There is a very large cast, which rounds out the old west nicely with nuanced characters and a really wonderful setting. All of the characters are well-developed and engaging, and quite varied. The main character, Karl Beck, is a particular treat (and I hope we get to see more of him down the road!). The dialogue is crisp and the action is fast and mean. The author isn't known for being a horror writer, but he sure managed to tell one hell of a brutal tale here.
The plains, to use a cliche, run red with blood. The monster is vicious and wicked, even chilling my spine with the very few words it speaks throughout. The thought put into this story, the characters and their relationships, all of it culminates in an epic western tale of terror that leaves gore streaked across the pages and had my heart racing.
It ALSO manages a rather brilliant sense of humor throughout.
Easter eggs abound with references to many in the indie writing community, so if you're a part of it or know some who are, you may pick up on those. It also features one of the most cinematic action scenes I've read in recent history. I don't want to spoil it, so I won't, but that monster can hop!
This book is a home run on all fronts. Great characters, terrific pacing, chilling scenes of terror, and characters you can really root for. I loved every second of it, and I think you will, too. M. Ennenbach has penned a beautiful, heartfelt, thrilling look into the old west, and gives us a twist unlike any other western I've ever read. Being the author's first novel, I cannot WAIT to see what he has in store next! This is hands down one of the very best books I've read this year, and it should rocket straight to the top of your TBR pile.
Giddy up, partners. This one's a winner.
November 26, 2023
Really not a big fan of this one. It wasn't a total disaster, but there was enough going wrong that it interfered with the things done right.
The gore was well-handled and abundant. Well worthy of a 'Splatter Western' designation there. The plot itself was engaging and I always enjoy a fresh riff on the Wendigo legends.
The real trouble came in with the pacing, where the first 125 pages plod along at a very leisurely pace and then suddenly everything ratchets up to breakneck speed and the last 30 pages feel terribly rushed and disjointed as a result.
I also struggled a great deal with the dialogue. The lead character spoke in such a modern contemporary vernacular that I'd go so far as to call it anachronistic. Especially when contrasted with the fact that 75% of the other characters spoke like Yosemite Sam from the Loony Toons animated shorts. Both ends of the spectrum lacked any sense of verisimilitude and really intruded on the immersion that could have been maintained with an otherwise eerie, grizzly western atmosphere. My only suggestion there would be that if you're writing a novel with an historical setting (even a splatter horror novel), please try to do enough research to make the characters sound genuine. Even that simple touch would have gone along way towards making the book more engaging.
All in all, not a bad freshman effort from Ennenbach. I'd read his next book if someone recommended it to me, but I probably won't be keeping an eye open for it on my own.
The gore was well-handled and abundant. Well worthy of a 'Splatter Western' designation there. The plot itself was engaging and I always enjoy a fresh riff on the Wendigo legends.
The real trouble came in with the pacing, where the first 125 pages plod along at a very leisurely pace and then suddenly everything ratchets up to breakneck speed and the last 30 pages feel terribly rushed and disjointed as a result.
I also struggled a great deal with the dialogue. The lead character spoke in such a modern contemporary vernacular that I'd go so far as to call it anachronistic. Especially when contrasted with the fact that 75% of the other characters spoke like Yosemite Sam from the Loony Toons animated shorts. Both ends of the spectrum lacked any sense of verisimilitude and really intruded on the immersion that could have been maintained with an otherwise eerie, grizzly western atmosphere. My only suggestion there would be that if you're writing a novel with an historical setting (even a splatter horror novel), please try to do enough research to make the characters sound genuine. Even that simple touch would have gone along way towards making the book more engaging.
All in all, not a bad freshman effort from Ennenbach. I'd read his next book if someone recommended it to me, but I probably won't be keeping an eye open for it on my own.
June 22, 2020
Howdy folks. I've got one word for y'all... Windigoooooooooo.
Ok I lied I got a couple more (sue me) but that's the most important one. I never thought there would be a time that I created a new tag in my good reads titled 'Splatter Western' but here we are.
Hunger on the Chisholm Trail was my first expedition into the wild wild west of splatter westerns. Its like cowboys and indians with a whole bunch of supernatural injections. Y'all ever play Red Dead Redemption? Picture that with a fucking monstrous Wendigo on the loose. I really loved the dialogue in this one. I call it southern gentlemanly with a fucktonne of cussing, think cowboy in the streets and a bull in the sheets type of personalities and you've got a few of you main characters. Did I mention there was a monster hunter? Oh yeah!!
This book has it all, blood, guts, humour, and a surprising amount of heart that manages to pump all those things with great driving force when the arteries are finally torn in half by a giant beast.
The pace was lightning quick. Some of the fastest prose in the west, and the action will have you on the edge of your wagon.
I think I have found a whole new genre to fall in love with. Bring on book 3.
I was supplied a review copy as a part of the Night Worms review team in return for an honest review.
Ok I lied I got a couple more (sue me) but that's the most important one. I never thought there would be a time that I created a new tag in my good reads titled 'Splatter Western' but here we are.
Hunger on the Chisholm Trail was my first expedition into the wild wild west of splatter westerns. Its like cowboys and indians with a whole bunch of supernatural injections. Y'all ever play Red Dead Redemption? Picture that with a fucking monstrous Wendigo on the loose. I really loved the dialogue in this one. I call it southern gentlemanly with a fucktonne of cussing, think cowboy in the streets and a bull in the sheets type of personalities and you've got a few of you main characters. Did I mention there was a monster hunter? Oh yeah!!
This book has it all, blood, guts, humour, and a surprising amount of heart that manages to pump all those things with great driving force when the arteries are finally torn in half by a giant beast.
The pace was lightning quick. Some of the fastest prose in the west, and the action will have you on the edge of your wagon.
I think I have found a whole new genre to fall in love with. Bring on book 3.
I was supplied a review copy as a part of the Night Worms review team in return for an honest review.
February 7, 2021
Not magpie, but it's on the way to dust.
Another solid effort in the splatter western series. Plus it seems to have introduced the main character from the third entry. Ever heard the tale of the wendigo?
Another solid effort in the splatter western series. Plus it seems to have introduced the main character from the third entry. Ever heard the tale of the wendigo?
June 21, 2020
Review of “Hunger on the Chisholm Trail by M. Ennenbach” which is book 2 of the splatter western series by Death Head Press. This is a standalone you don’t have to worry about starting with book 1.
It’s an action western with supernatural elements.
It’s cattle drive season along the Chisholm trail and there is an unforeseen danger laying in wait among the tall grass. The trail leading to Ducan is dangerous but soon the powerful creature comes to satiate a horrific hunger. Karl Beck may be the only one who has a chance against this ancient evil.
Cue the Oregon trail music.. I couldn’t help but hear this in my head the whole time I was reading. I don’t have much experience with westerns besides a few action western movies so this was all new to me. The main elements that come to mind when I think of westerns are the dusty trails with Conestoga wagons (yes, I looked up the name for this one specifically.) , coyote howls at the moon, the bars, salons and brothels. Yep, I’d say this book captured all of the western essentials. I was astonish at how many historical movements the author covered in this book that put it right on par for the western era such as women’s sufferage, white men vs. Indians, and modern science.
When I began reading this book I was a little confused because it jumps from multiple points of view and story lines. I had a better understanding of what was happening once I got to the main character Karl who sounds like an attractive monster hunter. I thoroughly enjoyed the action scenes but I didn’t connect with the characters or become invested in the story until about 3/4th of the way in. I would consider this book a slow burn. Giving this book 4/5 star ⭐️ due to the lack of character connection until the end.
Thank you @night_worms @mikeennenbach and @deathsheadpress for this book for review consideration!
#nightwormsonthechisholmtrail #nightwormsbookparty
It’s an action western with supernatural elements.
It’s cattle drive season along the Chisholm trail and there is an unforeseen danger laying in wait among the tall grass. The trail leading to Ducan is dangerous but soon the powerful creature comes to satiate a horrific hunger. Karl Beck may be the only one who has a chance against this ancient evil.
Cue the Oregon trail music.. I couldn’t help but hear this in my head the whole time I was reading. I don’t have much experience with westerns besides a few action western movies so this was all new to me. The main elements that come to mind when I think of westerns are the dusty trails with Conestoga wagons (yes, I looked up the name for this one specifically.) , coyote howls at the moon, the bars, salons and brothels. Yep, I’d say this book captured all of the western essentials. I was astonish at how many historical movements the author covered in this book that put it right on par for the western era such as women’s sufferage, white men vs. Indians, and modern science.
When I began reading this book I was a little confused because it jumps from multiple points of view and story lines. I had a better understanding of what was happening once I got to the main character Karl who sounds like an attractive monster hunter. I thoroughly enjoyed the action scenes but I didn’t connect with the characters or become invested in the story until about 3/4th of the way in. I would consider this book a slow burn. Giving this book 4/5 star ⭐️ due to the lack of character connection until the end.
Thank you @night_worms @mikeennenbach and @deathsheadpress for this book for review consideration!
#nightwormsonthechisholmtrail #nightwormsbookparty
June 14, 2020
HUNGER ON THE CHISHOLM TRAIL is the second book in the Splatter Western series from Death's Head Press. There is a creature on the Chisholm Trail with an appetite for anything and everything in its way. This creature is a culmination of evils - and it may be one you have read about before, but M. Ennenbach gives this creature a new face. This book has action and gore aplenty so Splatter Western fans will LOVE that aspect. There are some rad characters - some make it to the end and some don't! This book keeps you on the edge of your seat and you're unsure if you need to keep reading or take a breather and grab some whiskey to prepare yourself for the horrors yet to be unfolded. Ennenbach gives us blood, horror, action, and even some romance and humor! 4 stars!
Thanks to Death's Head Press for allowing Night Worms the opportunity to book party this!
Thanks to Death's Head Press for allowing Night Worms the opportunity to book party this!
May 14, 2020
Here we go, book 2 of the Splatter Western series from Deaths Head Press. This time, Mike Ennenbach leads us along the dusty plains. As the series implies, the west is going to run red with blood.
This is my first book from the author but it won’t be my last. Something is hunting. It has a taste for human flesh. Can Karl Beck stop it?
This book is another slam dunk for DHP. It does the series proud in all aspects. There’s plenty of blood and guts for gorehounds. Monsters, saloons, humor. Good pacing and fun characters cap it all off. Everything is here. Ennenbach does an excellent job painting this western picture. I had a blast with this one and I feel fans of the first book in the series will find a lot here to love.
Please, give me more from this author and bring me book 3 ASAP
This is my first book from the author but it won’t be my last. Something is hunting. It has a taste for human flesh. Can Karl Beck stop it?
This book is another slam dunk for DHP. It does the series proud in all aspects. There’s plenty of blood and guts for gorehounds. Monsters, saloons, humor. Good pacing and fun characters cap it all off. Everything is here. Ennenbach does an excellent job painting this western picture. I had a blast with this one and I feel fans of the first book in the series will find a lot here to love.
Please, give me more from this author and bring me book 3 ASAP
June 21, 2020
"he felt his own eyes rupture like overripe berries. A thick jelly rolled down his cheeks. And all he could do was scream as he felt teeth and fetid breath upon his flesh."
Thanks to Death's Head Press and Nightworms for this fun read!
Hunger on the Chisholm Trail is the second splatter western I've read and although it wasn't as gory as the first one it still had enough grossness to satisfy a horror fan.
There's definitely blood, guts and gore, but also strong female characters(this was a nice surprise) and a wendigo mystery!
My biggest complaint is there wasn't enough wendigo! I wanted more monster scenes and background on this creature and less small Western town life.
3.5 stars rounded to 4.
⭐⭐⭐🌠/5
Thanks to Death's Head Press and Nightworms for this fun read!
Hunger on the Chisholm Trail is the second splatter western I've read and although it wasn't as gory as the first one it still had enough grossness to satisfy a horror fan.
There's definitely blood, guts and gore, but also strong female characters(this was a nice surprise) and a wendigo mystery!
My biggest complaint is there wasn't enough wendigo! I wanted more monster scenes and background on this creature and less small Western town life.
3.5 stars rounded to 4.
⭐⭐⭐🌠/5
September 3, 2023
A creepy, gory, and suspenseful western! Karl Beck is a very interesting character, and I also enjoyed quite a few others in this cast of characters. I'd love to read some spinoff stories about this guy at some point. As for the creature in this title, frightening and vicious!
June 19, 2020
Excellent and brutal
Hunger on the Chisholm Trail is an excellent and very violent mashup of western and horror. The Chisholm Trail in Oklahoma is the route of many cattle drives. On one such drive, a monster attacks and leaves a trail of blood and broken bodies with only one survivor. Miles away, the town of Duncan prepares to receive the cowboys when they roll into town. Only it's not cowboys that are coming but something evil and hungry.
HOTCT is book 2 of the Splatter Western series from Death's Head Press. While the two books are not directly related, I believe that they are cousins. It seems clear to me that these books are happening in the same world based on specific references that occur in these pages. I can't wait to continue the series, and like the first book, The Magpie Coffin, this book gave me a character I desperately wanted to read more about. Karl Beck is an old west monster hunter that just happens to be in Duncan when the wendigo attacks, and while the citizens of Duncan aid him, he is the most capable monster killer in the group. He mentions some background of him traveling the country, and I am champing at the bit to read more of Karl's monster-hunting adventures. I hope I get the chance.
Hunger on the Chisholm Trail is an excellent and very violent mashup of western and horror. The Chisholm Trail in Oklahoma is the route of many cattle drives. On one such drive, a monster attacks and leaves a trail of blood and broken bodies with only one survivor. Miles away, the town of Duncan prepares to receive the cowboys when they roll into town. Only it's not cowboys that are coming but something evil and hungry.
HOTCT is book 2 of the Splatter Western series from Death's Head Press. While the two books are not directly related, I believe that they are cousins. It seems clear to me that these books are happening in the same world based on specific references that occur in these pages. I can't wait to continue the series, and like the first book, The Magpie Coffin, this book gave me a character I desperately wanted to read more about. Karl Beck is an old west monster hunter that just happens to be in Duncan when the wendigo attacks, and while the citizens of Duncan aid him, he is the most capable monster killer in the group. He mentions some background of him traveling the country, and I am champing at the bit to read more of Karl's monster-hunting adventures. I hope I get the chance.
June 4, 2020
Loved it! I am all about these splatter westerns at the moment and can't wait for book 3. Hunger on the Chisholm Trail has very believable characters and Ennenbach describes the old western town of Duncan perfectly and made me feel like I was standing on that dusty road along with Karl Beck. 5/5 stars!!
June 10, 2020
A rip-roaring western horror adventure.
November 30, 2023
A fine addition to the Splatter Western Genre. A cool concept, great characters, and plenty of blood. Really enjoyed the writing and an author I'll definitely try to read a little more of.
May 13, 2021
This is the second novel I've read in the Splatter Western series and I was disappointed.
It's slow (which can be good at times) and when the action began it ended after only a couple of pages.
This is a short novel, novella whatever of 180 pages. You are contraint of time to tell a story, develop characters and so on.
But there he wanted to be in all places and it seems it wasn't in any at the same time. OKay so the first 30 pages it was the setup. The all travelling cows and it introduce the "monster". Then we got to know Karl, Mikhail, tracy and Jia-Li. Oh and we've got a glimpse of the novel, James Dee (time travel guy) and his search for Dust town. I only understood because the next novel is called Dust.
Then there are some glimpses of Indians and their beliefs of Wendigo. Then we've got the typical social commentary that nowadays authors like to give just they themselves aren't cancelled "Most white men are idiots, as near as I Can tell" - maybe I am wrong, maybe I am not. No matter. If' I've read this 20 years ago, probably I would have thought differently.
Then we've got some background story from Karl and some of the other characters and then the there is some discoveries and such, some killing of main character (well sort off) which I like it. I love reading a novel where I don't feel safe...
Then the confrontation is quite rapid, 10 pages or so and alas the ending was not that fulfilling. Since 10 books are now out, I don't know if some of this main characters will appear in later novels but I would love to read more Karl Stories.
PS: Whenever someone is writing a novel set in another era, one of my main problems is seeing social commentary or even portraying that times with nowadays views. Of course, having racism is bad. Of course having some prejudice against peoples sexual preferences is wrong and so on. But we are people of the 2020 not 1880. We cannot call my white men were racists back in 1890 where that concept didn't exist in the same way we have now. Enfin...
To me, the previous one was better.
It's slow (which can be good at times) and when the action began it ended after only a couple of pages.
This is a short novel, novella whatever of 180 pages. You are contraint of time to tell a story, develop characters and so on.
But there he wanted to be in all places and it seems it wasn't in any at the same time. OKay so the first 30 pages it was the setup. The all travelling cows and it introduce the "monster". Then we got to know Karl, Mikhail, tracy and Jia-Li. Oh and we've got a glimpse of the novel, James Dee (time travel guy) and his search for Dust town. I only understood because the next novel is called Dust.
Then there are some glimpses of Indians and their beliefs of Wendigo. Then we've got the typical social commentary that nowadays authors like to give just they themselves aren't cancelled "Most white men are idiots, as near as I Can tell" - maybe I am wrong, maybe I am not. No matter. If' I've read this 20 years ago, probably I would have thought differently.
Then we've got some background story from Karl and some of the other characters and then the there is some discoveries and such, some killing of main character (well sort off) which I like it. I love reading a novel where I don't feel safe...
Then the confrontation is quite rapid, 10 pages or so and alas the ending was not that fulfilling. Since 10 books are now out, I don't know if some of this main characters will appear in later novels but I would love to read more Karl Stories.
PS: Whenever someone is writing a novel set in another era, one of my main problems is seeing social commentary or even portraying that times with nowadays views. Of course, having racism is bad. Of course having some prejudice against peoples sexual preferences is wrong and so on. But we are people of the 2020 not 1880. We cannot call my white men were racists back in 1890 where that concept didn't exist in the same way we have now. Enfin...
To me, the previous one was better.
August 2, 2020
Thank you to NightWorms for hosting a Book Party brought to us by Dead Head Press, and their beautifully curated Splatter Western Series.
I don't know what it is about the old West for me. Maybe its because the Southwest territories in which I evolved is so laced in the history of the horse trails, gun fights and claiming territory one; but one thing can be made certain, combining a western with a little horror was a damn good idea.
Now although the idea itself isn't new per say, books like Ennenbach's "Hunger" will definitely leave you with a satisfying appetite. This, the second in DHP's Splatter Western Series is a western with teeth. Literally. A unique creature feature with a beautiful, thought out, descriptive landscape moving us from Texas on through to Kansas along the dark and chilling Chisholm Trail.
This one takes us on a cattle drive through Native American Territory to the quiet town of Duncan. I will say here, be aware this story is quiet too for the first few chapters. Although are characters are believable this story does take a minute to vest yourself in. Once it picks up, (Enter in Karl Beck) it does stack up. Beck hunts the Wendigo that hunts to satisfy his insatiable hunger- and the detail here will definitely have you looking behind the barn before you hit the hay!
This story introduces us to some strong Ladies as well, which I love! And I do believe you'll love Jai-li and Kenzie too! They add crass and sass in all the rich places.
This was not a continuation of Young's Magpie. This is a standalone that you are sure to bite-off and enjoy all its own! Satisfying and grittily delicious! And so gorgeous on the table! I'm eating this series up!!
I don't know what it is about the old West for me. Maybe its because the Southwest territories in which I evolved is so laced in the history of the horse trails, gun fights and claiming territory one; but one thing can be made certain, combining a western with a little horror was a damn good idea.
Now although the idea itself isn't new per say, books like Ennenbach's "Hunger" will definitely leave you with a satisfying appetite. This, the second in DHP's Splatter Western Series is a western with teeth. Literally. A unique creature feature with a beautiful, thought out, descriptive landscape moving us from Texas on through to Kansas along the dark and chilling Chisholm Trail.
This one takes us on a cattle drive through Native American Territory to the quiet town of Duncan. I will say here, be aware this story is quiet too for the first few chapters. Although are characters are believable this story does take a minute to vest yourself in. Once it picks up, (Enter in Karl Beck) it does stack up. Beck hunts the Wendigo that hunts to satisfy his insatiable hunger- and the detail here will definitely have you looking behind the barn before you hit the hay!
This story introduces us to some strong Ladies as well, which I love! And I do believe you'll love Jai-li and Kenzie too! They add crass and sass in all the rich places.
This was not a continuation of Young's Magpie. This is a standalone that you are sure to bite-off and enjoy all its own! Satisfying and grittily delicious! And so gorgeous on the table! I'm eating this series up!!
March 12, 2021
This is not your typical horror story! Nor would it qualify as your Grandaddy’s western.
Welcome to the Splatter Western!
I’m talking gore, murder, mayhem, fear and more fun than a bucket of rattler’s in an outhouse! This is an excellent tale woven around a small group of cattle drivers and the simple folk of a town in Texas, along the Chisholm Trail. There is intrigue, a bit of romance, a whole lot of action and a horrifying bid for survival.
In this tale, a group of cattle drivers run into a bit of bad luck out on the Chisholm Trail. When the weary men stumble across a gory scene not too far from the trail, they can’t begin to fathom what type of beast could have left such a mess of death and decay in its wake.
Tensions ramp up as they settle in for the night and before too long, a brawl breaks out between two cattle hands. Chaos ensues, Wild West style, but something more is waiting up the trail.
Meanwhile, in the little town of Duncan, the people have welcomed a stranger that has made quite a stir with his talk of strange tales, and evil among men. The sheriff and the stranger form an unlikely friendship while they wait for the new sheriff and the cattle drivers to make it to town.
The saloon girls and shop owners are excited for the cattle drivers to get there and are looking forward to a few days of new men and fresh money. But something vile and evil has other plans for these simple folks.
Something older than the Wild West, something they’ve never seen before, and it’s hungry!
Step right up and try your luck on the Chisholm Trail! It’s sure to please your twisted senses.
Five out of Five stars for this excellent read
Welcome to the Splatter Western!
I’m talking gore, murder, mayhem, fear and more fun than a bucket of rattler’s in an outhouse! This is an excellent tale woven around a small group of cattle drivers and the simple folk of a town in Texas, along the Chisholm Trail. There is intrigue, a bit of romance, a whole lot of action and a horrifying bid for survival.
In this tale, a group of cattle drivers run into a bit of bad luck out on the Chisholm Trail. When the weary men stumble across a gory scene not too far from the trail, they can’t begin to fathom what type of beast could have left such a mess of death and decay in its wake.
Tensions ramp up as they settle in for the night and before too long, a brawl breaks out between two cattle hands. Chaos ensues, Wild West style, but something more is waiting up the trail.
Meanwhile, in the little town of Duncan, the people have welcomed a stranger that has made quite a stir with his talk of strange tales, and evil among men. The sheriff and the stranger form an unlikely friendship while they wait for the new sheriff and the cattle drivers to make it to town.
The saloon girls and shop owners are excited for the cattle drivers to get there and are looking forward to a few days of new men and fresh money. But something vile and evil has other plans for these simple folks.
Something older than the Wild West, something they’ve never seen before, and it’s hungry!
Step right up and try your luck on the Chisholm Trail! It’s sure to please your twisted senses.
Five out of Five stars for this excellent read
June 22, 2020
**Night Worms Book Parties are the best kind of parties!!!**
While still feeling a bit of a buzz from Wile E. Young’s riot of a book, The Magpie Coffin, I queue up a second dose of Splatter Western. Hunger on the Chisholm Trail by M. Ennenbach, published by Death’s Head Press. Once again I walk away very entertained.
Where the Magpie Coffin had an air of fantastical about it’s main character, Salem Covington, Hunger on the Chisholm Trail comes off a little more grounded. And it works just as well. Monster Hunter Karl Beck is a fun character. As is the rest of the supporting cast, except maybe Mary Jo who is a little to cartoony for my liking, I feel she deflated a few scenes just a bit. As for the namesake Splatter, it’s here, it’s bountiful, it’s great.
I am having a lot of fun with the Splatter Western series, and I hope I continue to do so. I do have one concern brewing with the splatter western series, something that could affect my interest enough to keep me invested but I will wait and see how book three plays out before I voice it. I do like the varied tone from book one to book two and would love to see every entry stand out as different. I’d like to see a female author and female lead to make an appearance. I’d like to see a yarn from a Native American point of view. Maybe even one told through the eyes of a creature. Keep mixing it up, and keep entertaining. Thank you Death’s Head Press.
4/ 5 leaning toward 4.5
Zakk is a big dumb animal!!!
While still feeling a bit of a buzz from Wile E. Young’s riot of a book, The Magpie Coffin, I queue up a second dose of Splatter Western. Hunger on the Chisholm Trail by M. Ennenbach, published by Death’s Head Press. Once again I walk away very entertained.
Where the Magpie Coffin had an air of fantastical about it’s main character, Salem Covington, Hunger on the Chisholm Trail comes off a little more grounded. And it works just as well. Monster Hunter Karl Beck is a fun character. As is the rest of the supporting cast, except maybe Mary Jo who is a little to cartoony for my liking, I feel she deflated a few scenes just a bit. As for the namesake Splatter, it’s here, it’s bountiful, it’s great.
I am having a lot of fun with the Splatter Western series, and I hope I continue to do so. I do have one concern brewing with the splatter western series, something that could affect my interest enough to keep me invested but I will wait and see how book three plays out before I voice it. I do like the varied tone from book one to book two and would love to see every entry stand out as different. I’d like to see a female author and female lead to make an appearance. I’d like to see a yarn from a Native American point of view. Maybe even one told through the eyes of a creature. Keep mixing it up, and keep entertaining. Thank you Death’s Head Press.
4/ 5 leaning toward 4.5
Zakk is a big dumb animal!!!
May 13, 2020
Death’s Head Press is releasing some serious kickass horror. The latest is the second in a series of “Splatter Westerns.” This book, Hunger on the Chisholm Trail by Mike Ennenberg is crazy freakin’ good. I try very hard not to spoil any books, but it’s going to be hard as...not to.
Starting with a trio of men intending to hang a young Indian (Native American), the three meet a grisly...not-so-fun party.
Next we are three years later on a cattle drive. Seems like a normal thing...until it’s not. One night they find a very nasty thing, and then the real cow pies hit the fan. Something is hunting...not the cattle. Nor the horses...the hunter is hungry for human flesh...
Flash to the town of Duncan where we meet the Sheriff and his prisoner Karl Beck (the protagonist) who we soon learn is a monster hunter.
Well, back on the trail, bad things are happening, and the bad times soon arrive at Duncan. Bad things happen. Can Duncan survive this onslaught? Can the Indians help? Is there enough time?
You can get the answers to these questions and more when you get your mitts on this book, which you must do. Right freakin’ now!
Starting with a trio of men intending to hang a young Indian (Native American), the three meet a grisly...not-so-fun party.
Next we are three years later on a cattle drive. Seems like a normal thing...until it’s not. One night they find a very nasty thing, and then the real cow pies hit the fan. Something is hunting...not the cattle. Nor the horses...the hunter is hungry for human flesh...
Flash to the town of Duncan where we meet the Sheriff and his prisoner Karl Beck (the protagonist) who we soon learn is a monster hunter.
Well, back on the trail, bad things are happening, and the bad times soon arrive at Duncan. Bad things happen. Can Duncan survive this onslaught? Can the Indians help? Is there enough time?
You can get the answers to these questions and more when you get your mitts on this book, which you must do. Right freakin’ now!
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