Rare, Fine & Limited

by Mike Flanagan

A mysterious business card. An eccentric proprietor. A private room with one red door, guarding access to the most expensive wines in the world. A tasting most would kill to attend, but for Frankie Fuller...a bore. He's simply not impressed - until the final pour.

A bottle so rare, so fine, so limited, not even a professional hedonist of the highest order like Fuller has ever tasted anything like it. A sip into the mind of a serial killer...and he has to have more.

Genres: Horror

77 pages, Paperback

First published October 24, 2024

Reviews

[Anastasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

this isn't just a novella, it's a gd experience.

so I don't care about alcohol. I don't really consider myself a "drinker" though I AM a foodie and an existentialist so I do appreciate the sensory experiences that come from a well-crafted cocktail in a cool bar and the sensory experience of a chef's table dinner with a wine pairing. with that in mind, the booze that comes with this as part of the campaign is frickin brilliant. (though I do wish that Macabre Spirits's og pairing wasn't thwarted by the tariffs, it would have been quite literally perfect then.)

I got my package yesterday and devoured the book that night. as a horror story alone, it was enjoyable - a page turner, but lacking some of the depth that I associate with Flanagan's visual storytelling and with the horror novel genre as a whole, which is where a star was lost - but it really does shine as a full experience with the drink pairing and the packaging. it's a slow burn until it isn't, at which point it becomes horrifying. by the end, I was tripping out a little, feeling like I was in my own episode of the Twilight Zone. it's the sort of creative endeavor that can send an artist/author into a spiral because I don't know how I'll ever reach this sort of creative impact. and in that sense, it was a 5 star experience.

I'm not sure how else to convey any of it without spoilers so I'll leave it at this: if this was any sort of other immersive performance, the cost of the package + shipping would have been a steal of a deal. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and I really need someone else to go through it so that I can talk about it in more detail.

[Devin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike Flanagan, you, to put it simply, never disappoint.

The first 3/4ths of Rare, Fine & Limited work as a fantasy/sci-fi/mystery/thriller. We learn the back story of our unfortunate, and rather horrible protagonist. I was getting such strong The Fall of the House of Usher (Flanagan adaptation) from this portion; following the themes of wealth and uncontrollable greed.

The final portion of this novella is absolutely insane. I was, quite literally, on the edge of my seat-desperate to learn more like the "protagonist". Then, of course, in true Flanagan fashion, Rare, Fine & Limited dissolves into complete horror. Terrifying stuff, really. I find myself being more and more intrigued with written body horror. Sure, film body horror is gross, but something about having to read what's happening--really taking the time to (for lack of a better word) digest what's happening... disgusting. Love it.

Already a huge fan of Flanagan, and of course, Matthew Lillard, I KNEW I had to get my hands on this Macabre Spirits edition. Mike, you're incredible. Matthew Lillard, I can't wait to try the tequila (although I'll have to wait a bit because now my stomach is a little queasy).

P.S.
Mike Flanagan, if you somehow come across this review, I'm begging to be in one of your projects. Just saying!

P.P.S.
Yes, I'm desperate.

[A.T. Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't even remember how I came across this collab between Mike Flanagan's incredible storytelling abilities and Matthew Lillard's Macabre Spirits sotol, but i purchased it almost immediately.

Flanagan's novella did not disappoint. It's an extremely tight, well-paced exploration into a lonely, selfish man's psyche. It seamlessly blends genres in a way that I didn't even fully realize until the very last few pages---a finale which, to discuss in any amount of even the most vague of details, would be a monumental disservice to anyone reading this review prior to the novella itself.

This was a fun, quick read that has me craving more written work from Flanagan. And, somehow, I'm also craving some tequila.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a fairly new fan of Mike Flanagan, but somehow I’m always shocked at how well he writes! I wish he’d would do more short stories like this, but either way selling a short story with a bottle of tequila is so fun, I wish they’d always do that!

Thank you Devin for letting me borrow this book :)

[Morgan Sandner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciate a story that knows its length. this was fantastic as a novella, I needed nothing more at the end

[Joseph Hamm · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those who are unfamiliar with this book, I feel as though some background knowledge is important to give context for my experience.

For those who don’t know, Matthew Lillard (yes that Matthew Lillard) has launched his own tequila brand called Macabre Spirits which is marketed towards horror fans. As part of this brand, the very first wine produced from the brand is a collaboration with horror auteur Mike Flanagan (who I am very much a HUGE fan of). Essentially, the tequila is packaged with this novella.

Ironically, I have never actually tasted alcohol before. It is not for any particular religious or moral belief; I simply do not really have a desire to try it out. Because of this, I cannot comment on the quality of the tequila itself, although I will say the bottle the wine is contained in is beautiful and I am tempted to try the spirit out as I think it would make a very interesting story if this were to be my first drink.

As for the book, I was fairly blown away at how much I enjoyed the story. As mentioned in the introduction, this is Mike Flanagan’s first foray into prose, as his previous works are film/television related (side note, if you haven’t watched his adaptation of The Haunting of Hill House on Netflix, you’re missing out). The prose does not come across as an amateur work, as Flanagan has a very strong authorial voice present throughout the story. The pacing was also excellent as it never dragged. What I was most pleased with is that the story did not feel as though it was simply a cheap tie-in for marketing purposes with the tequila; it is very evident that Flanagan put a lot of work into his contribution.

TLDR — Macabre Spirits has my ringing endorsement!

[Jasmine Edris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this read totally blind and I’m glad I did.

Devoured this deliciously disturbing tale in one sitting, much like the gluttony and insatiable appetite of the main character. Absolutely a slam dunk for Mike Flanagan’s debut short story for macabre spirits!
Definitely recommend if you like immersive horror storytelling with viscerally descriptive scenes.

[Cassandra York · Rating 5 out of 5]

GENIUS collaboration. I already love both Mike Flanagan and Matthew Lillard but purchasing the bottle of sotol and this exclusive novella was one of my husband’s best decisions. The way the ending ties the two together in a most unexpected way!!!! Highly recommend this experience.

[Krystle Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this and I hope this is just the beginning of his books because anything he puts out from here on out I will buy. I really want to see a mash up of a Mike Flanagan and Stephen King book someday.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating

[Kelsey Noah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike Flanagan x Matthew Lillard?!



No, but seriously these two have contributed to my horror obsession immensely and knowing this book exists triggered a purchasing speed I have never reached before.

On to the masterpiece...

Fuller is a rich prick who has done some extremely shady business dealings to get to where he is today. He spends his time seeking out rare wine tastings, tastings that are paired with outrageous experiences. So it was a no brainer when his business partner offered him a business card and promised a tasting people would kill to attend. During the tasting, the final pour offers a bottle so rare, so fine, so limited, not even a professional hedonist of the highest order has ever tasted (or experienced) anything like it.

I expected nothing less than perfection from this novella and I truly believe that is what I received. The way in which I was completely entrenched in this story is well.... rare, and limited to very few horror books. It's not just anxiety inducing thrills and unique body horror you'll receive while reading, it's clear Flanagan offers us another thought-provoking tale. This one specifically on greed and wealth.

I see precisely why this collaboration happened. If you partake in the consumption of alcohol, then you must sip alongside Fuller. Grab a fine bottle of wine and a tasting of your sotol and let this book consume you.

[Jason Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As if I should expect anything less than an absolutely mesmerizing tale from the master of visual storytelling, this novella exceeded every expectation I had for Mike Flanagan’s debut into the written word. Rare, Fine & Limited is an entire adventure within a bottle. The main character, Fuller, seeks the finer experiences in life and comes across a very exclusive wine tasting room. After engaging with the Proprietor for a couple hours of tasting some of the world’s most exclusive wines, finds himself bored and unimpressed. The proprietor surprises him with a final bottle and presents it as the most exclusive bottle in the world. Expecting to be unimpressed again, Fuller takes a taste and is surprised by the experience it offers. The Proprietor gifts the bottle to Fuller, with a caveat, and Fuller goes home and tries to recreate the tasting experience on his own. There is no preparing for what adventure Fuller will go on with each taste of the wine, but if there were a morale to the story it would definitely be that you cannot find answers at the bottom of a bottle.

[Daniel Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a HUGE enjoyer of spirits, and an equally enthusiastic enjoyer of all things horror. When Matthew Lillard announced his horror-inspired spirit, that was enough for me. When I learned THE Mike Flanagan, my current KING if horror writers / directors, was going to write an exclusive novella to accompany the bottle, my credit card was already out of my wallet.

This was everything I hoped it would be. It was captivating, bold, terrifying, fun, AND paired with the bottle, a full blown sensiry experience.

This whole thing maybe sounds pretentious and over-hyped, but the collision of so many of my worlds was just too fun for me.

I love that the story gave new meaning and purpose to the bottle, and vice versa.

I can’t wait to finish the bottle now. Or maybe I’ll leave a little splash behind?

[Adam Rodenberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rare, Fine & Limited was an immediate purchase for me when I saw that it would be a Mike Flanagan novella attached to a bottle of tequila. That bottle then became a spectacularly delcious sotol, which I'd never had before, and was enjoyed alongside this reading.

Flanagan's movies and shows have been exceptionally done, so I expected nothing less in a novella. And the first 72 pages were magnificent. SO GOOD. The pacing was stunning, the story evolved into something I really, really became enamored by once it hit stride...

And while the last 5 pages are, in some ways...logical? The tone seemed to shift significantly, which was a little jarring for me.

Having said that, this was a great read and I enjoyed the conceit of it immensely.

[Tyler Fruge · Rating 5 out of 5]

RARE, FINE & LIMITED is a dark allegory about endless indulgence. How we turn into creatures of desire—primal and dangerous—when our appetites go unchecked. In his first novella, Mike Flanagan demonstrates the same visceral storytelling through prose as he does behind the camera, peeling back layer after layer of a sociopathic, connoisseur thirsting for an unforgettable experience. Yet, thrills can be cheap, leaving us nothing in the end. Surprising and thought provoking, this dark tale of insatiable cravings serves as caution for those who can’t curb their own impulses, ultimately becoming consumed by them.

[Sam Sheehan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can never fully express how deeply Mike Flanagan’s original works hit me. They’re such a perfect, incredible mix of horror and humanity—in this case, a commentary on greed, gluttony, and consumption with direct references to the real-life occurrences of the rich going to outer space and deep sea diving while the rest of the world continues to suffer. This story definitely gave some similar vibes to The Fall of the House of Usher, which I love, and ended up tying in so seamlessly with the bottle of Macabre Spirits sotol (originally supposed to be tequila) that was sold with the story. I look forward to more written works from Flanagan!

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

MIKE FLANAGAN I ADORE YOU!!!!!

this was fucking brilliant. holy shit. a whole ass experience. i thoroughly enjoyed my margthew lilliard and am feeling warm and fuzzy both bc of the margthew lilliard and bc of this delightful tale!!!!!! i am so excited about this. ive been thinking about this insane, weird, and wonderful collab for months and now all my hopes and dreams have come true!!!!! i had an absolute ball imagining all the characters as the classic mike flanagan cast + matthew lilliard (i hope they work together more bc i adore them both!!!!) i love you crazy horror bastards 🫶🫶🫶

MIKE FLANAGAN PLEASE WRITE MORE NOVELLAS!!!!!! THE WORLD NEEDS THEM!!!!!! (im the world 🌎)

[Michelle Maccarone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will preface this that I am a huge Mike Flanagan fan and co host a podcast about his work (The Flanacast check us out!) and so we absolutely needed to cover this novella for the pod.

I will say that one of the things I admire about Mike’s work is that he is such a fan of horror in all forms that when he melds stuff and uses it it’s done with such care and love, its really special. The Proprietor for most of the story is such a delicious mixture of Grady from The Shinning and the True Knot from Doctor Sleep and then it all turns when we get a grotesque description of his production means in the end. It’s pretty spell binding.

[Joshua Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s an art to the novella and Mike Flanagan is a damn artist. This short story is a page-turner in the best way: a tale of chasing the ultimate high, no matter the cost. Financial or otherwise.

Fuller is a selfish, awful man who plays by his own rules. But there’s always a price when you break the ones set by the proprietor. We’re reminded that alcohol isn’t the only thing that’s addictive, and sometimes, a taste of the past can be your undoing.

Mike, please write more.
Best enjoyed with Macabre Spirits Tequila.

[Riggs Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love horror, but don’t often read it. This was an intense ride from start to finish and I regret that I will never be able to read it for the first time again. Serial killers don’t interest me much, but experiencing one through the supernatural obsessive stupor of a contemptible man was intriguing. It made the story gripping as I wondered the entire time what was going to happen to the protagonist as he was clearly going to ignore the condition of the proprietor. I was shocked by the genre change at the end. I love a creature and this one did not disappoint.

[Mary Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite having almost the same sobriety date as Flanagan himself, when I found out his first ever novella could only be purchased with a bottle of sotol… I bought it. Hope my friends enjoy the booze as much as I enjoyed this novella!
Fast paced and intriguing throughout. Constant Readers will feel the King influence. I sincerely hope Flanagan writes more when the inspiration comes. 🖤

[Megan Marin-Tumpey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was just as immediately hooked by this novella as I was by most of MF’s other works. I was so excited to be able to be one of the first to read this, and cannot wait for what other works he puts out!

[Kimberly Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

So fun- and gross, and dark…

This novella went along with a bottle of tequila by Macabre Spirits. The story paired perfectly! Such a fun concept and I loved getting to read such a unique story by Mike Flanagan.

[Veronica Albarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really into the way that wealth warped the character’s psyche and soul, though it didn’t resolve in a super interesting way. But I love Flanagan’s prose just like I love everything that he writes, so I would definitely want to read more from him!

[Juliette Sieling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think I’ve purchased anything faster in my life! When I heard tequila, first edition short story by Mike Flanagan & Matthew Lillard! 🤯 This story was so fricking good! I devoured it…all puns intended 😏

[frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fun little mysterious tale that leaves you wanting more and reminding you to be satisfied with what you have.

A great book if you like to read about terrible people having terrible things happen to them. The opposite if a good for her book if the best of ways

[Alana Astarita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED this. I really hope Mike Flanagan writes more. This was such a quick, fun read.

[queenofgotham · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

[Andy Pronti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun, quick, delightfully dark read. I really enjoyed it. I hope Mike Flanagan writes more stories soon.

[Briana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flanagan doesn’t miss