Encore

by Christopher Sweet

The members of Superconcentrate, the once-mighty rock band from Detroit, are scattered following a humiliating on-stage break up. Singer / guitarist Neptune Swindell is selling real estate, drummer Leif Halvorsen has gone back to welding, bassist Caleb Teller is filming his movie in Toronto, and keyboardist Alessa Cole teaches music. Only former frontman Jake Dirvish still holds onto the memory of his glory days, earning a living by playing bar gigs around Detroit and otherwise drinking his days away.

A second chance at taking the stage is presented to Jake when a peculiar man tasks him with bringing the band back together for one last show. Something is off about the guy who hires them, though, and it seems to coincide with Jake’s sudden visions of a strange world—one that seems to want him to visit.

366 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2026

About the author

Christopher Sweet has worked as a freelance writer, manager, waiter, bartender, event DJ, actor, children’s entertainer, truck driver, shopkeeper, call center operator, concierge, office assistant, barista, and a campground manager. He loves books, movies, the outdoors, and baseball.

He’s written several dozen short stories and multiple screenplays. The Boy in the Canvas is his first novel.

He lives with his growing tribe of people and beasts in New Brunswick, Canada.

Reviews

[Josette Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I try to expand the types of sub-genres of horror I read. I love most of the books I have read. This book was out of my normal type of read. Yet, i found myself quickly engulfed in this book. Even though I do not listen to rock music, this part did not deter me from reading. I actually felt the music involved, fit the story. I kind of felt bad for Jake. He realized he was a douche for the breakup of the band and wanted to make amends. Even though he had good intentions; one never knows what someone else’s intentions could be. The reader finds out quickly what a mistake Jake has made. Every time the group entered the livid, strange stuff occurred and I am sure I would have been out of there. This book was filled with cosmic horror as well as the horror of not being a good person in others minds. I recommend this book highly if rock and horror are your jam!

[Nancy Kerin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing story by author Christopher Sweet. In this novel he uses the elements of music, automobiles and the river, that make Detroit famous and weaves them into a story that keeps you engaged until the end.
Christopher’s love for music is evident as he writes the thoughts and words spoken by the musicians as well as the songs that they sing in the novel. But remember this is a scary tale so be sure to read it with the lights on.