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Death Drives a Semi
The Canadian author twists his observations of the sad, violent, and ironic sides of life into a compilation of horrific tales.
- GenresHorror
263 pages, Paperback
First published March 2, 1998
1 person is currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Edo Van Belkom
72 books54 followersBram Stoker and Aurora Award-winner Edo van Belkom is the author of over 200 stories of horror, science fiction, fantasy, and mystery. As an editor, he has four anthologies to his credit that include two books for young adults, Be Afraid! (A Canadian Library Association Young Adult Book of the Year finalist) and Be Very Afraid! (An Aurora Award winner — Best Work in English). Born in Toronto, van Belkom graduated from York University, then worked as a daily newspaper sports and police reporter before becoming a full-time writer. Edo van Belkom lives in Brampton, Ontario, with his wife Roberta and son Luke.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 2, 2023
A lot of people enjoy the thrill that horror stories bring. The adrenaline rush it triggers is quite exhilarating. Death Drives A Semi by Edo Van Belkom is an outstanding compilation of unique horror stories, all penned down by the author.
There's a common theme across all the intriguing short stories in this book: thrill. Starting with the first tale, "The Rug," and ending with "To Be More Like Them." Every story captivates the reader. Every one of them has a unique plot with its own twists and turns. The author put his own twists on some of the stories, so they are not common. Stories of vampires, werewolves, zombies, and even a bloodthirsty rug were among them.
These were a really entertaining collection of short horror stories. None struck me as being uninteresting. "But Somebody's Got To Do It" and "To Be More Like Them" were two of my favorite stories. Because I enjoy zombie stories, "But Somebody's Got To Do It" appealed to me. The feelings I experienced while reading "To Be More Like Them" made me like it; I could understand why Sherry Lace would snap. Some of the stories sent chills down my spine, while some were a bit emotional. One of these emotional stories was "Mother and Child."
One of the aspects of this book I liked was the note from the author at the end of each story. He used the note to explain the origin of the story and to share his inspiration. The notes gave me a glimpse of how writing stories was done. One of the stories I felt connected to was "And Injustice for Some," as the author wrote in his notes that no other story had ever meant more to him. I found Edo really interesting. I admired his imagination. None of the stories were similar. He added twists, making them unique.
Due to the flawless editing, it was clear that a lot of work had gone into the editing. There was nothing at all to dislike. I give this book a rating of five out of five stars because of these factors. Horror story fans should read this book, in my opinion, as they will undoubtedly appreciate it.
There's a common theme across all the intriguing short stories in this book: thrill. Starting with the first tale, "The Rug," and ending with "To Be More Like Them." Every story captivates the reader. Every one of them has a unique plot with its own twists and turns. The author put his own twists on some of the stories, so they are not common. Stories of vampires, werewolves, zombies, and even a bloodthirsty rug were among them.
These were a really entertaining collection of short horror stories. None struck me as being uninteresting. "But Somebody's Got To Do It" and "To Be More Like Them" were two of my favorite stories. Because I enjoy zombie stories, "But Somebody's Got To Do It" appealed to me. The feelings I experienced while reading "To Be More Like Them" made me like it; I could understand why Sherry Lace would snap. Some of the stories sent chills down my spine, while some were a bit emotional. One of these emotional stories was "Mother and Child."
One of the aspects of this book I liked was the note from the author at the end of each story. He used the note to explain the origin of the story and to share his inspiration. The notes gave me a glimpse of how writing stories was done. One of the stories I felt connected to was "And Injustice for Some," as the author wrote in his notes that no other story had ever meant more to him. I found Edo really interesting. I admired his imagination. None of the stories were similar. He added twists, making them unique.
Due to the flawless editing, it was clear that a lot of work had gone into the editing. There was nothing at all to dislike. I give this book a rating of five out of five stars because of these factors. Horror story fans should read this book, in my opinion, as they will undoubtedly appreciate it.
October 23, 2023
Death Drives a Semi was an unexpected pleasure to read. The 25th anniversary re-release of this short story anthology was genius. Not only did it introduce me to a talented author, but it will undoubtedly usher in a legion of new fans for Van Belkom.
Reading good horror is like finding a real diamond as your cereal box prize. This book is a REAL prize! Initially, I thought the introduction by Robert J. Sawyer to be akin to an obituary ( fitting for a horror book introduction) and a tad superlative, to compare Van Belkom to the likes of Stephen King… really?? But after reading this book, I can honestly say the language used by Sawyer was neither inordinate nor excessive, it was accurate!
This book started with a banger! “The Rug” introduced an unexpected villain whose accomplice was an innocuous home décor item. This story presented a protagonist that was relatable and whose actions were understandable. “The Rug” examined the consequences when things are ignored for too long or ‘swept under the rug’. It also explored desperation and the fear that it breeds and how it transforms the individual. After reading this story, I realized that I was indeed in for a fun time, and so will you.
Van Belkom’s mastery at descriptive language, figures of speech, character building, the seamless weaving of themes throughout each story and his veritable understanding of the human psyche were evident in each story. It is this said understanding that elevated his characters and by extension the horror factor. I especially liked the inclusion of stories that were written earlier in his career.
Death Drives a Semi, the story whose title was used as the book’s moniker was well paced and reminiscent of an episode of The Twilight Zone. The premise of one’s encounter with death and attempting to evade death while driving home one night was compelling. I rooted for the protagonist, Don, in his encounter with death and was pleased with conclusion. Given the number of road fatalities that occur every year, I completely related to this story’s premise and its relatability.
One of the advantages of this re-release is the addition of the author’s note at the end of each short story. These short paragraphs give the reader a look behind the curtain… what inspired this story and why was this point of view used? Did Van Belkom like this story? Did he believe in it? How long did it take to be published? These short paragraphs and in one case, a short essay linked to the story, “And Injustice to all” at times swayed my initial assessment of it. These notes were value-added gems that enhanced the tome and the reader’s experience with it.
Being a fan of vampires, I really appreciated Van Belkom’s take on them with the story Lip-O-Suction. I had never thought of vampires as anything other than blood hungry, elegant beings. I completely buy into the glorification of vampires. This story gave me a whole new perspective, and Van Belkom’s note helped to cement that. If you love vampires, this will place them in an entirely new light.
Van Belkom has also provided stories for zombie lovers; “But Somebody’s Got To Do It” and “Roadkill” will satisfy the taste of the readers that love the undead.
Werewolves are the big bads in the stories; “Mark of the Beast” and “No Kids Allowed”, which both take places in my top ten stories of this book.
“The Cold” explored themes around commercialism and animal exploitation, “Afterlife” dealt with the ramifications of domestic violence, while “To Be More Like Them” focused on bullying. “Ice Bridge” was a thrilling look at taking chances and is the perfect companion piece for “Death Drives a Semi”. “Rat Food”, the only collaborative story, was the grossest while being unexpected and heartbreaking. “Baseball Memories” spoke to the fears of losing one’s mind, in one of the most unique premises I’ve encountered so far in literature! The story “The Piano Player Has No Fingers” fulfilled my love for thrilling crime mysteries. My absolute favourite stories were “Mother and Child” and “Family Ties”. They both spoke of a parent’s love and were devastating in their conclusions.
Admittedly, reading Death Drives a Semi reminded me much of Stephen King’s “The Night Shift”, one of the few horror short story anthologies I’ve read. I am more familiar with the Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits, Creepshow and Tales from the Darkside and Tales from the Crypt, all of which would do justice to any of these stories. While I can’t make a comparison, I truly believe that Van Belkom more than accomplished his goal of producing a work akin to Bradbury’s. That said, Death Drives a Semi shouldn’t be compared as that would diminish just what a work of art it is. This book was a gift! It has ascended to one of my must-read books for every spooky season, which gets longer each year…
This book is compelling, fun and gives you perfectly complete bite-sized scares with each story. One of the best introductions to an author! If you are unfamiliar with Van Belkom, this book is a comprehensive exploration of his work. If you are already one of his fans, this re-release will be synonymous with winning the golden ticket with its added stories and the priceless author’s notes.
After reading this book, there can be no doubt that Van Belkom is a writer that loves his work and that love emanated from the pages. To you, whether a longtime fan or first reader, and anyone who picks up this book, I say, to quote Robert J. Sawyer –
“Buckle up! You’re in for a hell of a ride!”
Pros:
Author’s notes with each story
Variety of horror sub-genres explored
Each story is succinct and complete
Descriptions are superlative
Variety of ‘horror – inducing’ themes explored
Cons:
A couple stories are derivative and predictable
A couple typos, missing words and formatting issues towards the end
Favourite Character:
N/A for this format
Favourite Stories:
Mother and Child
Family Ties
The Rug
The Piano Player has no fingers
Rat Food
Cover Score: 8.0/10
Book Score: 8.7/10
Reading good horror is like finding a real diamond as your cereal box prize. This book is a REAL prize! Initially, I thought the introduction by Robert J. Sawyer to be akin to an obituary ( fitting for a horror book introduction) and a tad superlative, to compare Van Belkom to the likes of Stephen King… really?? But after reading this book, I can honestly say the language used by Sawyer was neither inordinate nor excessive, it was accurate!
This book started with a banger! “The Rug” introduced an unexpected villain whose accomplice was an innocuous home décor item. This story presented a protagonist that was relatable and whose actions were understandable. “The Rug” examined the consequences when things are ignored for too long or ‘swept under the rug’. It also explored desperation and the fear that it breeds and how it transforms the individual. After reading this story, I realized that I was indeed in for a fun time, and so will you.
Van Belkom’s mastery at descriptive language, figures of speech, character building, the seamless weaving of themes throughout each story and his veritable understanding of the human psyche were evident in each story. It is this said understanding that elevated his characters and by extension the horror factor. I especially liked the inclusion of stories that were written earlier in his career.
Death Drives a Semi, the story whose title was used as the book’s moniker was well paced and reminiscent of an episode of The Twilight Zone. The premise of one’s encounter with death and attempting to evade death while driving home one night was compelling. I rooted for the protagonist, Don, in his encounter with death and was pleased with conclusion. Given the number of road fatalities that occur every year, I completely related to this story’s premise and its relatability.
One of the advantages of this re-release is the addition of the author’s note at the end of each short story. These short paragraphs give the reader a look behind the curtain… what inspired this story and why was this point of view used? Did Van Belkom like this story? Did he believe in it? How long did it take to be published? These short paragraphs and in one case, a short essay linked to the story, “And Injustice to all” at times swayed my initial assessment of it. These notes were value-added gems that enhanced the tome and the reader’s experience with it.
Being a fan of vampires, I really appreciated Van Belkom’s take on them with the story Lip-O-Suction. I had never thought of vampires as anything other than blood hungry, elegant beings. I completely buy into the glorification of vampires. This story gave me a whole new perspective, and Van Belkom’s note helped to cement that. If you love vampires, this will place them in an entirely new light.
Van Belkom has also provided stories for zombie lovers; “But Somebody’s Got To Do It” and “Roadkill” will satisfy the taste of the readers that love the undead.
Werewolves are the big bads in the stories; “Mark of the Beast” and “No Kids Allowed”, which both take places in my top ten stories of this book.
“The Cold” explored themes around commercialism and animal exploitation, “Afterlife” dealt with the ramifications of domestic violence, while “To Be More Like Them” focused on bullying. “Ice Bridge” was a thrilling look at taking chances and is the perfect companion piece for “Death Drives a Semi”. “Rat Food”, the only collaborative story, was the grossest while being unexpected and heartbreaking. “Baseball Memories” spoke to the fears of losing one’s mind, in one of the most unique premises I’ve encountered so far in literature! The story “The Piano Player Has No Fingers” fulfilled my love for thrilling crime mysteries. My absolute favourite stories were “Mother and Child” and “Family Ties”. They both spoke of a parent’s love and were devastating in their conclusions.
Admittedly, reading Death Drives a Semi reminded me much of Stephen King’s “The Night Shift”, one of the few horror short story anthologies I’ve read. I am more familiar with the Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits, Creepshow and Tales from the Darkside and Tales from the Crypt, all of which would do justice to any of these stories. While I can’t make a comparison, I truly believe that Van Belkom more than accomplished his goal of producing a work akin to Bradbury’s. That said, Death Drives a Semi shouldn’t be compared as that would diminish just what a work of art it is. This book was a gift! It has ascended to one of my must-read books for every spooky season, which gets longer each year…
This book is compelling, fun and gives you perfectly complete bite-sized scares with each story. One of the best introductions to an author! If you are unfamiliar with Van Belkom, this book is a comprehensive exploration of his work. If you are already one of his fans, this re-release will be synonymous with winning the golden ticket with its added stories and the priceless author’s notes.
After reading this book, there can be no doubt that Van Belkom is a writer that loves his work and that love emanated from the pages. To you, whether a longtime fan or first reader, and anyone who picks up this book, I say, to quote Robert J. Sawyer –
“Buckle up! You’re in for a hell of a ride!”
Pros:
Author’s notes with each story
Variety of horror sub-genres explored
Each story is succinct and complete
Descriptions are superlative
Variety of ‘horror – inducing’ themes explored
Cons:
A couple stories are derivative and predictable
A couple typos, missing words and formatting issues towards the end
Favourite Character:
N/A for this format
Favourite Stories:
Mother and Child
Family Ties
The Rug
The Piano Player has no fingers
Rat Food
Cover Score: 8.0/10
Book Score: 8.7/10
April 20, 2020
I was a big fan of Van Belkom and this is one of his best.
November 1, 2023
The Review
The stories found in this collection were both profound and haunting all at once. The chilling imagery the author infuses into the stories found within is shocking and engaging, and the heart and emotion put into these horror stories ground the characters enough to keep the reader invested in each and every story.
The heart of this narrative was the quick pace of the stories and the emotional depth of the characters that helped to highlight the horrors of the story. One story that stood out to me immediately was The Basement, which not only highlighted the strong cultural elements of being an Italian immigrant in Canada but played on the protagonist’s emotional state to elevate the terrifying realities of this mystery basement, making this a story readers will be drawn to time and time again.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, entertaining, and masterfully written, author Edo Van Belkom’s “Death Drives a Semi: 25th Anniversary Edition” is a must-read horror short story collection. The atmosphere and tension of each story when blended with the dynamic character growth really brought me back to Stephen King’s Night Shift and Everything’s Eventual, two collections that defined the horror genre for so many.
The stories found in this collection were both profound and haunting all at once. The chilling imagery the author infuses into the stories found within is shocking and engaging, and the heart and emotion put into these horror stories ground the characters enough to keep the reader invested in each and every story.
The heart of this narrative was the quick pace of the stories and the emotional depth of the characters that helped to highlight the horrors of the story. One story that stood out to me immediately was The Basement, which not only highlighted the strong cultural elements of being an Italian immigrant in Canada but played on the protagonist’s emotional state to elevate the terrifying realities of this mystery basement, making this a story readers will be drawn to time and time again.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, entertaining, and masterfully written, author Edo Van Belkom’s “Death Drives a Semi: 25th Anniversary Edition” is a must-read horror short story collection. The atmosphere and tension of each story when blended with the dynamic character growth really brought me back to Stephen King’s Night Shift and Everything’s Eventual, two collections that defined the horror genre for so many.
January 20, 2024
"Death Drives a Semi: 25th Anniversary Edition" is a chilling collection of horror stories by Edo Van Belkom. The tales in this anthology delve into various scary themes, such as supernatural events and psychological horror.
Within the book, you'll encounter a mix of eerie scenarios designed to evoke suspense, fear, and an overall spooky vibe. While not all the stories are extremely scary, they remain entertaining. However, a few manage to surprise you unexpectedly due to their fast pace, catching you off guard when you're deeply engrossed in a story.
What sets the book apart for me is the author's writing style. He skillfully creates the sensation of reading a complete novel in just a few pages of each short story. There are plot points and characters you become temporarily attached to, and he adeptly maintains a sense of anticipation, much like the tense music in horror movies. Additionally, since these stories often incorporate elements from everyday life, they become relatable and unsettling simultaneously.
If you're a horror fan seeking a thrilling read without causing sleepless nights, this book is ideal. It offers a diverse selection of engaging horror stories in a short format that you can enjoy without becoming overly spooked.
🐾
Rated 8.5/10
Melina L.
Within the book, you'll encounter a mix of eerie scenarios designed to evoke suspense, fear, and an overall spooky vibe. While not all the stories are extremely scary, they remain entertaining. However, a few manage to surprise you unexpectedly due to their fast pace, catching you off guard when you're deeply engrossed in a story.
What sets the book apart for me is the author's writing style. He skillfully creates the sensation of reading a complete novel in just a few pages of each short story. There are plot points and characters you become temporarily attached to, and he adeptly maintains a sense of anticipation, much like the tense music in horror movies. Additionally, since these stories often incorporate elements from everyday life, they become relatable and unsettling simultaneously.
If you're a horror fan seeking a thrilling read without causing sleepless nights, this book is ideal. It offers a diverse selection of engaging horror stories in a short format that you can enjoy without becoming overly spooked.
🐾
Rated 8.5/10
Melina L.
November 6, 2023
Death Drives a Semi by Edo van Belkom is a collection of short stories. Most of them are already known to his many fans. However, in this special edition, anniversary collection there is a new story added that no one has read before in the previous release. I love how Edo Van Belkom keeps his fans and new readers intrigued, seated on the edge of their seats, wondering and waiting what it will be. His tales are concise, dark, and thrilling. They are everything fans of horror like Stephen King's novels would love. Do not read this book in a dark room. The scenes come to life as the sinister details are read. The stories are more like mini movies than just words on a page.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
November 7, 2023
Death Drives a Semi by author Edo van Belkom is an otherworldly adventurous novel with some bind-bending storylines. The plot is unpredictable yet catchy, the imagery is almost fascinating and teleports you to a whole new world of chilly thrills and spills. It is intriguing and just as you think you know the next move, the author has something new lined up for you to grab on. It keeps getting better and funnier, which makes it a perfect page-turner for all dark comic lovers with unsettling themes, ironic references, and satirical dialogue. The characters are equally impactful and leave their impressions on readers after the read. It keeps you on the edge; I would definitely recommend this masterpiece to everyone!
November 12, 2023
Death Drives a Semi by Edo van Belkom is an exhilarating novel with unpredictable, mind-bending storylines. It immerses readers in an otherworldly adventure filled with chilly thrills and captivating imagery. The plot remains enticing, offering surprises at every turn. With its darkly comic undertones, unsettling themes, ironic references, and satirical dialogues, this book is a thrilling page-turner that keeps getting better and funnier.
The characters are equally impactful, leaving a lasting impression. This genre blending masterpiece is perfect for those who relish suspense and dark humor. It's a compelling read that keeps you on the edge of your seat, making it highly recommendable to readers seeking a unique and enthralling literary experience.
The characters are equally impactful, leaving a lasting impression. This genre blending masterpiece is perfect for those who relish suspense and dark humor. It's a compelling read that keeps you on the edge of your seat, making it highly recommendable to readers seeking a unique and enthralling literary experience.
November 19, 2023
Recommended
"Death Drives a Semi: 25th Anniversary" by Edo van Belkom is a spine-tingling ride through the highways of horror. Van Belkom's knack for blending a dark sense of humor with chilling tales is masterfully showcased in this anniversary compilation. Each story is a phantom lurking in your blind spot, ready to engulf you in its eerie embrace.
The author ingeniously revitalizes classic horror themes while infusing them with a distinctive, modern twist. The journey down this narrative highway feels akin to a thrilling blend of "The Twilight Zone" and vintage E.C. horror comics—a delightful homage to the genre's golden era.
This anniversary edition captures the essence of life's macabre facets with a playful yet haunting touch. Recommended.
"Death Drives a Semi: 25th Anniversary" by Edo van Belkom is a spine-tingling ride through the highways of horror. Van Belkom's knack for blending a dark sense of humor with chilling tales is masterfully showcased in this anniversary compilation. Each story is a phantom lurking in your blind spot, ready to engulf you in its eerie embrace.
The author ingeniously revitalizes classic horror themes while infusing them with a distinctive, modern twist. The journey down this narrative highway feels akin to a thrilling blend of "The Twilight Zone" and vintage E.C. horror comics—a delightful homage to the genre's golden era.
This anniversary edition captures the essence of life's macabre facets with a playful yet haunting touch. Recommended.
November 9, 2023
This is the reprinted 25th anniversary edition of Death Drives a Semi, an emblematic book by author Edo van Belkom. This reading is nothing like I have read before in any horror stories. The author takes dark fantasy on a new level by showing the smartest manage of suspense and thrill.
Each story is a shocking and petrifying venture, where the gripping spins of events won't leave any reader untouched. The captivating plots will keep them on their toes the entire time.
All in all, I recommend this volume to everyone who already likes the genre and to all of them that want to start reading quality horror stories
Each story is a shocking and petrifying venture, where the gripping spins of events won't leave any reader untouched. The captivating plots will keep them on their toes the entire time.
All in all, I recommend this volume to everyone who already likes the genre and to all of them that want to start reading quality horror stories
November 10, 2023
“Death Drives a Semi” is an outstanding collection of horror stories that kept me on the edge of my seat. This amazing book is a celebration of the author´s 25th anniversary as a horror writer. This incredible book offers us readers a thrilling and darkly humorous journey into the realm of horror fiction. I think that the author's ability to infuse the stories with haunting and shocking elements while grounding the characters is a proof of his skill in the horror genre. My favorite story was “The Basement”, because its depth and relatability add an extra layer of engagement and makes it a story worth revisiting. I highly recommend getting this book!
November 10, 2023
What an amazing and delightful way to celebrate an anniversary is this book. This compilation of horror stories dives into the darkest part of humans and the intricacies of their minds. Edo Van Belkom’s perspective, experience and narrative technique masterfully weaves tales that will remain engraved in readers’ memory long after they turn the final page.
If there is an author who can transport me to a different world, it is this one, and indeed he transported me to each of the settings chosen in these 21 stories thanks to his incredible writing style.
As regards the stories themselves, they are all interesting and well-developed; of course, I totally recommend this whole book.
If there is an author who can transport me to a different world, it is this one, and indeed he transported me to each of the settings chosen in these 21 stories thanks to his incredible writing style.
As regards the stories themselves, they are all interesting and well-developed; of course, I totally recommend this whole book.
November 17, 2023
"Death Drives a Semi" by Edo van Belkom makes readers travel through horror and humor. Van Belkom's tales are a carnival of the bizarre, lurking in the shadows of our everyday existence. Each story is a hitchhiker you pick up innocently, only to realize they're leading you on a wild, unpredictable journey.
The book's best part, in my opinion, is the blend of black humor and eerie storytelling. The narrative surprises you at every turn, leaving the reader thrilled and unnerved.
This is a book I will really recommend reading to all those fans of the genre because it does not disappoint. I liked it a lot.
The book's best part, in my opinion, is the blend of black humor and eerie storytelling. The narrative surprises you at every turn, leaving the reader thrilled and unnerved.
This is a book I will really recommend reading to all those fans of the genre because it does not disappoint. I liked it a lot.
November 8, 2023
With twenty-one fantastic stories, author Edo Van Belkom brings us this compilation of horror stories on the occasion of the 25th anniversary. Each story is full of dark humor, suspense, and terror. The author's style is unique, and this collection of stories is an example of his extraordinary work over all these years. This book is perfect to read these days of autumn or Halloween, you will surely enjoy it if you like this type of book. These stories may be funny for some or too much for others, but I really enjoyed this book. I highly recommend this collection of stories.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews