What do you think?
Rate this book
Bad Juju
Welcome to the sleepy little town of Vinewood, Georgia. Just don't go wandering about after dark. As the residents all know--the last thing they know--the dark comes alive with the terrible evil of Bad Juju.
- GenresHorror
364 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 1, 2008
You know what amazes me? The number of writers whose creativity triggers a 'needs therapy' flag! Seriously, if I were to judge their personality solely on their written work, I would personally have committed too many to count. Take Mr Chandler, for instance. The man is demented, a tortured soul. He not only kills his characters, but takes out their wives, kids, parents, and any friend close enough to the action. I have decided that there is nothing sacred in the worlds he creates, and then destroys; no one is untouchable - no one. Outstanding!
Gather around folks, and let me introduce you to Vinewood, or as I like to call it – the gaping maw of hell. That’s right, you heard me. In this sleepy little town, you have it all; simply pick your poison. Curious about serial killers and what goes through their mind? How about a mythological evil that has slept under the ground for a millennia and decided now would be the perfect time to arise? Or, you could simply delve into a subtle, but terrifying battle between two boys and a family that has menaced the townspeople for years. Both intense and creative, the plot and sub-plots give you enough to creep you out, but still leaves space for the imagination. Also, even though there is a lot is going, it never overwhelms.
Gripping you from the moment you open the book, the pace is swift and constant. Building up to an explosive ending, the suspense will wreak havoc on even the most sedated reader. Hot and thick, the atmosphere reeks of earth, blood, and decay. The astringent air carries with it a sense of malevolence, and resentment. No matter where you look, no matter how shallow you breathe, this town will touch you.
Okay, there is the family that strongly resembles the Clampetts, but besides them, these characters are without stereotype. Extremely diverse, they are easy to identify with, and easier still to empathize for. Even the good ole’ boys have an ounce of understanding. A style all his own, Chandler's writing is casual, but strong. With not a single ten cent word in the book, he pens his tale as he would tell it – without pretense. Also, succeeding where others have failed, he wrote southern men how they were meant to be – intelligent with a smooth southern drawl. Praise the lord, the south has risen again!
Also, one quick note before I go. Much like King does in his films, Chandler makes his own cameo. I loved it.
-As posted on Horror-Web
Gather around folks, and let me introduce you to Vinewood, or as I like to call it – the gaping maw of hell. That’s right, you heard me. In this sleepy little town, you have it all; simply pick your poison. Curious about serial killers and what goes through their mind? How about a mythological evil that has slept under the ground for a millennia and decided now would be the perfect time to arise? Or, you could simply delve into a subtle, but terrifying battle between two boys and a family that has menaced the townspeople for years. Both intense and creative, the plot and sub-plots give you enough to creep you out, but still leaves space for the imagination. Also, even though there is a lot is going, it never overwhelms.
Gripping you from the moment you open the book, the pace is swift and constant. Building up to an explosive ending, the suspense will wreak havoc on even the most sedated reader. Hot and thick, the atmosphere reeks of earth, blood, and decay. The astringent air carries with it a sense of malevolence, and resentment. No matter where you look, no matter how shallow you breathe, this town will touch you.
Okay, there is the family that strongly resembles the Clampetts, but besides them, these characters are without stereotype. Extremely diverse, they are easy to identify with, and easier still to empathize for. Even the good ole’ boys have an ounce of understanding. A style all his own, Chandler's writing is casual, but strong. With not a single ten cent word in the book, he pens his tale as he would tell it – without pretense. Also, succeeding where others have failed, he wrote southern men how they were meant to be – intelligent with a smooth southern drawl. Praise the lord, the south has risen again!
Also, one quick note before I go. Much like King does in his films, Chandler makes his own cameo. I loved it.
-As posted on Horror-Web
August 4, 2012
It’s difficult to summarize this novel. After a rather mundane start, mundane in the sense that not much of a supernatural nature happens until nearly halfway through the book, the story turns into a kind of traditional zombie story with a lot of extra bits and excitement thrown in. Here, I mean ‘traditional zombie’ in the sense that Mr. Chandler invokes elements of voodoo and backwoods hoodoo in order to tell this fast paced story. That is the other great thing about this book, there isn’t a single dull moment in the small Southern town of Vinewood.
Christian elements and themes are also invoked to fight against the darkness that is literally taking over the town, but this is far from the usual God verses the Devil version of good verses evil that many other authors have used to wrap up a story neatly and happily. Luke, the book’s hero, is a complex man with a history that makes faith a difficult thing for him to possess. The bad guys and gals, and other good guys and gals, for there part are all equally imperfect. So, I really enjoyed these religious aspects of the book a lot more then is usual.
The book itself is not perfect either, much is left unexplained, but I truly believe most readers who enjoy gore and horror will find it a worthy read. If nothing else, it offers an interesting take on the legend of the dragon.
Christian elements and themes are also invoked to fight against the darkness that is literally taking over the town, but this is far from the usual God verses the Devil version of good verses evil that many other authors have used to wrap up a story neatly and happily. Luke, the book’s hero, is a complex man with a history that makes faith a difficult thing for him to possess. The bad guys and gals, and other good guys and gals, for there part are all equally imperfect. So, I really enjoyed these religious aspects of the book a lot more then is usual.
The book itself is not perfect either, much is left unexplained, but I truly believe most readers who enjoy gore and horror will find it a worthy read. If nothing else, it offers an interesting take on the legend of the dragon.
May 20, 2014
A fun and quick read!
June 30, 2025
Colorful characters and a lot of action.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews