Mr. Fox and Other Feral Tales

by Norman Partridge

Originally published in 1992, Mr. Fox and Other Feral Tales introduced a fresh voice to horror literature. Norman Partridge's first collection won the Bram Stoker Award, received a World Fantasy nomination, and cemented Partridge's place as an exciting new talent in a generation of dark dreamers that included Poppy Z. Brite, Brian Hodge, and Bentley Little. The Roadkill Press edition of Mr. Fox is nearly impossible to find, fetching prices as high as $400 on the collector's market. This expanded edition features every story included in the original, an excerpt from an unpublished zombie novel, and 11 additional stories (most of them uncollected) written early in Partridge's career -- including a collaboration with Richard Chizmar.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories, Fantasy, Collections

391 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Norman Partridge’s fiction includes horror, suspense, and the fantastic—“sometimes all in one story” says his friend Joe Lansdale. His compact, thrill-a-minute style has been praised by Stephen King and Peter Straub, and his fiction has received three Bram Stokers and two IHG awards.

Partridge’s career launched a series of firsts during the indie press boom of the early nineties. His first short story appeared in the second issue of Cemetery Dance, and his debut novel, Slippin’ into Darkness, was the first original novel published by CD. Partridge’s chapbook Spyder was one of Subterranean Press’s inaugural titles, while his World Fantasy-nominated collection, Bad Intentions, was the first hardcover in the Subterranean book line.

Since then, Partridge has published pair of critically acclaimed suspense novels featuring ex-boxer Jack Baddalach for Berkley Prime Crime (Saguaro Riptide and The Ten-Ounce Siesta), comics for Mojo and DC, and a series novel (The Crow: Wicked Prayer) which was adapted for the screen. His award-winning collections include Mr. Fox and Other Feral Tales and The Man with the Barbed-Wire Fists. Partridge’s latest novel, Dark Harvest, was chosen by Publishers Weekly as one of the 100 Best Books of 2006.

Whether working in mainstream markets or the independent press, Partridge’s vivid, exuberant writing style has made him a fan favorite. Never content to be pigeon-holed as a writer, Partridge continues to defy categorization. A third-generation Californian, he lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, Canadian writer Tia V. Travis.

Reviews

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first foray into the mind of Norman Partridge (aside from some short stories in various anthologies). His writing is extremely solid; this collection is a reissue of his first short story collection interspersed with autobiographical anecdotes and very solid writing advice. I am super impressed with his early stories as well as his candid and humble examination of his journey as a writer. Overall this collection offered lots of chills and steered me toward more volumes to add to my library.

Some stand-out stories were:

“Mr. Fox”
“Body Bags”
“Cosmos”
“The Season of Giving”

[Kevin Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the noir/pulpy goodness you would expect from Norman Partridge, as well as his signature style - proof that this kind of fiction can be well-crafted. I love his very specific word choice and the rhythm of his prose. I lucked out, too, and snagged the original Road Kill Press edition for much cheaper than I'd seen it in the last few years - probably because it was a library book with the plastic protective coating. Anyway - lucky me!

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great collection of his fiction, but also is sprinkled with short essays on how he broke into the buisness. A great book for anyone who loves first class short horror/suspense, and a must for any would be writer.

[The Moon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty great book, didn't dislike almost anything, taking a new grading system

[Kurt Reichenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been meaning to get my two-cents in on this book. It's a combo of stories and essays on writing/publishing. The stories are good, but what really earns the 5 stars is Partridge's essays on writing. It's straight no B.S. advice from a guy who has been there. For me it was as good as Stephen King's On Writing. It covers editors, outlines, rejections, writing workshops, the gamut. Writing's a lonely business and reading these essays reminds you that as a writer, you're not alone.

[Jane Pierce]

Norm is a co-worker and friend. He kindly let's me pick his brain about the writing business. He also very nicely gifted me a book to help me further.

[George Cotronis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty damn good.