Tonya the librarian has an unusual passion for books, even for a librarian. When her books are harmed she takes it personally. When people turn up dead over damaged books, there are questions to answer. When the killer is a weresquirrel, the questions become more confusing.
There is a certain pretentiousness in classical literature. Elegant writing filled with meaning both astounding and sublime. This is not that. Not horrific enough to be horror, nor humorous enough to be comedy, welcome to Chip’s Dollar Dreadfuls. There may not be any fundamental truths, but there will be blood...so much blood.
As I am writing this post, I just realized that this is the first book I bought in 2016 that is not part of a series from previous year. In other words, I just broke my rule of no buying books for 2016. In my defense, I was waiting for this book to be release last year.
This is a short story and is good if you’re looking for something not totally light but not totally serious either. And exactly what I need after reading all those super heavy stuff I was reading the last 2 weeks.
When I first read the short story of this last year from the author’s blog, I was highly entertained because it’s a little different from your usual paranormal. And since the main character here love books so much, I liked her instantly. However, I was wondering how this will unfold into a bigger story. And well, let’s just say it was worth the wait.
I like how the author answered some questions I pondered upon after I read the short story version. I would probably have some doubts and be surprised later if I haven’t read the short story version so I think that part of the story was done really well. It was a bloody mess too and a lot of killings took place but not too gore as to get turned off and stop reading. It’s even complete with humor , drama and a touch of romance.
I also loved every character in this book. And there are characters at the end that promise something more to look forward to, and I’m I definitely will. If you’re looking for a short read that would have you anxiously turning the pages, laugh a bit, and love a bit… this one is for you. And if you’re a bookworm like Tonya, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it too.
Gloriously silly and I say that in the best possible way. I've had a somewhat hectic schedule - filled with heavy reads, gut wrenchers and rippers, soul-destroying-stare-into-spacers.
Squirrel Bait was not one of them. It was the palate cleanser and provided some much needed fun. It had me laughing at the dedication.
Imagine a B grade horror movie - part comedy, drama, and tragedy. You get the cringe laughs and the 'oh no, they didn'ts'. This was that, but in book form.
Our female lead is Tonya, the librarian, who has 'interesting' facets in her background. As books are hurt, so too are the defilers. I'm sure those of us who are book lovers can relate...
Nefarious plots, mysterious deaths and characters, and creepy backstories abound in this work.
Suspend belief and also, maybe, good social manners.
Epic highlight: the were-squirrel battle and apocalypse.
If you're looking for fun and silly, pick this up.
This is not a genre I normally 1-click. Actually I'm not sure what genre this is in. I'm still sitting here scratching my head wondering what I have read- with a smile on my face. However I'm real glad I saw this book being advertised and read it. Sometimes it's good to step out of your normal genre and see what else is out there.
Tonya is a librarian who absolutely loves her books. People that harm her books are injured or are killed by weresquirrels. Yes you read that correctly:)
I found this to be a well written story that goes from blood and gore to funny moments in seconds. Although it's a different kind of read for me I'll definitely be 1-clicking more from this author.
Step out of the ordinary and give this a chance. Four solid stars from me.
What happens when you let Chip Davis loose on a paranormal/horror/satire piece of work? Weresquirrels. Yes, you read that right, weresquirrels. And it’s just as silly as it sounds.
I read Chip's previous book, Trail of the Raven: Haiti, and it was written not only for a younger audience, but with a much more serious and educational purpose. This little novella proves that Chip is perfectly capable of creating a good read, no matter the subject matter.
What I Loved: The mere silliness of this book is enough to list here. I swear this book was so bad it was good. And I’m not talking about the writing, story line or characters. But really people, this book is tongue in cheek satire at it’s greatest. It is the first of what I hope are many to come Dollar Dreadfuls from Chip Davis. They are strictly for entertainment, not really meant to be taken seriously as stories, but yet they seem to be somewhat modeled after some paranormal romance novels that are popular today. It’s a book parody, though there is a good story line to follow along with as well!
I so enjoyed ‘seeing’ all my internet buddies make their appearance in the novel, some of the dying horrific bloody deaths. And I laughed. Oh I’m such a bad, bad person!
Not so Much: There was a lot of blood, and detailed descriptive murder. While it’s not meant to be a scary book by any stretch, I still had to just read words without using my imagination. I’m weak like that. Don’t judge!
The Verdict: This is a novella, and it’s meant for adults..not that it’s unclean, but there are a couple adult moments, add that with the blood and killing and…yup, it’s for adults. Great if you’re looking for a quick read that will remind you of an 80’s B horror flick.
***3.5*** I had read the first part of the story on the author's blog last year, so I was pretty excited when I heard he was going to extend the story and publish it. The second I noticed it was published, I borrowed it from KU.
As expected, I was quite amused in exactly the way a B horror movie should entertain. There was a whole lot of laughing and face palming going on while I read it.
The reason for the lower rating is because the editing does need some work.
This was an amusing story and I am absolutely looking forward to the next one in the series.
Oh this was just great silly fun. In the essence of B Hollywood slasher movies, Chip Davis brings us Squirrel Bait. A group of weresquirrels who must protect the books in their local library by any means necessary.
Spoiler alert, By any means, Chip Davis pushes the envelope with lots of glory blood and unique funny deaths. Psst, my favorite was when the character Riley kills off her ex. That was just AWESOME.
Overall, this was just a fun quick read that I believe any horror/comedy fan will enjoy.
I have yet to be disappointed in this author. A fact I am very glad about. In this guesome parody, Chip takes us on a hilarious journey into the paranormal, where books are coveted (as they should be) and the penalty for vandalization (is that a word?) is high.
First, I should point out the blurb is fantastic. I had the honor of beta reading this book and the surprising pleasure of having my name used as a character as well. My view might be a bit skewed because of that, but I do have some pride and would’t dare say something is good just because my name was in it. That being said, this book was good.
I laughed… so many times. Its a bit odd reading a book with so many characters that you know. Maybe not odd, but certainly surreal. I kept picturing their faces when I was reading this book which may have been one of the reasons I was so enthralled with it. The scene with Riley was too funny! Those book destroyers get whats coming to them, thats for sure. And of course the ending where my namesake turns…..you know what? Nevermind, you will need to read it.
There is a darker background to this book. It’s not all over the top were-squirrels. I really appreciated that contrast to the humor. It had equal parts humor and gore. Seriously, you should go read it.
3.5 stars As you can tell by the title yes there are Squirrels aka Weresquirrels. Sounds a little funny but reading this book makes me realize that Squirrels are a little terrifying.
Tonya runs the library and loves her books. It's almost like their her children in some way. I mean it's odd but people love certain things. Suddenly, all these people start dropping like flies and there was a sighting of a squirrel!
OK, so this isn't my normal read. I was asked to read it and give it an honest review. I did enjoy it, it was odd. It was a different type of short story and I think for what it is. It was really well done. The writing is great, it draws you into the story. It was weird, intriguing and really interesting. Especially, when you learn what's really going on. I really liked the history that was incorporated into the the story....Lissa
OH BOY. This book was everything I thought it would be and much more. If you don't know who Chip Davis is, you're missing out and probably don't follow the weekly confessions over on 'Indie authors and book blogs' Facebook page. He is just hilarious; this book made me laugh out loud more than a few times. It reminds me of my favorite B Movie-flicks. I feel like I'm Tonya at heart because I get more than angry if someone destroys my book or doesn't return it(If you do that, you're Satan).
Squirrel Bait was just what I needed before throwing myself into a full-length novel. The story is just the right amount of silliness and gore. I especially enjoyed how different it was; I mean, have you ever read a book about a were-squirrel?(I didn't think so) I can't wait to read more of these - I think Chip might be onto something. Also, this is the line that made me laugh the hardest - Seriously, I had to repeat it to my husband...he just shook his head at me...He has no humor.
“How could I love someone my entire life, and not know she’s a squirrel?"
All around, I knew I would like it, but I didn't expect I would like it this much. My favorite thing to do when I have time without my 3-year-old at home is to watch the most horribly funny B movies. I feel like this scratched that itch without traumatizing my son! I would recommend this to anyone with a love of satire, humor, and gore scenes. Five stars!
This is a quick read with a fun, bizarre twist. I've read Davis' work before and enjoyed it, and Squirrel Bait was no exception. Fast- paced and somehow at once light and fun as well as violent and a smidge gory, this book was a delightful change from my usual reads. Librarians and weresquirrels are on a mad mission to keep the library books - and one certain book in particular - safe from those who mishandle them. The hooligans who dare to destroy a book are swiftly dealt with.
In short, this book is just plain fun.
My only mild criticism is a little timeline issue. The main character, Tonya, is not-quite-twenty-two when we meet her, but has been the librarian for a long bit of time. I have no problem with the believability of weresquirrels or their book preserving missions, but Tonya would need a Masters of Library Science to do her job, so either she should have been older or she is a genius who started college as a preteen, and if it's the latter, it should have been mentioned.
In all, Squirrel Bait was a delightful and unusual story, and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
Well, I'm sorry to say that this one was definitely not for me but I can see how others will like/love it. I loved Chip's previous book but I had to stop reading this one quite a few times and take a break to see if it was because I was not in the mood to read this kind of story. Unfortunately the type of story was just not my kind of read. The names used in the story I recognized which was cool. Also the story had a lot of funny moments that I enjoyed. There is also blood, gore and violence and even a little bit of romance thrown in there. There is definitely a big story of love for books which was also nice. Thank you to the author for gifting me with his book.
There is no review worthy of this book. I have tried to come up with one since I first finished reading it. It made me laugh out loud. It has all the elements of a great story and it is one I’ll be rereading many times and recommending to everyone. It not only has were-squirrels, but were-squirrels that protect books, what could possibly be more perfect, especially from this author. Talk about freaking brilliant! Davis has written a delightful dollar dreadful and I impatiently await the next in the series.
Short, quick-witted and dangerous, just like a squirrel!
So far removed from this author's first book and so funny! A quick, entertaining read. I would say it was 'tongue in cheek' humor, but it was more teeth in cheek, to be honest. While I am not a fan of horror and blood-and-gore type stories, I am a fan of the old B horror movies and this would have made a perfect one. I'm looking forward to the next books in this Dollar Dreadful series, as much as I am looking forward to the next Trail of the Raven!
A fun read, which does what it says on the tin, funny, gory, and still manages to have really characterful characters in it. I really enjoyed it, can totally recommend and might just recognise a character or three. So much fun. I actually liked the leading character a young librarian with no clue of what really awaits her in life!! Won't say more or there'd be spoilers. Where's the next one Chip Davis?
I can't unread this. It's taken an hour and a half of my time I can't get back and I wish it had been more! When is the sequel??
Fast-paced rhythm and turnabouts that keep you on your toes, this story has much potential for sequels, prequels, and any other -quels! Fantastically silly/serious, the amount of tongue-in-cheek makes only *typing* this review possible.
I want to know more about the "Slenderman" in the book and his deathly hallowed book!!
Do you love books? I mean really love them...revere them...to the point that you would almost be willing to kill someone that deliberately damages them?
How do you feel about squirrels?
Have you a sense for the ridiculous - the utterly ridiculous?
If your answers run to Yes, I don't mind them and of course you should read this book...well...only if you are ok with blood and gore too.
I don't believe I read it. Chip Davis is a sick man.
This was a short romp into a hilarious fantasy world. Curses, were-squirrels, librarians, book thieves, a wedding; what more could you ask for? If you take it for what it is, a silly read meant to entertain, you will certainly enjoy it as much as I did. My only real complaints were editing issues and maybe getting to know the two main characters a bit more before the bloodshed began. Were-squirrels!
If you're a little sick and twisted, then this story is for you! So much fun! So much gore! So many books! ;) It's a fast read, and I could not put it down.
this is probably the MOST hilarious book I've read, ever! I mean, really, were-squirrels and drama.... who would have thought this would provide comedic relief? so funny! so true!!! I absolutely LOVED this foray into alt-shifter fiction!
So, I kept hearing about this book. Chip Davis is a notorious presence on a Facebook page I often frequent (usually on Thursdays) so I went ahead and finally purchased and read his short novella, Squirrel Bait.
This is the story of a library. Well, sort of. You see, when people damage the books in the library, librarian Tonya gets very upset. She doesn’t go into homicidal rages, no, she just becomes very emotional. Her books are her precious. I’m not sure what’s wrong with this town Tonya lives in, but people just seem to walk into the library and damage books for no reason other than they want to. It’s a little odd, but in a book like this, we forgive things like that. Anyway, police reports are filed and the punks names and addresses are logged at the library. But at night, the punks have begun being murdered. Obviously Tonya is the #1 suspect. Oh yeah, and her boyfriend is a cop, so of course that makes things especially awkward.
The way this book started, I honestly thought there would be no plot. That it would literally just be squirrels killing people. However, I was pleasantly surprised when there was a small twist around 20%, and then there was a full backstory as to where the Weresquirrels came from and so on.
This isn’t a deep thinking book. If you’re looking for a literary masterpiece, Chip Davis will probably be the first to tell you that this is not it. This is a humorous horror book, in line with something the Sci-Fi (or is it still Sy-Fi?) channel would produce. But it’s better than Sharknado. I mean, there are murderous squirrels. SQUIRRELS! Tiny, furry, scurrying squirrels. Desecrating people! If you can’t handle comedic violence, stay away.
There were some minor errors that would have been caught by a good proof reading of the book prior to publication, but nothing that will really pull the average reader from the story. It’s a quick read, and for those who like B-movies, this novella will be well worth your 99 cents.
Squirrel Bait in all of its silliness is exactly what I expected. The reprieve I craved when I initially contacted the author. True to his form Chip did happen to sneak a lesson or two in there; # 1 DO NOT hurt Tonya’s books, and #2 …. Well, you will have to read it to find out.
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One of my favorite quotes included a selfless promotional plug; one that only Chip Davis could pull off. “Trail of the Raven, Haiti is my favorite! You’re going to love this book so much.” The manner in which this context was delivered was even funnier, because all of the books are Tonya’s favorite. And Mrs. Addison always replies to her proclamation in the same manner, somewhere reading-squirrel-306992_1280exactly along the lines of
“They are all your favorite, dear.”
My other favorite part is where the character of my namesake dies.You will absolutely have to read the book to find out how I go.
Morbid, I know.
I can’t wait for more of Chip’s writing whether it be from his Dollar Dreadful collection, or his Raven Trail Series… or his Poe-A-Tree, blog writings, or (IABB) Confessions comments.
Oh my. That's pretty much what I have to say here! Squirrel Bait is basically like a really bad horror movie, and intentionally so. You know the ones that are so ridiculous that you find yourself laughing even as you watch people on-screen get slaughtered? And then of course you begin to question your humanity. This is that, in book form. Though, in defense of the weresquirrels, if someone hurt my books I may be tempted to rip their throat out too, so there's that...
Even with all of the blood and craziness I still felt that the writing lagged in a few places and when that happened I found myself walking away quite a bit. So, that brings it down a little. But, I did enjoy it enough that I picked it back up and finished it, surprised to find that I enjoyed it as much as I did.
This book was strangely a lot of fun and a good laugh. A nice little escape from more serious and developed characters. I will probably never look at a squirrel the same again though, but I would absolutely read more along this line even though it's completely opposite of my normal preference.
Squirrel Bait by Chip Davis is the first book in his "Dollar Dreadfuls" series. I must say, if you do nothing else, read each page, from front cover to back cover. You will thank me for it!
Tonya is my favorite character. I think that is because to some extent, I am the same way with my books that she is with hers. DON'T MESS WITH THEM! At one point, a punk kid has torn a page from one of her books and Steve, cop and her love interest, asks if she is ok. Tonya says what I would, "I'm fine.," she sighed. "I just wish they wouldn't hurt my books." I cringe when I see someone dog-ear a page, or heaven forbid, break the spine! *shudders*
This is a unique story about ware-squirrels. It kept me guessing from start to finish, honestly. I would have to say that my favorite part of the whole story is the very last page. Don't ask why, don't cheat, but trust me, you will not be disappointed!
This is such a fun read! So many of us have read about shifters and were-this and were-that, but never in my born days or imagination have I read about weresquirrels! And to top it all off they love books!! Now, this book is not called a dreadful for nothing!! It has some groaning moments and some lovely bloody moments---yes, blood. If you love squirrels I will warn you that it may be upsetting, but it really turns out great at the end. This has, in my opinion, some imagination that is pretty well honed. I do feel that the writing can really let you see what is going on in your mind's eye. I found myself actually seeing some scenes in front me as I was reading. I love when a story can do that to me! I really look forward to more of Chip's Dollar Dreadfuls!! Thank you, Author! Bravo!
And forget about squirrel-proof bird feeders. You don't want to get a were-squirrel angry. They can, however, be quite funny when not raining death and destruction down on their enemies, as you will discover if you read this fast-moving, somewhat gory, somewhat bitter-sweet, but mostly amusing story.
Ah, what to say? I want to call this a sweet little romance between a librarian and a policeman. It is, sort of, if you disregard the vengeful weresquirrels who wreak havoc on all who make the dire mistake of messing with Tonya’s books. This is a book of contrasts, sweet women, vicious weresquirrels, romance, gore. It works, somehow.
And it works well. I loved the story. It’s short, but well-planned. Scary, but sweet and funny. I’d recommend Squirrel Bait for anyone who wants to read something utterly unique and delightfully dreadful.
Squirrel Bait by Chip Davis is seriously the most hilarious book I have read so far in 2016. There is gore, action, but all in all Squirrel Bait will chase the clouds of gloom away. This is one of those books that when you are having a bad day, you just have to pick it up and re-read it to remind yourself that it is okay to laugh and smile. I seriously hope that this is made into a movie. It reminds me of those horrible cheesy slasher flicks in the early ‘70s or ‘80s. I will definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves to read. I give it 4.5/5 Platypires.