The Boiling Pool

by Gary Brandner

From the author of THE HOWLING and CARRION, a new horror novel about a small community being terrorized, when an ancient evil from the depths of the past is re-awakened.

Genres: Horror

256 pages, Library Binding

First published March 1, 1995

About the author

Gary Phil Brandner (May 31, 1930 – September 22, 2013) was an American horror author best known for his werewolf themed trilogy of novels, The Howling. The first book in the series was loosely adapted as a motion picture in 1981. Brandner's second and third Howling novels, published in 1979 and 1985 respectively, have no connection to the film series, though he was involved in writing the screenplay for the second Howling film, Howling II: Your Sister Is a Werewolf. The fourth film in the Howling series, Howling IV: The Original Nightmare, is actually the closest adaptation of Brandner's original novel, though this too varies to some degree.

Brandner's novel Walkers was adapted and filmed for television as From The Dead Of Night. He also wrote the screenplay for the 1988 horror film Cameron's Closet.

Born in the Midwest and much traveled during his formative years, Brandner published more than 30 novels, over 100 short stories, and also wrote a handful of screenplays. He attended college at the University of Washington where he was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. After graduating in 1955, he worked as an amateur boxer, bartender, surveyor, loan company investigator, advertising copywriter, and technical writer before turning to fiction writing. Brandner lived with his wife, Martine Wood Brandner, and several cats in Reno, Nevada.

He died of esophageal cancer in 2013.

Reviews

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brandner is known for his book The Howling, which is considered a werewolf classic, and it's two sequels. A trilogy I have on my shelves waiting to be read. This is my second Brandner book, the first being The Brain Eaters which I enjoyed as a great 80's horror novel. The Howling was first published in 1977 and The Brain Eaters in 1985. This book was first published in 1995 making Brandner an author whose horror novels graced three decades.

This book was the penultimate novel length story for Brandner and was released in hardback only. No paperback release suggests his stories were not as well received as before. GR's also confirms this with no reviews and a few ratings, most of which are low.

The story involves a gated community and their secret relationship with an ancient Mexican Evil. This secret is discovered by a family who have just moved into this gated paradise where everyone is over friendly, healthy and major players in their chosen fields of work.

There is little to no gore and the ancient evil is not that scary. The story is not a mystery because we are introduced to the ancient evil in the first chapters of the book, so we know more then the new family moving in. We don't know everything so Brandner does maintain an air of mystery but the reveal is not that shocking. The ending is also down to a deus ex machina in the form of a character who appears in the last few chapters.

Having said all that, I enjoyed the book. It was an interesting read, held my attention and I did want to find out what was going to happen in the final confrontation. I loved the idea central to the book of a small community hiding a secret. It is a regularly used horror plot but I love reading those stories.

I have enjoyed reading Brandner's two books and look forward to reading his other books I have on my shelves.

[Douglas Castagna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced, like much of Brandners work, and steeped in supernatural lore. An ancient Mexican pool of water that seems to seep out from the depths of hell. Now transported to the gated communities of our dreams. Nightmares more likely. Great story, fast paced, atmospheric, and enjoyable.

[David Veith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a fun, quick read. ( I was sick, thats why it took me longer lol). I would say 3.9, almost a 4.0. Well written, fast paced. Nice twists here and there but sort of guessable as to where things are going. This book gets to the point, no unecesary garbage to get through. While that is nice, somethings could have been gone into a little more depth. I would read it again.