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Picaro: A Tale of EXTREME Horror
"A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it."
Jean de La Fontaine
Houston, Texas. Summer, 1984
Binh Pham is a street hustler who suffers from narcolepsy. After his pimp is killed by a Mexican drug cartel, Binh realizes they are coming for him next. On the run, he thumbs his way down Interstate 45, a heavily wooded straight shot between Houston and Dallas. He meets Paul Marrane, an eccentric and charismatic road scholar. Paul travels with Binh, acting as protector and friend. But Paul's odd behavior soon turns dangerous. Convinced his road companion is a lethal psychopath, Binh discovers Paul Marrane is much worse than that. As the two men travel the dusty road, their odyssey becomes a harrowing nightmare from which there is no escape. PICARO is a bloody road trip to Hell from acclaimed author of horror, Terry M. West.
WARNING: This story contains scenes of extreme violence and gore. Not for the squeamish or easily offended. Reader discretion is advised.
Jean de La Fontaine
Houston, Texas. Summer, 1984
Binh Pham is a street hustler who suffers from narcolepsy. After his pimp is killed by a Mexican drug cartel, Binh realizes they are coming for him next. On the run, he thumbs his way down Interstate 45, a heavily wooded straight shot between Houston and Dallas. He meets Paul Marrane, an eccentric and charismatic road scholar. Paul travels with Binh, acting as protector and friend. But Paul's odd behavior soon turns dangerous. Convinced his road companion is a lethal psychopath, Binh discovers Paul Marrane is much worse than that. As the two men travel the dusty road, their odyssey becomes a harrowing nightmare from which there is no escape. PICARO is a bloody road trip to Hell from acclaimed author of horror, Terry M. West.
WARNING: This story contains scenes of extreme violence and gore. Not for the squeamish or easily offended. Reader discretion is advised.
- GenresHorror
127 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2017
10 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Terry M. West
198 books134 followersTerry M. West is an American horror author. His best known works: What Price Gory, Car Nex, Dreg and his Night Things series. He was a finalist for 2 International Horror Guild Awards and he was featured on the TV Guide Sci-Fi hot list for his YA graphic novel series, Confessions of a Teenage Vampire. Terry was born in Texas, lived in New York for two decades and he currently hangs his hat in California.
www.terrymwest.com
www.terrymwest.com
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 9, 2024
This was my first book my Terry M. West, and I loved this story so much!
I wasn't expecting much when I started this book, but I was absolutely blown away with how it played out! A very underrated book that everyone needs to read!
4/5
I wasn't expecting much when I started this book, but I was absolutely blown away with how it played out! A very underrated book that everyone needs to read!
4/5
May 26, 2017
Terry is one of my favorite storytellers, reguardless of the content, he is always able to ensure you enjoy the ride.
Picaro was a fun trip with lots of turns, I loved it.
Picaro was a fun trip with lots of turns, I loved it.
May 8, 2017
Picaro-By Terry M. West. 5 Stars.
Picaro: English, means rogue, drifter, or wanderer. Spanish, crafty rascal. A person that rejects conventional rules of society in favor of following their own agenda.
De Onheilige Honger/The Unholy Hunger.
I was pleasantly surprised by the end of this Extreme Horror, Novelette when I realized it was a continuance of a new Legend, Terry M. West created a few months ago. I also hope he continues it, with these branch off stories. You don’t need to read the “Honger”, for this is a stand-alone story that gives a slight explanation for the curse. But, don’t pass up a chance reading the “Honger” if you can. (Not a Vampire or Zombie story).
This is a warning that some scenes are bloody graphic.
Terry M. West is an excellent writer because he can tell you a full story in a short time and leave you wanting or hungry for more blood. The shocking ending of this story left me again with mixed emotions because I felt some compassion there, even though it’s wrong. So, both novelettes, “Honger” and “Picaro” leave you questioning who are the real monsters.
The premise is on the book's site so, there is no reason to give away more. Human horror is on the horizon and to be safe young, Binh Pham must run to the ends of the earth. Along the way, he will meet a pleasant man, a “Picaro” with tall tales of adventure and an edgy roller coaster ride he can’t get off. A monster is on its way and it’s out for bloody revenge, yet what will become of the guardian when he finally takes off his mask.
By the way, can you tell I love this story too.......
Reviewed by robinleesdarkside.com/
Picaro: English, means rogue, drifter, or wanderer. Spanish, crafty rascal. A person that rejects conventional rules of society in favor of following their own agenda.
De Onheilige Honger/The Unholy Hunger.
I was pleasantly surprised by the end of this Extreme Horror, Novelette when I realized it was a continuance of a new Legend, Terry M. West created a few months ago. I also hope he continues it, with these branch off stories. You don’t need to read the “Honger”, for this is a stand-alone story that gives a slight explanation for the curse. But, don’t pass up a chance reading the “Honger” if you can. (Not a Vampire or Zombie story).
This is a warning that some scenes are bloody graphic.
Terry M. West is an excellent writer because he can tell you a full story in a short time and leave you wanting or hungry for more blood. The shocking ending of this story left me again with mixed emotions because I felt some compassion there, even though it’s wrong. So, both novelettes, “Honger” and “Picaro” leave you questioning who are the real monsters.
The premise is on the book's site so, there is no reason to give away more. Human horror is on the horizon and to be safe young, Binh Pham must run to the ends of the earth. Along the way, he will meet a pleasant man, a “Picaro” with tall tales of adventure and an edgy roller coaster ride he can’t get off. A monster is on its way and it’s out for bloody revenge, yet what will become of the guardian when he finally takes off his mask.
By the way, can you tell I love this story too.......
Reviewed by robinleesdarkside.com/
September 3, 2022
Terry M. West's Picaro is the most insidious kind of extreme horror, a story that opens on a grotesque note, but which then lulls you into a false sense of complacency before allowing all Hell to break loose. There's actually a clever bit of misdirection within it, making you think you're reading a violent crime thriller before West pulls the rug out, revealing that trap door to Hell beneath it.
"I travel. I wander. I'm a sworn vagabond. Or picaro. I prefer that word. Nice ring."
A grotesquely massacred pimp/lover, a vicious gang, and a charismatic stranger all add up to trouble for Binh Pham, especially when coupled with uncontrolled bouts of narcolepsy. Paul, the charismatic stranger, is a mysterious character who seems too good to be true, but we're teased with precisely what kind of threat he poses for much of the story.
"You will never die. And neither will the hunger. Try not to forget your name."
Even when the story finally makes its bloody descent into Hell, West raises enough doubt that we wonder what is really going on. Picaro is an effective bit of extreme horror, people by a pair of intriguing characters, and told with bloody flair.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
"I travel. I wander. I'm a sworn vagabond. Or picaro. I prefer that word. Nice ring."
A grotesquely massacred pimp/lover, a vicious gang, and a charismatic stranger all add up to trouble for Binh Pham, especially when coupled with uncontrolled bouts of narcolepsy. Paul, the charismatic stranger, is a mysterious character who seems too good to be true, but we're teased with precisely what kind of threat he poses for much of the story.
"You will never die. And neither will the hunger. Try not to forget your name."
Even when the story finally makes its bloody descent into Hell, West raises enough doubt that we wonder what is really going on. Picaro is an effective bit of extreme horror, people by a pair of intriguing characters, and told with bloody flair.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ARC of this title from the publisher in exchange for review consideration. This does not in any way affect the honesty or sincerity of my review.
January 14, 2025
This wasn't very good. The writing wasn't great, and much of the small cast of characters felt cartoonish or were just complete caricatures. But despite its lack of quality, it was a quick, easy, and fun read, and I had a good time with it. I don't think I'd ever recommend this short story to a friend, but it was entertaining enough that I would be willing to read more like it if bored.
February 7, 2020
Spinoff to the Honger series
A prostitute finds his pimp dead and must go on the run
Well narrated and perfect for extreme horror fans
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
A prostitute finds his pimp dead and must go on the run
Well narrated and perfect for extreme horror fans
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
November 30, 2021
It’s just a book of previews. The page count is inflated. There are no full stories to read…just threads of stories. Book should be free. It only exists to sell books
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews