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Bone Saw
Liam Carpenter spends most of his time above his aunt’s garage, watching obscure horror movies and drinking cheap beer. But this week’s different. This week, things are getting weird. First, there’s his favorite director, Clive Sherman, showing up in town unannounced. Then there’s the string of murders that all seem like something out of Clive’s popular Pigfoot movie monster franchise. Throw in Liam’s mysterious new crush and the cough-syrup-addicted private investigator chasing her down and you might gain somewhat of a clue of what’s going on in Bass Falls lately.
And don’t even get him started on she-demons and blood sacrifices. Bone Saw studios is in town and they’re bringing you the bloodiest sequel featuring a pig-human hybrid killing machine you’ve ever seen.
And don’t even get him started on she-demons and blood sacrifices. Bone Saw studios is in town and they’re bringing you the bloodiest sequel featuring a pig-human hybrid killing machine you’ve ever seen.
252 pages, Paperback
Published May 15, 2018
3 people are currently reading
484 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Lacey
46 books144 followersPatrick Lacey was born and raised in a haunted house. He currently spends his nights and weekends writing about things that make the general public uncomfortable. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife, his oversized cat, and his muse, who is likely trying to kill him.
Twitter: @patlacey
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrick.lace...
Blogspot: http://patrickclacey.wordpress.com/
Twitter: @patlacey
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrick.lace...
Blogspot: http://patrickclacey.wordpress.com/
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 11, 2018
Liam's life isn't going great, even before the video store where he works goes out of business. But there is a bright spot: his favorite horror film director, Clive Sherman, is making a movie in his home town. However, Sherman's gory films look so realistic for a reason...
Max Booth at Perpetual Motion Machine Press hit me up and offered me an ARC of this. For some reason, I had Patrick Lacey confused with Joseph D'Lacey. Anyway, this wound up being terrific despite my confusion.
Bone Saw is the story of a down on his luck guy whose favorite horror director comes to town to make a horror movie. Turns out the movies are actually snuff films and Pigfoot, the star of Clive Sherman's movies, is a real monster. Liam is a sadly relatable, a horror buff with not a whole lot going on. Not until he meets Michelle, a waitress with secrets of her own.
It's almost like a slasher movie version of Night Film. Clive Sherman's films look real because they are and Bass Falls is going to suffer! Yeah, I enjoyed the shit out of it. Lacey knows how to jack up the suspense and ladle out the gore. Once I started reading, I read it in two sittings. The ending was the bloody hell I knew it would be.
Bone Saw is one of the best slasher books I've read in a long time, one with surprisingly deep characters. Four out of five stars.
Max Booth at Perpetual Motion Machine Press hit me up and offered me an ARC of this. For some reason, I had Patrick Lacey confused with Joseph D'Lacey. Anyway, this wound up being terrific despite my confusion.
Bone Saw is the story of a down on his luck guy whose favorite horror director comes to town to make a horror movie. Turns out the movies are actually snuff films and Pigfoot, the star of Clive Sherman's movies, is a real monster. Liam is a sadly relatable, a horror buff with not a whole lot going on. Not until he meets Michelle, a waitress with secrets of her own.
It's almost like a slasher movie version of Night Film. Clive Sherman's films look real because they are and Bass Falls is going to suffer! Yeah, I enjoyed the shit out of it. Lacey knows how to jack up the suspense and ladle out the gore. Once I started reading, I read it in two sittings. The ending was the bloody hell I knew it would be.
Bone Saw is one of the best slasher books I've read in a long time, one with surprisingly deep characters. Four out of five stars.
January 12, 2019
4.5*!
BONE SAW, by Patrick Lacey, reads so much like a beloved B-horror movie that I felt like I was watching a VHS tape, rather than reading a novel much of the time. The events happening were so well written that I could picture them in my mind as being on a television screen.
Liam Carpenter is an unmotivated underachiever who lives in a small apartment above his Aunt's garage. His hobbies include obsessing over an ex-girlfriend that left him for a life in Hollywood, putting up with degrading comments from his best friend's obnoxious girlfriend, and endlessly watching the same old, little-known horror movies.
". . . with all the presented evidence, you sir, are quite leaveable . . . "
When Liam learns that Clive Sherman--owner of Bone Saw Studios, and producer of his favorite low-budget horror movies, starring "Pigfoot"--is in town to film his latest in the series, it's a dream/nightmare come true!
"He checked both ways for pig monsters before crossing the street."
I've been a fan of Lacey's style since the first book I read of his, DREAM WOODS, and feel that his writing is consistently good no matter what "tone" he uses. Whether his novel is looking through the eyes of a boy in a theme park, an adult contemplating what they could have done better in the past, or just pure bloody fun and gore, the words instantly transport me into the action.
". . . reality wasn't exactly set in stone . . . "
The characters here, whether quirky, clueless, on a mission, of unknown origin, a mutated pig-human . . . thing . . . , or just plain crazy, were all perfectly believable in the roles they played. The author is able to take on even horror B-movies--with much of the plot being a high body count and unique ways to be eaten and/or killed by a monster--and infuse it with a sense of credibility that you get when seeing something with your own eyes.
". . . he'd lost his mind. Either that or the Pigfoot had somehow stepped out of the world of make-believe and into Bass Falls . . . "
While a small town is the location of the story, many of the "classic, vintage horror" movies had a crumbling Victorian mansion somewhere in it for atmosphere. Add to that, a vast forest surrounding it for our characters to traverse and possibly get lost in.
Authentic vintage atmosphere? Check!
We have all the elements to perfectly envision this novel in "movie format"; however, Lacey adds his own personal touch to make this story uniquely his own.
". . . pain didn't go away. It stayed with you . . . Burrowed under your skull . . . "
His words, his writing, and his inclusion of dark comedic moments interlaced with sarcasm, all combine to make this book stand out from among the others. The characters, their backstories, and most every scene you read is unique in some way.
"You know, it would help if we had a script. We could--and call me crazy here--actually plan these things out . . . "
Overall, I enjoyed every bloody moment of BONE SAW. Lacey's wit, writing ability, and imagination have given birth to a novel that is as "fun" as it is gory. Even his lesser characters had enough of a personality to make them easily identifiable in my mind. There are many new-to-me books that I read each year, and of those, only a handful make it onto my "re-read" shelves. This is one of those. If I had read this book earlier last year--instead of the last day in December--it would probably have made my "Top 25 Books Read in 2018" list.
As it stands, I'll have to give it an "Honorable mention", here.
"Dreams don't always come true."
Highly recommended!
BONE SAW, by Patrick Lacey, reads so much like a beloved B-horror movie that I felt like I was watching a VHS tape, rather than reading a novel much of the time. The events happening were so well written that I could picture them in my mind as being on a television screen.
Liam Carpenter is an unmotivated underachiever who lives in a small apartment above his Aunt's garage. His hobbies include obsessing over an ex-girlfriend that left him for a life in Hollywood, putting up with degrading comments from his best friend's obnoxious girlfriend, and endlessly watching the same old, little-known horror movies.
". . . with all the presented evidence, you sir, are quite leaveable . . . "
When Liam learns that Clive Sherman--owner of Bone Saw Studios, and producer of his favorite low-budget horror movies, starring "Pigfoot"--is in town to film his latest in the series, it's a dream/nightmare come true!
"He checked both ways for pig monsters before crossing the street."
I've been a fan of Lacey's style since the first book I read of his, DREAM WOODS, and feel that his writing is consistently good no matter what "tone" he uses. Whether his novel is looking through the eyes of a boy in a theme park, an adult contemplating what they could have done better in the past, or just pure bloody fun and gore, the words instantly transport me into the action.
". . . reality wasn't exactly set in stone . . . "
The characters here, whether quirky, clueless, on a mission, of unknown origin, a mutated pig-human . . . thing . . . , or just plain crazy, were all perfectly believable in the roles they played. The author is able to take on even horror B-movies--with much of the plot being a high body count and unique ways to be eaten and/or killed by a monster--and infuse it with a sense of credibility that you get when seeing something with your own eyes.
". . . he'd lost his mind. Either that or the Pigfoot had somehow stepped out of the world of make-believe and into Bass Falls . . . "
While a small town is the location of the story, many of the "classic, vintage horror" movies had a crumbling Victorian mansion somewhere in it for atmosphere. Add to that, a vast forest surrounding it for our characters to traverse and possibly get lost in.
Authentic vintage atmosphere? Check!
We have all the elements to perfectly envision this novel in "movie format"; however, Lacey adds his own personal touch to make this story uniquely his own.
". . . pain didn't go away. It stayed with you . . . Burrowed under your skull . . . "
His words, his writing, and his inclusion of dark comedic moments interlaced with sarcasm, all combine to make this book stand out from among the others. The characters, their backstories, and most every scene you read is unique in some way.
"You know, it would help if we had a script. We could--and call me crazy here--actually plan these things out . . . "
Overall, I enjoyed every bloody moment of BONE SAW. Lacey's wit, writing ability, and imagination have given birth to a novel that is as "fun" as it is gory. Even his lesser characters had enough of a personality to make them easily identifiable in my mind. There are many new-to-me books that I read each year, and of those, only a handful make it onto my "re-read" shelves. This is one of those. If I had read this book earlier last year--instead of the last day in December--it would probably have made my "Top 25 Books Read in 2018" list.
As it stands, I'll have to give it an "Honorable mention", here.
"Dreams don't always come true."
Highly recommended!
September 10, 2018
I have a full video review of BONE SAW up on my channel, but if you prefer written reviews then read on!
BONE SAW is the story of a young man named Liam, his favorite horror film director, and said director's pig-human hybrid movie-monster killing machine known as Pigfoot... which might not actually be a fictional beast, as Liam is about to find out. Got it? If not then too bad, because that's the only way I know how to describe this bonkers little story!
BONE SAW is a tremendously fun, gory, and hilarious horror story that wears its love of '80s horror on its sleeve. Patrick Lacey wastes not a single word on needless padding, instead blending his world and character building with blood, action, and humor to keep a relentless pace.
In other words, I loved it! If you are a horror fan, you owe it to yourself to have a copy of BONE SAW in your library.
BONE SAW is the story of a young man named Liam, his favorite horror film director, and said director's pig-human hybrid movie-monster killing machine known as Pigfoot... which might not actually be a fictional beast, as Liam is about to find out. Got it? If not then too bad, because that's the only way I know how to describe this bonkers little story!
BONE SAW is a tremendously fun, gory, and hilarious horror story that wears its love of '80s horror on its sleeve. Patrick Lacey wastes not a single word on needless padding, instead blending his world and character building with blood, action, and humor to keep a relentless pace.
In other words, I loved it! If you are a horror fan, you owe it to yourself to have a copy of BONE SAW in your library.
March 28, 2019
Wow, is this review way overdue. I won't go into how messed up March has been for me and my TBR, since I've been whining about it on social media for a while now. But I think I'm getting my mojo back.
Earlier this year I had the opportunity to read an ARC of Lacey's new one WHERE STARS WON'T SHINE, and I loved it. So you can imagine that I was pretty excited to buddy read this one with my pal Emily @book.happy.
I was immediately drawn in to this one by the title and cover, but the blurb was just as alluring. Clive Sherman, director and founder of Bone Saw Studios is famous for his B-Horror Movie franchise staring the Pigfoot. (Pigfoot alone was enough to draw me in further. I mean come on, a monster named Pigfoot?) Liam Carpenter, the sadsack protagonist of this tale, learns that Clive is currently in his hometown to film his latest Pigfoot movie, and Liam is probably Clive's biggest fan. Liam sees Clive being in town as the opportunity of a lifetime. Living over his aunt's garage and pining after his ex, he usually spends his days working at a video store and penning his first script for his own horror movie. Things couldn't get much worse for Liam, or so he thought. But Clive isn't in town to make just any movie. He has a real pig-human hybrid now, and this time the screams are real.
This one is a lot of fun. I will say that Lacey does throw a lot of characters at the reader in the opening chapters, but once the action picks up and you figure out how each person fits into the story it's no longer an issue. And there are definitely some interesting characters in this one. A PI with an cough syrup addiction who can see his dead mother, and a mysterious dreadlocked beauty who seems to have an agenda and a crush on Liam, make the story even more intriguing. This book is a romp through blood and guts galore, and it's the kind of horror that you can blaze through and just enjoy for the carnage. I have a feeling anyone who picks up a book called BONE SAW pretty much knows what they are in for anyway.
Earlier this year I had the opportunity to read an ARC of Lacey's new one WHERE STARS WON'T SHINE, and I loved it. So you can imagine that I was pretty excited to buddy read this one with my pal Emily @book.happy.
I was immediately drawn in to this one by the title and cover, but the blurb was just as alluring. Clive Sherman, director and founder of Bone Saw Studios is famous for his B-Horror Movie franchise staring the Pigfoot. (Pigfoot alone was enough to draw me in further. I mean come on, a monster named Pigfoot?) Liam Carpenter, the sadsack protagonist of this tale, learns that Clive is currently in his hometown to film his latest Pigfoot movie, and Liam is probably Clive's biggest fan. Liam sees Clive being in town as the opportunity of a lifetime. Living over his aunt's garage and pining after his ex, he usually spends his days working at a video store and penning his first script for his own horror movie. Things couldn't get much worse for Liam, or so he thought. But Clive isn't in town to make just any movie. He has a real pig-human hybrid now, and this time the screams are real.
This one is a lot of fun. I will say that Lacey does throw a lot of characters at the reader in the opening chapters, but once the action picks up and you figure out how each person fits into the story it's no longer an issue. And there are definitely some interesting characters in this one. A PI with an cough syrup addiction who can see his dead mother, and a mysterious dreadlocked beauty who seems to have an agenda and a crush on Liam, make the story even more intriguing. This book is a romp through blood and guts galore, and it's the kind of horror that you can blaze through and just enjoy for the carnage. I have a feeling anyone who picks up a book called BONE SAW pretty much knows what they are in for anyway.
May 2, 2018
Liam is a horror movie aficionado, particularly of those titles from Bone Saw Studios and director Clive Sherman. Liam is also a bit of a down-on-his-luck loser - a film student dropout pining over his ex-girlfriend, recently fired from his job as a video store clerk, and bullied by his pot-dealing best friend's girlfriend. His luck may be on the upswing though after meeting the pierced and dreadlocked beauty, Michelle, waiting tables at the local diner and learning that his Hollywood idol, Clive, is directing a new film in town. Yep, things are looking up...except...How does Clive get those special effects to look so real? And what's up with that giant, insane pigman creature roaming around Bass Falls killing and eating people?
If you follow Patrick Lacey on social media, you'll know immediately this dude is a horror fan. His affectation for the genre bleeds through Bone Saw, and this story is a pulpy work of 1980s-styled, B-grade, gorehound fun. The story of Pigfoot, in both his cinematic and present-day Bass Falls murdering machine incarnation, is entertaining and properly gory. Lacey sets the stage, as it were, right in Bone Saw's opening chapter, and keeps the pace smooth and steady the rest of the way through. He sprightly maneuvers his way through various points of view, letting us spend plenty of time with Liam, Clive, Michelle, and Briggs, a private eye working on tracking down Michelle while perpetually chugging down Robitussin, as well as plenty of Pigfoot kills. Lots and lots of Pigfoot kills.
Given Bone Saw's story of a horror movie turned real, there's a particular focus on gore. Lacey wracks up quite a bloody body count in this one, and the last half of the book generates some grand, large scale moments of mayhem fit for the big-screen. With all the bodies getting chomped on and ripped apart, the chaos descending upon Bass Falls certainly helps redefine the term tourist trap. The good news is, Amity Island should be seeing a resurgence in out of town visitors after all this is over...
Bone Saw is not high-brow horror, nor is it an overly serious work intent on studying the state of mankind through the reflective mirror of themes and social commentary. Nor need it; after all, aren't we all, to some degree or another, a Pigfoot of our making? What Bone Saw is, however, is a tremendous amount of gory, splattery fun, and Liam and Michelle, and their burgeoning romance amidst all the carnage, as well as Lacey's own infectious enthusiasm for horror as filtered through Liam, give the book an extra bit of charm. Lacey's latest arrives just in time for beach-reading season, perfectly timed for you chill out with, maybe in a small-town coastal tourist trap, with a cooler full of icy beers beside you.
[Note: I received an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, Perpetual Motion Machine Publishing.]
If you follow Patrick Lacey on social media, you'll know immediately this dude is a horror fan. His affectation for the genre bleeds through Bone Saw, and this story is a pulpy work of 1980s-styled, B-grade, gorehound fun. The story of Pigfoot, in both his cinematic and present-day Bass Falls murdering machine incarnation, is entertaining and properly gory. Lacey sets the stage, as it were, right in Bone Saw's opening chapter, and keeps the pace smooth and steady the rest of the way through. He sprightly maneuvers his way through various points of view, letting us spend plenty of time with Liam, Clive, Michelle, and Briggs, a private eye working on tracking down Michelle while perpetually chugging down Robitussin, as well as plenty of Pigfoot kills. Lots and lots of Pigfoot kills.
Given Bone Saw's story of a horror movie turned real, there's a particular focus on gore. Lacey wracks up quite a bloody body count in this one, and the last half of the book generates some grand, large scale moments of mayhem fit for the big-screen. With all the bodies getting chomped on and ripped apart, the chaos descending upon Bass Falls certainly helps redefine the term tourist trap. The good news is, Amity Island should be seeing a resurgence in out of town visitors after all this is over...
Bone Saw is not high-brow horror, nor is it an overly serious work intent on studying the state of mankind through the reflective mirror of themes and social commentary. Nor need it; after all, aren't we all, to some degree or another, a Pigfoot of our making? What Bone Saw is, however, is a tremendous amount of gory, splattery fun, and Liam and Michelle, and their burgeoning romance amidst all the carnage, as well as Lacey's own infectious enthusiasm for horror as filtered through Liam, give the book an extra bit of charm. Lacey's latest arrives just in time for beach-reading season, perfectly timed for you chill out with, maybe in a small-town coastal tourist trap, with a cooler full of icy beers beside you.
[Note: I received an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, Perpetual Motion Machine Publishing.]
March 28, 2019
"It was madness, a nightmare, a break with reality."
Patrick Lacey's books always have the most entertaining plots, and this is another fun slasher story. Bone Saw is about a guy who is obsessed with the Pigman movies, and then the Pigman franchise people show up to make a movie in his town.
While Bone Saw had an enjoyable storyline, I had trouble connecting with it as a whole. The story has an odd and fascinating opening, and then it sort of loses steam for a while. I didn't really care about any of the characters (which isn't always necessary, but I liked the characters in Patrick's newest book). If this makes sense, I think I ended up enjoying the idea of this book much more than the book itself. I feel like it was missing something that made it stand out from other slasher books.
I do want to say that the cover of this book is so badass, and I was immediately drawn to it. Patrick Lacey's books always have the best covers. If you are looking for entertaining horror stories that are gruesome and humorous, pick up his books!
Patrick Lacey's books always have the most entertaining plots, and this is another fun slasher story. Bone Saw is about a guy who is obsessed with the Pigman movies, and then the Pigman franchise people show up to make a movie in his town.
While Bone Saw had an enjoyable storyline, I had trouble connecting with it as a whole. The story has an odd and fascinating opening, and then it sort of loses steam for a while. I didn't really care about any of the characters (which isn't always necessary, but I liked the characters in Patrick's newest book). If this makes sense, I think I ended up enjoying the idea of this book much more than the book itself. I feel like it was missing something that made it stand out from other slasher books.
I do want to say that the cover of this book is so badass, and I was immediately drawn to it. Patrick Lacey's books always have the best covers. If you are looking for entertaining horror stories that are gruesome and humorous, pick up his books!
October 14, 2018
All hail the Pigfoot!
I was immediately drawn to this book the second I saw the cover art and read the title. I thought it was going to be rad and I was right! This is an all-out fun to the max horror fest that hits all the right notes for me. I love the small town setting, the monsters, the oddball characters -especially the private detective- and the strange romance. I also enjoyed the exploration of the themes of friends growing up and growing apart, personal ambitions and their meaning in our lives, and what makes a true family.
My only gripe with this book is that it ended and there aren't at least four or seventeen sequels so that I can stay in Bass Falls for maybe ever. Sigh... Now it's up to Patrick Lacey and Max Booth III to make a Pigfoot movie, or, at least a t-shirt. I would so wear that shit. I'd wear it, like, so hard.
If you like having fun, I recommend this book, like, totally.
PS - Please make a Pigfoot movie. PLLLEEEEAAAAASSSSEEEE!!!
I was immediately drawn to this book the second I saw the cover art and read the title. I thought it was going to be rad and I was right! This is an all-out fun to the max horror fest that hits all the right notes for me. I love the small town setting, the monsters, the oddball characters -especially the private detective- and the strange romance. I also enjoyed the exploration of the themes of friends growing up and growing apart, personal ambitions and their meaning in our lives, and what makes a true family.
My only gripe with this book is that it ended and there aren't at least four or seventeen sequels so that I can stay in Bass Falls for maybe ever. Sigh... Now it's up to Patrick Lacey and Max Booth III to make a Pigfoot movie, or, at least a t-shirt. I would so wear that shit. I'd wear it, like, so hard.
If you like having fun, I recommend this book, like, totally.
PS - Please make a Pigfoot movie. PLLLEEEEAAAAASSSSEEEE!!!
July 12, 2022
Do you ever read a book you think was written just for you? Every page bleeding with things you are obsessed with, callouts that make you so excited, and a story that you just can't devour quick enough? Well, if you know me, then you should say hello to Bone Saw by Patrick Lacey. It is a love letter to 80s B-movie horror and there's a video rental store some movie meta magic and there's fun characters and a small town and this hideously scary (but in my mind cute like a ghoulie or krite) thing called Pigfoot. I can't even. I loved this book SO much. It was a great length for binging and keeping me engrossed. It was a page-turner of explosive fun, great gore, and some hilarious convos. I wanna party with Pigfoot.
November 12, 2018
Making movies is a cutthroat business. Oftentimes people do very underhanded things in order to achieve their success. Even if it means having people die in the process.
Using a movie as a smokescreen for having a monster murder as they film it is certainly original and really has a new perspective on the genre. This was cool do go in the different characters’ plots and to see them woven together for a much greater plot made for a nice read
Using a movie as a smokescreen for having a monster murder as they film it is certainly original and really has a new perspective on the genre. This was cool do go in the different characters’ plots and to see them woven together for a much greater plot made for a nice read
September 12, 2018
What happens when you throw a dodgy film director, a good-hearted kid with a love for old-school horror movies, a badass chick with Daddy issues, a haunted private eye and a homicidal pig-monster into an isolated town? Well, aside from the obvious insanity and gore, you get a rollicking good read, that’s what.
Patrick Lacey’s latest novel Bone Saw bursts out of the blocks with the speed of a rampaging B-movie monster and doesn’t let up. The novel’s protagonist, Liam Carpenter, isn’t exactly enjoying life. His girlfriend has left him for the bright lights of fame and fortune in the big city, his best mate is dating a real bitch, and he’s soon to be out of work. The only thing left for him to do is pack another cone and re-watch some of his favourite Bone Saw movies. And that’s exactly what he’s doing when the novel sets the tone early with a clever orientation that introduces the monster and gives readers some insight into Liam’s life.
From here, Lacey gets to work introducing the players inhabiting his stage. I’m not going to go through them in detail and list all their quirks and foibles – Lacey does a fine job of that – but it’s fair to say, this cast of characters definitely sets the stage for his plot to maul, dismember and mutilate its way through the town of Bass Falls.
One of the things I really love about this novel is the Pigfoot. Lacey knows his monster is the showpiece of his tightly plotted and rapidly paced novel. Not only does he show it to us straight away – something I’ve always loved in a good horror – he uses it to great effect. Pretty much every time the monster is on the page it just oozes violence and carnage in a way that’s so hostile you’re expecting it to tear through anything it faces – and it usually does.
‘The Pigfoot grunted and spat something slimy onto the ground. There were no zippers of any kind along its dirt-covered body. It wasn’t a guy in a costume, no matter how badly Liam wanted to believe it. It was real and it was coming to eat them.’
As the Pigfoot tears through town and the novel approaches its blood-drenched climax, you really have to appreciate some of the unexpected surprises Lacey throws in. With this novel, he’s absolutely nailed the cathartic blend of over-the-top silliness and blood-spattered violence that makes so many old-school creature features bloody solid entertainment. This novel is fun to read, and it seems to me that Lacey had fun writing it.
I read most of this on the lounge in a shopping centre while the wife shopped. More than once, she considered calling it quits and heading home so that I didn’t have to be bored. I convinced her to shop all day just so I could finish it. A real page-turner, I didn’t want to put it down, and the novel’s slick narrative and rapid-fire chapters just encouraged me to rip through it.
As I said before, a wildly entertaining and thrilling read with tonnes of gore, a few surprises, and a climax that’d be right at home on the big screen.
Good stuff.
I give it five out of five.
December 7, 2018
BONE SAW is a must for the slasher film aficionado, as well as the fan of tight, propulsive storytelling. Goes right next to WE CAME BACK in my list of of Lacey favorites.
May 7, 2018
I happened to get an email from Patrick Lacey asking if I was interested in reading and reviewing his book, Bone Saw, by providing the ARC (Advance Review Copy). I admit I often skip through that because I wanted to enjoy reading the books without a deadline. Upon reading the blurb of the Bone Saw, it intrigued me enough to accept the ARC book. I enjoyed horror stories.
After receiving the ARC book, I did a bit of research to see when it will be released and saw that it releases on May 15th. That gave me plenty of time to read and get it reviewed before the book gets released. Nevertheless, new author and the blurb got me convinced. I'm glad I decided to accept the request because the book was a fun read. It was filled with a common "splatter" horror style. I used the neat flow chart: https://news.avclub.com/horror-genres-and-sub-genres-arranged-in-convenient-fl-1798284402
So, yes, in my opinion, it is categorized under Gore & Disturbing. The blurb clearly stated it. It has been a while since I have read that type of book and Bone Saw was a good one. Blurb is--
Liam Carpenter spends most of his time above his aunt’s garage, watching obscure horror movies and drinking cheap beer. But this week’s different. This week, things are getting weird. First, there’s his favorite director, Clive Sherman, showing up in town unannounced. Then there’s the string of murders that all seem like something out of Clive’s popular Pigfoot movie monster franchise. Throw in Liam’s mysterious new crush and the cough-syrup-addicted private investigator chasing her down and you might gain somewhat of a clue of what’s going on in Bass Falls lately.
And don’t even get him started on she-demons and blood sacrifices. Bone Saw studios is in town and they’re bringing you the bloodiest sequel featuring a pig-human hybrid killing machine you’ve ever seen.
The blurb above was an excellent introduction to what you would expect when you're reading the book. Liam was an interesting character. He did have a bad life after losing his ex-girlfriend, but meeting his all-time favorite director had to be the best highlight of his life. It was not easy for me to describe the book without spoil anything but picture this: you have been transported to your favorite movie, which involves a "pig-human hybrid killing machine". That was where Liam had to find a way to survive. That was my very brief summarized of what the book is about.
The character developmental wasn't that bad. I didn't immediately get connected to any characters in the novel. It took me a while to warm up to Liam. It was the same with Liam's crush. Although, I did find myself enjoying reading about the cough-syrup-addicted private investigator because his problem was really interesting.
The town description was an okay at best. I wished the author invested more time in describing what the haunted house looked like. It sounded really creepy when I get a brief glimpse of the house. I wanted more.
The plot, I thought, was well done. I was able to understand Pigfoot movie background to be able to enjoy the horror scenes.
Overall, the book was intended to be a fun read or at least that was the vibe I felt when I read it. It had plenty of gore scenes. A bit of romance. Plenty of action. I give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars, rounding up to 4 stars. I most certainly will be checking out more of Patrick's work. I see that he had already published several books before Bone Saw, which is an opportunity for me to read more.
If you're a fan of a story that involved a lot of gore and murder, then it is definitely right up your alley.
I was given this book through Advance Review Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
After receiving the ARC book, I did a bit of research to see when it will be released and saw that it releases on May 15th. That gave me plenty of time to read and get it reviewed before the book gets released. Nevertheless, new author and the blurb got me convinced. I'm glad I decided to accept the request because the book was a fun read. It was filled with a common "splatter" horror style. I used the neat flow chart: https://news.avclub.com/horror-genres-and-sub-genres-arranged-in-convenient-fl-1798284402
So, yes, in my opinion, it is categorized under Gore & Disturbing. The blurb clearly stated it. It has been a while since I have read that type of book and Bone Saw was a good one. Blurb is--
Liam Carpenter spends most of his time above his aunt’s garage, watching obscure horror movies and drinking cheap beer. But this week’s different. This week, things are getting weird. First, there’s his favorite director, Clive Sherman, showing up in town unannounced. Then there’s the string of murders that all seem like something out of Clive’s popular Pigfoot movie monster franchise. Throw in Liam’s mysterious new crush and the cough-syrup-addicted private investigator chasing her down and you might gain somewhat of a clue of what’s going on in Bass Falls lately.
And don’t even get him started on she-demons and blood sacrifices. Bone Saw studios is in town and they’re bringing you the bloodiest sequel featuring a pig-human hybrid killing machine you’ve ever seen.
The blurb above was an excellent introduction to what you would expect when you're reading the book. Liam was an interesting character. He did have a bad life after losing his ex-girlfriend, but meeting his all-time favorite director had to be the best highlight of his life. It was not easy for me to describe the book without spoil anything but picture this: you have been transported to your favorite movie, which involves a "pig-human hybrid killing machine". That was where Liam had to find a way to survive. That was my very brief summarized of what the book is about.
The character developmental wasn't that bad. I didn't immediately get connected to any characters in the novel. It took me a while to warm up to Liam. It was the same with Liam's crush. Although, I did find myself enjoying reading about the cough-syrup-addicted private investigator because his problem was really interesting.
The town description was an okay at best. I wished the author invested more time in describing what the haunted house looked like. It sounded really creepy when I get a brief glimpse of the house. I wanted more.
The plot, I thought, was well done. I was able to understand Pigfoot movie background to be able to enjoy the horror scenes.
Overall, the book was intended to be a fun read or at least that was the vibe I felt when I read it. It had plenty of gore scenes. A bit of romance. Plenty of action. I give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars, rounding up to 4 stars. I most certainly will be checking out more of Patrick's work. I see that he had already published several books before Bone Saw, which is an opportunity for me to read more.
If you're a fan of a story that involved a lot of gore and murder, then it is definitely right up your alley.
I was given this book through Advance Review Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 5, 2018
Let's begin this review by saying this: if you're a horror fan and you haven't read Patrick Lacey yet, you're missing out.
You're missing out in the sorest way I can possibly imagine. His books are literary love letters to the genre I love, particularly the films of Craven, Henenlotter, and well... basically pick your favorite 80s horror film director as Lacey's probably winking at him.
There's this comfort food-like quality to his writing, that is familiar and warm, with some occasionally dark matter to keep it riveting... It keeps me coming back time and time again. It's like renting an old VHS tape, in a big lurid box, but dashed with a modernized, knowing flair that makes it an undeniable Patrick Lacey book.
Noone quite touches the old school horror fan in me like the guy. What else can I say? Read the guy immediately.
This here, Bone Saw, is his latest book, out now by Perpetual Motion Machine Publishing, a publisher I hadn't read anything by, but have heard nothing but good things about. For good reason, too...this is a beautiful looking book that completely embodies the vibe the book is going for.
Bone Saw follows a guy, by the name of Liam, much like a many horror fan I have met, and frankly, have been. He works a dead end job, swoons over a girl who is never coming back, and daydreams of becoming a filmmaker, while living a tiny apartment, that he probably only nabbed because it belongs to his aunt.
His absolute favorite studio, Bone Saw Studios, and its proprietor, Clive Sherman, have inexplicably come to his snoozy little town, Bass Falls, to shoot the final film of his favorite franchise, PigFoot.
Liam's stoked! But not for long, because Clive Sherman is a total weiner, hell-bent on murder and destruction, with the aid of a mysteriously sexy and ghastly Spectre of a woman. Not to mention, the PigFoot is real. And he's really crushing skulls, eating innards and straight up ruining everything in his path.
To make matters worse, Liam's new love interest, Maura, is somehow tied to the whole thing and there's a private investigator haunted by his Munchausen-Mothers ghost and addicted to cough syrup!
This thing is wild. It's insane. It's bat-shit bananas. And it's the most fun you can have reading that I can think of. It's a fast moving gorefest, with a loving heart beating full of the blood of horror fans everywhere.
If you're into horror, you've totally hung out with Liam. Clive Sherman is a dead ringer for Charlie Band or Fred Olen Ray. PigFoot is the franchise villain you've never met, who howls Victor Crowley, Cropsy and Bigfoot mashed together. The exact monster I kept seeing when my imagination mustered up the PigFoot, was that from Roger Corman's 80s blast, The Terror Within.
I've met Maura, and all of Liam's stoner buddies...it's the relatable nature of Lacey's characters, who are oh-so-close to my home, they feel like the people I take shots with on a Saturday night at the local punk-dump bar, that tie some reality into the far-out fantastical basis of the book.
I'm going say that Bone Saw is the book where Patrick Lacey has mastered his voice as an author, drawing on the formulas of his previous books, We Came Back and Dream Woods, and tuning it to a fine science.
I loved every second of this thing and highly recommend it to the fans of fast-moving, nod-to-the-masters of the horror genre.
I can't say this enough...READ. PATRICK. LACEY. NOW.
And say hi to him, cuz he's a real nice dude, who gladly accepts when a reader like me fanboys out.
A no questions asked 5/5, and definitely a top read of 2018 for me.
Grab a copy immediately, right here.
originally posted on my blog at http://UndivineInterventions.blogspot...
You're missing out in the sorest way I can possibly imagine. His books are literary love letters to the genre I love, particularly the films of Craven, Henenlotter, and well... basically pick your favorite 80s horror film director as Lacey's probably winking at him.
There's this comfort food-like quality to his writing, that is familiar and warm, with some occasionally dark matter to keep it riveting... It keeps me coming back time and time again. It's like renting an old VHS tape, in a big lurid box, but dashed with a modernized, knowing flair that makes it an undeniable Patrick Lacey book.
Noone quite touches the old school horror fan in me like the guy. What else can I say? Read the guy immediately.
This here, Bone Saw, is his latest book, out now by Perpetual Motion Machine Publishing, a publisher I hadn't read anything by, but have heard nothing but good things about. For good reason, too...this is a beautiful looking book that completely embodies the vibe the book is going for.
Bone Saw follows a guy, by the name of Liam, much like a many horror fan I have met, and frankly, have been. He works a dead end job, swoons over a girl who is never coming back, and daydreams of becoming a filmmaker, while living a tiny apartment, that he probably only nabbed because it belongs to his aunt.
His absolute favorite studio, Bone Saw Studios, and its proprietor, Clive Sherman, have inexplicably come to his snoozy little town, Bass Falls, to shoot the final film of his favorite franchise, PigFoot.
Liam's stoked! But not for long, because Clive Sherman is a total weiner, hell-bent on murder and destruction, with the aid of a mysteriously sexy and ghastly Spectre of a woman. Not to mention, the PigFoot is real. And he's really crushing skulls, eating innards and straight up ruining everything in his path.
To make matters worse, Liam's new love interest, Maura, is somehow tied to the whole thing and there's a private investigator haunted by his Munchausen-Mothers ghost and addicted to cough syrup!
This thing is wild. It's insane. It's bat-shit bananas. And it's the most fun you can have reading that I can think of. It's a fast moving gorefest, with a loving heart beating full of the blood of horror fans everywhere.
If you're into horror, you've totally hung out with Liam. Clive Sherman is a dead ringer for Charlie Band or Fred Olen Ray. PigFoot is the franchise villain you've never met, who howls Victor Crowley, Cropsy and Bigfoot mashed together. The exact monster I kept seeing when my imagination mustered up the PigFoot, was that from Roger Corman's 80s blast, The Terror Within.
I've met Maura, and all of Liam's stoner buddies...it's the relatable nature of Lacey's characters, who are oh-so-close to my home, they feel like the people I take shots with on a Saturday night at the local punk-dump bar, that tie some reality into the far-out fantastical basis of the book.
I'm going say that Bone Saw is the book where Patrick Lacey has mastered his voice as an author, drawing on the formulas of his previous books, We Came Back and Dream Woods, and tuning it to a fine science.
I loved every second of this thing and highly recommend it to the fans of fast-moving, nod-to-the-masters of the horror genre.
I can't say this enough...READ. PATRICK. LACEY. NOW.
And say hi to him, cuz he's a real nice dude, who gladly accepts when a reader like me fanboys out.
A no questions asked 5/5, and definitely a top read of 2018 for me.
Grab a copy immediately, right here.
originally posted on my blog at http://UndivineInterventions.blogspot...
June 13, 2018
Having first viewed Nightmare on Elm Street when he was five years old, it is clear to see where the love for horror began for Patrick Lacey. It is a love that was nurtured through reading every horror book he could lay his hands on, from R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series to Stephen King, before discovering splatterpunk authors like Laymon, Ketchum and Skipp among others. The influence of splatterpunk on his own work, from his numerous short stories and novellas to his two previous novels (Dream Woods, 2016, and We Came Back, 2017, both from Sinister Grin Press). For fans of the style and fans of Lacey’s other work, you’ll be happy to hear he continues to deliver the gore, as well as a great story, in his latest novel.
There isn’t too much mystery in a story like this; Lacey lays it all out for the reader to see and enjoy. It is clear from early on who the antagonist is and who is perpetrating the horrible murders around Bass Falls, even if the ultimate goal is kept under wraps, more or less, until the books finale. The main positives of the book are the interaction between the characters, a likeable and relatable protagonist, and, for fans of gory death scenes, Lacey’s splatterpunk style shines through in every bloody scene. The private investigator offers a great deal of laughs while dealing with the imposing figure of his mother. And the pacing is handled well, making this a fast and entertaining read that delivers 80s style pulpy action horror by the bucket-load.
To read the full review, please visit This Is Horror.
There isn’t too much mystery in a story like this; Lacey lays it all out for the reader to see and enjoy. It is clear from early on who the antagonist is and who is perpetrating the horrible murders around Bass Falls, even if the ultimate goal is kept under wraps, more or less, until the books finale. The main positives of the book are the interaction between the characters, a likeable and relatable protagonist, and, for fans of gory death scenes, Lacey’s splatterpunk style shines through in every bloody scene. The private investigator offers a great deal of laughs while dealing with the imposing figure of his mother. And the pacing is handled well, making this a fast and entertaining read that delivers 80s style pulpy action horror by the bucket-load.
To read the full review, please visit This Is Horror.
April 30, 2018
Blood,guts, and some black comedy- Bone Saw has all of it. The pig-hybrid is a joy of cryptozoology.
Read this book. It's trippy!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and chose to review it.
Read this book. It's trippy!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and chose to review it.
June 14, 2025
Overall, a fun quick read. Loved the gore and details. Just enough character development to muck up who was safe and who was not.
July 11, 2023
Liam's favorite director is in town; how exciting! His Pigfoot franchise is Liam's favorite. Except, he brought something with him... a monster. And it's not a fake movie monster, this thing is somehow, someway, real. And it turns out those horror movies he makes? They're more like snuff films. Liam soon meets the new girl in town, who happens to be the directors daughter. She heard he was here filming a new movie, and she's here to not only take her own personal revenge, but stop him from ever hurting anyone else again.
November 4, 2022
Fun slasher story that feels more like a movie than a book!
November 12, 2018
This was an enjoyable slice of nostalgic horror. I've enjoyed several of Lacey's works before and I was pleased to see the trend continued with his new release. There's less gore than in some of his previous releases, but that's not really an issue as the overall story is engaging enough to keep the pages turning. If you are a major horror fan, you'll probably see a bit of yourself in the protagonist. Criticisms? I felt the ending came a bit too rapidly and one of the characters / sideplots didn't feel all that necessary to the main story. However, those did little to keep me from enjoying the tale. (also the cover design is awesome. Big props to Lori Michelle for the design) Buy it!
April 14, 2019
I really enjoy Patrick Lacey’s books. I’ve read three and each one was very, very good. Bone Saw was a fun ride that really moved quickly. Lacey never wastes time with unnecessary scenes, instead he keeps the book moving forward with each chapter. Much like Adam Cesare, Lacey creates likable, flawed characters that are easy to root for.
October 20, 2021
There was no reason that Liam had to be in this book at all. I think Maura should have been the main character and cut out some of the extra steps. I also preferred her story to anything that came from Liam.
It’s not particularly well written. Liam would get eaten alive on film Twitter and that’s honestly all I want to see.
It’s not particularly well written. Liam would get eaten alive on film Twitter and that’s honestly all I want to see.
May 20, 2024
This book reminds me of a B grade horror movie. It was a little slow to begin with but got a little faster paced around the middle, making it a more enjoyable book.
The book is a little graphic describing how someone is eaten by the character 'Pigfoot' but if you're used to watching horror movies; it's nothing too graphic.
The ending was a little disappointing but I did enjoy reading the book
The book is a little graphic describing how someone is eaten by the character 'Pigfoot' but if you're used to watching horror movies; it's nothing too graphic.
The ending was a little disappointing but I did enjoy reading the book
April 25, 2020
Pigfoot Lives!!!
Bone Saw is a monster movie about a monster movie. Clive Sherman has his infamous creature Pigfoot brought to life by a rather witchy woman. A live action horror movie ensues with great violence. This was a fun read!!!
Bone Saw is a monster movie about a monster movie. Clive Sherman has his infamous creature Pigfoot brought to life by a rather witchy woman. A live action horror movie ensues with great violence. This was a fun read!!!
May 10, 2022
My neighborhood indie bookstore threw this one as a freebie when I bought a stack of horror... and I am so glad they did! What a fun, beastly, treat.
If you love horror movies, you must read this.
If you love horror movies, you must read this.
June 7, 2025
I love this book - fun slasher vibe all the way around with great characters and scenes. Will definitely be reading more from this author and publishing house.
November 24, 2022
Incredibly fun and well-written slasher. Felt like reading a horror movie. If you like Adam Cesare’s writing style, this one is for you! Pigfoot rocks!
May 15, 2018
Bone Saw is the latest novel by Patrick Lacey and it is one worth reading. This is a short novel but it packs in plenty of action and gore. I feel the characters were well developed and felt realistic to me. The pace starts out slow but speeds up throughout the book. There is plenty of action and very cool monsters. I read through this book quickly and had much fun. Overall this is a fast paced creature feature that delivers the goods. This book is highly recommended.
January 18, 2019
The Friday the 13th films were set in Connecticut so slashers count as a New England thing, right? Enough for my purposes at least.
Regardless, Bone Saw is a fun pulp horror novel with rubbery monsters and buckets of blood, hitting all the grisly notes you'd expect from the straight-to-video splatter flicks that set its plot into motion. There's a sense of odd levity to the whole thing, and it plays a bit with metafiction without diving in whole-hog and losing itself among self-referential winks and elbows. If this were a movie it would have absolutely shown up on Joe Bob Briggs' Monstervision at some point.
Regardless, Bone Saw is a fun pulp horror novel with rubbery monsters and buckets of blood, hitting all the grisly notes you'd expect from the straight-to-video splatter flicks that set its plot into motion. There's a sense of odd levity to the whole thing, and it plays a bit with metafiction without diving in whole-hog and losing itself among self-referential winks and elbows. If this were a movie it would have absolutely shown up on Joe Bob Briggs' Monstervision at some point.
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