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Bordertown
It was a family vacation for David, Molly, and Kirsten. Things were going well until they hit the traffic jam. They decided to call it a night, rest up and hit the highway again in the morning.But they ended up in Bordertown, a tourist attraction-its own little community-kept in line by Sheriff Warden.What awaits them during the night will test their perserverance. Their belief in what exists. Their will to survive.They must overcome, fight, and do whatever they need to do, to escape Bordertown.
- GenresHorror
124 pages, Paperback
Published July 3, 2018
5 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 13, 2020
That's it...I have read so many of these stop-in-the-middle-of-nowhere-and-get-violated-by-hicks stories, I've come to this simple decision:
Next time I travel anywhere out of state, I will take the following letter with me;
Dear sir/madam,
I do not make any assumptions about you or your place of residence, but I would rather play it safe, so please know the following about me.
1. I have a very rare muscle disorder with a name nobody can pronounce, but sounds almost like mghhwanoffatosis. If any part of me is eaten, the consumers dick will most probably fall off while organs will shrivel, dry and ultimately be evacuated either anally or orally. Either way, the whole process is said to be very painful and gross.
2. I don't have much money, but I do have a lot of debt. So much, in fact, that I have a tracker implanted inside me which will send a distress signal and pinpoint exactly where I am when my heart stops beating. These people will dispatch a very skilled person - who will make Liam Neeson look like a poodle - who will track down the people who interfered with their investment. And they don't believe in subtlety or mercy.
3. Ever since taking some meditation classes, I have been able to practice strengthening all my sphincter muscles. During my last prostate exam, we discovered, when violated, my sphincter has the ability to break the bones in a human finger in two places. In fact, that particular doctor took out a restraining order just in case I wanted to make an appointment again.
4. I'm one of those people who have a very open mind about the differences with people. Again, I am not making any assumptions here, but I have never thought of anybody as an inbred redneck. No, I think of it more along the lines of people who have limited choices just doing what comes naturally. In fact, I'm so open minded about these things, if it was legal in my state, I'd have a bumper sticker that said:
INCEST'S THE BEST, PUT YOUR FAMILY TO THE TEST.
5. I respect all religions, regardless of deity, and I will never disrespect others with different beliefs. However, if it is something you feel strongly about, I would make a terrible sacrifice. I'm neither good enough to be considered pure or bad enough to be considered a lost soul. Also, I'm so introverted, I wouldn't make good company for anybody, wherever my soul may go.
6. Finally, if all of the above doesn't make a case for letting me be, I can only ask you this:
Do whatever you want with the girl, just don't hurt me!
--------------------------------------------
First, this letter is tongue in cheek, so please don't take it personally or be offended by it.
Second, I liked this story a lot, even though nobody got anally probed or eaten, but I guess you can't have it all, huh?
Recommended to those who are into these stories.
Next time I travel anywhere out of state, I will take the following letter with me;
Dear sir/madam,
I do not make any assumptions about you or your place of residence, but I would rather play it safe, so please know the following about me.
1. I have a very rare muscle disorder with a name nobody can pronounce, but sounds almost like mghhwanoffatosis. If any part of me is eaten, the consumers dick will most probably fall off while organs will shrivel, dry and ultimately be evacuated either anally or orally. Either way, the whole process is said to be very painful and gross.
2. I don't have much money, but I do have a lot of debt. So much, in fact, that I have a tracker implanted inside me which will send a distress signal and pinpoint exactly where I am when my heart stops beating. These people will dispatch a very skilled person - who will make Liam Neeson look like a poodle - who will track down the people who interfered with their investment. And they don't believe in subtlety or mercy.
3. Ever since taking some meditation classes, I have been able to practice strengthening all my sphincter muscles. During my last prostate exam, we discovered, when violated, my sphincter has the ability to break the bones in a human finger in two places. In fact, that particular doctor took out a restraining order just in case I wanted to make an appointment again.
4. I'm one of those people who have a very open mind about the differences with people. Again, I am not making any assumptions here, but I have never thought of anybody as an inbred redneck. No, I think of it more along the lines of people who have limited choices just doing what comes naturally. In fact, I'm so open minded about these things, if it was legal in my state, I'd have a bumper sticker that said:
INCEST'S THE BEST, PUT YOUR FAMILY TO THE TEST.
5. I respect all religions, regardless of deity, and I will never disrespect others with different beliefs. However, if it is something you feel strongly about, I would make a terrible sacrifice. I'm neither good enough to be considered pure or bad enough to be considered a lost soul. Also, I'm so introverted, I wouldn't make good company for anybody, wherever my soul may go.
6. Finally, if all of the above doesn't make a case for letting me be, I can only ask you this:
Do whatever you want with the girl, just don't hurt me!
--------------------------------------------
First, this letter is tongue in cheek, so please don't take it personally or be offended by it.
Second, I liked this story a lot, even though nobody got anally probed or eaten, but I guess you can't have it all, huh?
Recommended to those who are into these stories.
September 30, 2018
You could die, and no one would ever know what happened to you.
This is the best Bentley Laymon story ever! I mean that with utmost respect. Quality little novel with the right amount of grue.
This is the best Bentley Laymon story ever! I mean that with utmost respect. Quality little novel with the right amount of grue.
April 16, 2019
It's a familiar trope; getting off the planned route and horror ensues.
In the case of Robert Ford's Bordertown, it's a huge back-up on I-95 which causes a family trip to Disney World to be detoured. The same goes for the newlyweds Tristan and Margo, on their way to Miami. And Hellbent Brotherhood cyclist, simply known as Crawfish also needs a place to stay.
They are all attracted by the neon signs for Bordertown. One could call this place a tourist trap, but one would have to put the emphasis decidedly on the word "trap."
The characters to watch out for are MABEL, at least that's the name she wears on her shirt, and self-proclaimed Sheriff Walden. He's certifiably cray-cray, and she ain't far behind.
This little novella was a lot of fun. It's Bob Ford doing what he does best. Here, he's in full-on storytelling mode as the words just flow from the page, along with buckets of blood.
So, having said all these nice things, why only three stars? Too many errors, which should have been caught during proofreading. So its five stars for the story and one star for proofreading Averages out to three stars.
Recommended? Sure, if you can look past the numerous errors.
Bordertown is available in both paperback and for the Kindle. If you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited you can read it at no additional charge. Also, if you are an Amazon Prime member you can read it for FREE using the Kindle Owners Lending Library.
From the Author's bios - Robert Ford has published the novels, The Compound, No Lipstick in Avalon, Rattlesnake Kisses (with Jon Boden), A Penny for Your Thoughts (with Matt Hayward), and the novellas, Ring of Fire, The Last Firefly of Summer, Samson and Denial, Bordertown, as well as the short story collection The God Beneath my Garden. In addition, he has several screenplays floating around in the ether of Hollywood. He can confirm the grass actually is greener on the other side, but it’s only because of the bodies buried there.
In the case of Robert Ford's Bordertown, it's a huge back-up on I-95 which causes a family trip to Disney World to be detoured. The same goes for the newlyweds Tristan and Margo, on their way to Miami. And Hellbent Brotherhood cyclist, simply known as Crawfish also needs a place to stay.
They are all attracted by the neon signs for Bordertown. One could call this place a tourist trap, but one would have to put the emphasis decidedly on the word "trap."
The characters to watch out for are MABEL, at least that's the name she wears on her shirt, and self-proclaimed Sheriff Walden. He's certifiably cray-cray, and she ain't far behind.
This little novella was a lot of fun. It's Bob Ford doing what he does best. Here, he's in full-on storytelling mode as the words just flow from the page, along with buckets of blood.
So, having said all these nice things, why only three stars? Too many errors, which should have been caught during proofreading. So its five stars for the story and one star for proofreading Averages out to three stars.
Recommended? Sure, if you can look past the numerous errors.
Bordertown is available in both paperback and for the Kindle. If you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited you can read it at no additional charge. Also, if you are an Amazon Prime member you can read it for FREE using the Kindle Owners Lending Library.
From the Author's bios - Robert Ford has published the novels, The Compound, No Lipstick in Avalon, Rattlesnake Kisses (with Jon Boden), A Penny for Your Thoughts (with Matt Hayward), and the novellas, Ring of Fire, The Last Firefly of Summer, Samson and Denial, Bordertown, as well as the short story collection The God Beneath my Garden. In addition, he has several screenplays floating around in the ether of Hollywood. He can confirm the grass actually is greener on the other side, but it’s only because of the bodies buried there.
December 28, 2024
This novella has action, familial bond, sex, gore, the uncanny, and survival.
"BORDERTOWN - America's Favourite Past Time!" - "Garish, terrible signs with neon oranges, yellows, and greens on the black background(s)" (pg15): GAUDY & OBSTRUSIVE -definitely a roadside TOURIST TRAP. LOL.
Chief Antagonist: The NOT-Sheriff is a self-proclaimed savior/servant of God who has Messiah Complex+grandiose delusions and is a Megalomaniac. And he has a gun.
Only Ford can make a character named CRAWFISH cool.
Hellbent Brotherhood (pg95): Like the Crimson Sisters- would love to know more about them.
Calvin from "The Compound" is mentioned (pg55) - appreciate that. Highlights the connections in Ford's universe.
The "jail cell" scene is disturbing/distressing and unnerving.
Angel???- LOL - Nevertheless, this character unquestionably adds a layer of fear.
Section Breaks - Strategically placed and I truly needed them to catch my breath and to brace myself for the next shock.
Blue Chicory flowers: the Motif tied the story together well, impactful.
"BORDERTOWN - America's Favourite Past Time!" - "Garish, terrible signs with neon oranges, yellows, and greens on the black background(s)" (pg15): GAUDY & OBSTRUSIVE -definitely a roadside TOURIST TRAP. LOL.
Chief Antagonist: The NOT-Sheriff is a self-proclaimed savior/servant of God who has Messiah Complex+grandiose delusions and is a Megalomaniac. And he has a gun.
Only Ford can make a character named CRAWFISH cool.
Hellbent Brotherhood (pg95): Like the Crimson Sisters- would love to know more about them.
Calvin from "The Compound" is mentioned (pg55) - appreciate that. Highlights the connections in Ford's universe.
The "jail cell" scene is disturbing/distressing and unnerving.
Angel???- LOL - Nevertheless, this character unquestionably adds a layer of fear.
Section Breaks - Strategically placed and I truly needed them to catch my breath and to brace myself for the next shock.
Blue Chicory flowers: the Motif tied the story together well, impactful.
December 31, 2018
If you like your vacation vulgar, gritty, and with a side of gore, you might want to stop in at Bordertown. But beware, you might never leave! Bob Ford spins a classic horror yarn about a deranged, religious sheriff punishing unsuspecting tourists. Having driven Route 66, traveling by car through New Mexico and Texas, and living in Albuquerque, New Mexico and a small country town in Texas, I can almost picture the tiny flea bag motel this adventure is set in and taste the chicken burritos at Pepe's. Those backroads, dusty little towns can be creepy after the sun goes down in the middle of nowhere. You couldn't pay me to stay in a place called Bordertown, but I loved this fast paced tale of terror and blood.
October 1, 2018
A nice change of pace for the Great Robert Ford, this one is a straight up 80's horror throwback, with big echoes of Richard Laymon. This story hauls ass from the get-go and doesn't let up throughout its tight 100 pages, and gives us a great villain in the Sheriff. Highly recommended.
March 28, 2019
Wow, this was a great read from beginning to end. Small town, demented Sheriff, women held against their will, strange caged creature, desperate father/husband, skinny biker/Vietnam vet. All these make for a very climactic ending. Read it, you won't regret doing so.
February 4, 2020
Having stopped at South of the Border many times growing up, this story struck a chord. Hills Have Eyes meets Two Thousand Maniacs, any road tripper can relate to this fun and gruesome tale.
Can't remember the last time I read a book in a day for fun and I'm glad I did.
Can't remember the last time I read a book in a day for fun and I'm glad I did.
January 15, 2021
Jesus F***ing Christ!!
Hell of a ride that was. Nothing to regret and there's no other way to show off your excitement while you are on with this tale. Absolutely f***ing awesome read...
The plot was great and very engaging to read. Once you picked it up and begin your reading I sure you won't be able to put the book down before finishing it. The excitement, the tension so obvious that I had to glued myself to the bed to know what's happening with all of these chaos...
David his wife Molly and there daughter Kristen was in a family vacation and driving in a car but while driving due to traffic problem they found themselves in alternative route to Bordertown. Where they thought would call a night and then later they will leave. There's another couple Tristan and Margot who happened to be at the same place. Everything seemed fine! The motel, foods decent enough to enjoy until that Sheriff Walden made himself appear in the scene. David would never believe not even in his dreams at the time while meeting that sick minded sheriff that the upcoming chapter of his life gonna fu**ed up so hard that he would almost have no chance but concede the defeat. But he has his family, his beautiful wife and daughter. They need to free at any cost of the living hell which will might cost their lives. Can they do it before time runs out from there hands? Find the truth by reading it. I promise you won't regret the choice...
Rating : 5...
Hell of a ride that was. Nothing to regret and there's no other way to show off your excitement while you are on with this tale. Absolutely f***ing awesome read...
The plot was great and very engaging to read. Once you picked it up and begin your reading I sure you won't be able to put the book down before finishing it. The excitement, the tension so obvious that I had to glued myself to the bed to know what's happening with all of these chaos...
David his wife Molly and there daughter Kristen was in a family vacation and driving in a car but while driving due to traffic problem they found themselves in alternative route to Bordertown. Where they thought would call a night and then later they will leave. There's another couple Tristan and Margot who happened to be at the same place. Everything seemed fine! The motel, foods decent enough to enjoy until that Sheriff Walden made himself appear in the scene. David would never believe not even in his dreams at the time while meeting that sick minded sheriff that the upcoming chapter of his life gonna fu**ed up so hard that he would almost have no chance but concede the defeat. But he has his family, his beautiful wife and daughter. They need to free at any cost of the living hell which will might cost their lives. Can they do it before time runs out from there hands? Find the truth by reading it. I promise you won't regret the choice...
Rating : 5...
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews