It's hard being a Killer Brain. Just ask Scatter, a Killer Brain who just wants to be a Killer Brain. But he can't, his parents want him to get a job. Scatter would rather do what he does best, terrorize the city with his pack of Killer Brain friends. But Scatter is about to find out life isn't fair. Crazed neurosurgeon, Dr. Justin Case is out to avenge the death of his parents at the hands of the Killer Brains. And now he has Scatter in his sights. Along with his cohort, Coda, Dr. Case will stop at nothing to exact his revenge and seek the closure he has sought since he watched his parents get devoured by Killer Brains as a child. The odds are stacked against Scatter. He must navigate life while trying not to fall into the clutches of his would-be nemesis. Can Scatter get by without a little help from family and friends. He just wants to live life doing what he loves but sometimes responsibility has a way of rearranging your priorities. Join Scatter as he navigates through life, the job market and a city full of crazies all keeping him from doing what he loves, being a Killer Brain.
Frank J. Edler is the author of many twisted novels and uncanny short stories often cited as 'laugh out loud' dark comedies. His writing walks the fine line between horror and the bizarre. He resides in New Jersey, a land that is both horrific and bizarre.
This was absolutely insane and hysterical! Frank Elder never ceases to amaze me with his wit, quirkiness, and creativity. So, not to give anything away, the book follows Scatter, who is a walking, talking brain that's part of a gang of ragtag killer brains. He lives with his adoring parents, and combats an evil, singing neurosurgeon, befriends a hobo with a heart of gold, all while trying to find himself in a wild city, and there's vampires, too...and...well...do I need to say much more? It's not gory or gross, but it's really fun and the characters are all so individual, that you truly want to see where they all end up. I had an absolute blast and, even though the story isn't very long, I felt it was the right length to see everything progress and conclude smoothly. On a side note, the Wilford Brimley cameo had me on the flooring laughing. He just had to keep saying 'diabeetus!'
Outrageous, ridiculous and incredible fun! As my first foray into the world of bizarre fiction I was amazed at the near poetry in the words. It’s like the more crazy it got the more it just flowed naturally. Not to be taken seriously but fun indeed!
Humor appreciation appears to be based in the lower frontal lobes of the brain, a location associated with social and emotional judgment and planning, according to imaging research.
Scatterbrain is pretty dumb, but I can honestly say that I laughed out loud more than a few times. However, the story structure and editing were a bit rough. In the end, the humor and silliness outweighed the story issues.
If you want to laugh this is the book for you! I've never read a coming of age horror comedy before, but that's exactly what this is. From the character's names, to Wilfred Brimley saying "got the diabeetus slapped out of you", to a poo flinging homeless man, to the most accurate description of Anne Rice's writing I have ever read, it's entertaining from start to finish.
I just finished another cover-to-cover fun book, by Frank Edler! This book had me cracking up from page 1, this was a welcome, happy read! Frank, you had me at TOC!! Loved it!!
Puns about brains, singing evil surgeons, anthropomorphic elbows, vampires, an Oprah knock-off... Mr. Frank's mind is just as demented as it is funny.
What really strikes me the most of Frank J. Edler's writing is that it has heart. There's a real emotional core to Scatterbrain. It's satirical, but never overly mean. It's gross, but only in over the top silly ways. But really, it's got an emotional core and its essence is that of a coming-of-age novel.
Also, who wouldn't rebel if their Chuck Taylors--I'm sorry, All*Stars--got taken away?
A pack of Killer Brains are roaming the streets. It's the natural order of things, survival of the fittest. But an evil doctor is singing his song of destruction and extermination, so lace those black canvas All Stars up tight....let's get ready to ruuumbleeee!
That's about all I can say. Super weird, super fun. Just an entertaining little romp. I love books like this, perhaps not meat and potatoes but literary popcorn. Not filling but completely enjoyable. I am definitely going to explore this author.
If you were ever to describe one of Frank Edler's book to someone they would either think you were high or .... no, they would think you were really, really high. Yet, somehow his books come out hilarious. Killer brains, vampires, werewolves, Wilfred Brimley, Scatterbrain has it all.