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Neon Dies At Dawn
A retired man loses his wife to cancer and his daughter to a mysterious accident. He mostly lives alone, occasionally taking care of his grandson. When he sees a black van drive over a young woman before disappearing into the dark of night, he loses what little faith he has in humanity and discovers a sense of vengeful purpose. Now he’s in danger of losing himself to long-repressed demons and a terrifyingly bizarre world that has always surrounded him, a world he’s spent his entire life keeping at a distance.
130 pages, Paperback
First published March 8, 2019
17 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
About the author
Andersen Prunty
51 books669 followersAndersen Prunty lives in Yellow Springs, Ohio. He writes novels and short stories. Visit him at notandersenprunty.com, where he posts a free story every Friday.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 22, 2019
Lean, mean and unsparing, this tale of retribution is steeped in unabashed desperation and social ennui. With a mortally damaged heart at its core, the narrative refuses to exhale its last breath until the final offender has been shattered. The nucleus of this uncompromising book is perfectly summed up by this chapter title:
"There is No Hope, You are Not a Part of This World and You Must Create Your Own Reality"
Dig.
"There is No Hope, You are Not a Part of This World and You Must Create Your Own Reality"
Dig.
March 18, 2019
Full Review
Neon Dies at Dawn is a well-crafted, thought-provoking, and incredibly dark piece of Midwestern Gothic neo-noir. Due to some extremely disturbing moments, it's not for everyone, but it's an expertly paced crime story which looks at the darkness within the American Heartland. Highly recommended.
Neon Dies at Dawn is a well-crafted, thought-provoking, and incredibly dark piece of Midwestern Gothic neo-noir. Due to some extremely disturbing moments, it's not for everyone, but it's an expertly paced crime story which looks at the darkness within the American Heartland. Highly recommended.
March 22, 2019
Here is a book that effortlessly combines tragedy, humor and a mastery of style. Particularly in more recent material, Prunty's characters are instantly relatable and entertaining. Within their atypical perspectives and experiences lie insights about life that ring true. Neon Dies at Dawn moves quickly and will leave you guessing at what is to come.
June 20, 2019
The way Andersen Prunty transforms Dayton, Ohio into a grimy, surreal pit of hell, is absolutely magical. As unlikely and absurd as some of the characters and events are in this book, in Prunty's hands, it all works, somehow. Total dark magic.
June 7, 2019
“Worst hug, ever.”
Revenge is a dish best served fried crisp like a thick slice of mystery-meat, garbage loaf. It’s the only way either becomes palatable.
Brutal and funny in parts with splashes of bizarro weird and the trademark Prunty wit sprinkled over the top.
Nice!
I received a complimentary copy of the audiobook from the author in exchange for absolutely nothing. I am voluntarily leaving this unbiased and honest review.
Revenge is a dish best served fried crisp like a thick slice of mystery-meat, garbage loaf. It’s the only way either becomes palatable.
Brutal and funny in parts with splashes of bizarro weird and the trademark Prunty wit sprinkled over the top.
Nice!
I received a complimentary copy of the audiobook from the author in exchange for absolutely nothing. I am voluntarily leaving this unbiased and honest review.
February 24, 2019
Stylistically, this is one of Prunty’s best books so far. The descriptions are great. The book is also peppered with insights that are original and meaningful. They also add depth to the protagonist.
The book features all the tropes I have come to love about his books. You have your host of odd characters (always off in different ways for each book that features them). You have characters that react to circumstances in unexpected ways. You have this small-town vibe that exists just on the cusp of something larger, or some place larger. That last one isn’t in all of his books, but it is a part of all my favorites.
The story is tragic in all the right ways. It fuels the protagonist’s motivation, but his motivation leads to more unfolding tragedies. I don’t want to spoil things, so I’ll just say this isn’t a cautionary tale you might expect upon reading the premise, but it isn’t a tale without moral value either.
It is a quick-paced read that is well worth the time. In terms of extreme fiction, it finds a nice balance between detail and the finesse of implied violence that characterizes Grindhouse releases.
The book features all the tropes I have come to love about his books. You have your host of odd characters (always off in different ways for each book that features them). You have characters that react to circumstances in unexpected ways. You have this small-town vibe that exists just on the cusp of something larger, or some place larger. That last one isn’t in all of his books, but it is a part of all my favorites.
The story is tragic in all the right ways. It fuels the protagonist’s motivation, but his motivation leads to more unfolding tragedies. I don’t want to spoil things, so I’ll just say this isn’t a cautionary tale you might expect upon reading the premise, but it isn’t a tale without moral value either.
It is a quick-paced read that is well worth the time. In terms of extreme fiction, it finds a nice balance between detail and the finesse of implied violence that characterizes Grindhouse releases.
September 13, 2019
Holy fuck this is my kinda book! Very Sam Pink but a million times more fucked up. The audio narration was perfection. So glad I downloaded this when Andersen was promoting a download deal. Can't wait to listen to more of his stuff!
March 12, 2019
Andersen Prunty for the Dayton Tourism Board!
I really enjoyed this. Neon Dies at Dawn, like all of Prunty’s best, reads like ripping off a bandage. You know it’s going to hurt but slowing down or stopping midway isn’t an option. Lucky for us, Prunty’s prose facilitates quickness, and even when you know he’s building to something monstrous, it’s never predictable and often feels like a surprise punch to the gut. Plus Drifter Ken makes an appearance!
If I had a complaint, which I don’t, it would be that a whole lot of time is spent in the lead’s head and there are long stretches when he’s alone. In this time we learn of the man’s self-awareness of being not very bright, which allows some bad decisions to be more believable, but there are also some nuggets of mature wisdom in that head as well. To me, this is forgivable as these insights add an important depth to the character and the story.
Prunty’s books will never be for everyone, but if you’re a fan, this one will not disappoint.
I really enjoyed this. Neon Dies at Dawn, like all of Prunty’s best, reads like ripping off a bandage. You know it’s going to hurt but slowing down or stopping midway isn’t an option. Lucky for us, Prunty’s prose facilitates quickness, and even when you know he’s building to something monstrous, it’s never predictable and often feels like a surprise punch to the gut. Plus Drifter Ken makes an appearance!
If I had a complaint, which I don’t, it would be that a whole lot of time is spent in the lead’s head and there are long stretches when he’s alone. In this time we learn of the man’s self-awareness of being not very bright, which allows some bad decisions to be more believable, but there are also some nuggets of mature wisdom in that head as well. To me, this is forgivable as these insights add an important depth to the character and the story.
Prunty’s books will never be for everyone, but if you’re a fan, this one will not disappoint.
April 29, 2019
Perhaps I’ve spent too long in this life not knowing what Hamm’s beer tastes like. I’ll probably be okay if I never find out, but I’m glad I finally know what it’s like to read Andersen Prunty. That was a damn fine book with just enough splashes of surrealism and plenty more than enough cunning narrative.
September 1, 2019
This needs a review too. I have added this to my list of favorite Prunty books. I loved it.
May 26, 2019
awesome book! this is easily the best thing I have listened to or read from this author. beautifully written in an almost crime noir style but not quite, just a little weird, but not bizarro, very dark in parts and funny in other parts. also, I really just love revenge tales!
May 21, 2019
A damaged man seeks revenge in disturbing ways. Darkly depressing within a Neon light that dims as the story unfolds.
The Narrator for this audiobook captures the main characters voice and the demons that hides in his mind.
The Narrator for this audiobook captures the main characters voice and the demons that hides in his mind.
April 4, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. I think it had just the right mix have oddness, violence and real crazy emotional stuff. I loved all the incidental characters that the narrator ran into along the way. There were a bunch of passages that made me giggle, but the best thing, I think, was the way the story captured the feeling of losing a loved one. The desire for revenge and the overwhelming sense of "what's the point?" Beautifully written, and just my kind of story.
March 23, 2019
Stays with u like a neon bruise.
April 28, 2022
A dark an interesting take on a revenge story with some twists along the way. Definitely not what I was expecting
August 27, 2019
Sometimes you just need to read something fairly fucked up, yet still hilarious, but still within the realm of reality. I haven't read all of Andersen's work (yet) but so far I know I can trust the guy to give me the fucked up and funny stories I love, while still having a point to each story (as opposed to JUST being bizarre and absurd).
March 24, 2019
This was definitely an Andersen Prunty book. No one can engage me and repel me, amuse me and disgust me like Prunty. Whenever I pick up one of his books I decide to read all of them. They're mostly quite short and easily available on Kindle Unlimited so this seems achievable but by the time I finish the one I'm reading I don't have the nerve. 'Neon Dies at Dawn' doesn't have the supernatural element that makes some of Prunty's other works so disturbing but it still does the job. I'm looking forward to a few months time when I'm ready to tackle another Andersen Prunty book!
May 11, 2019
‘THE THINGS YOU LOVE WILL ALWAYS LEAVE YOU.’
4.5/5-Dayton, Ohio isn’t the normal industrialized city that most Americans perceive it to be. There’s an unknown man that sits on his porch staring at neon lights that engulf the metropolitan area, filled with prostitution, drugs, and synthesized rhythms.
This was a calm, yet startling read. Prunty presents comical and peculiar citizens who find themselves in bizarre and strange situations. I was reminded for some reason of Christian Bale in ‘American Psycho’ with a more psychedelic approach. The ending of this novella seemed somewhat unfinished, but the entries concerning family and captivity were well worth the read.
4.5/5-Dayton, Ohio isn’t the normal industrialized city that most Americans perceive it to be. There’s an unknown man that sits on his porch staring at neon lights that engulf the metropolitan area, filled with prostitution, drugs, and synthesized rhythms.
This was a calm, yet startling read. Prunty presents comical and peculiar citizens who find themselves in bizarre and strange situations. I was reminded for some reason of Christian Bale in ‘American Psycho’ with a more psychedelic approach. The ending of this novella seemed somewhat unfinished, but the entries concerning family and captivity were well worth the read.
February 18, 2021
A quick read about a grieving man's decent into Dayton, Ohio's seedy underbelly. Filled with great descriptions of the opioid-ravenous Midwest and containing characters you won't care about, "Neon Dies At Dawn" fits into Andersen Prunty's dreary short story collection.
A lot of folks will be drawn in because of the amazing vaporware cover and unfortunately, the story never fulfills it's promise. In fact, the cover has very little to do with the story contained under it.
If you enjoyed any of his previous works, you'll find more of the same here. If you're looking for something that might scare you and not disgust you, look elsewhere. It wasn't for me.
A lot of folks will be drawn in because of the amazing vaporware cover and unfortunately, the story never fulfills it's promise. In fact, the cover has very little to do with the story contained under it.
If you enjoyed any of his previous works, you'll find more of the same here. If you're looking for something that might scare you and not disgust you, look elsewhere. It wasn't for me.
September 24, 2021
Neon Dies at Dawn is a roller coaster ride of snuffy, death filtered rawness. The main character heads on a warpath of vengeance which leads him questioning life, choices, people, humanity, and ultimately death. I'm a huge fan of Andersen Prunty and the narrative that unwinds in this one keeps you biting your nails, wanting so much more. All of the gooey fun is shrink wrapped in a neat, little 120 page, fast paced package for you to devour. This one is not for the faint of heart, but I recommend it with a STRONG four stars.
December 27, 2019
this definitely left me feeling a little depressed. that being said it was very engaging & well done...a horrific meditation on america and the darkness that exists here. I definitely think this could be read as a commentary on capitalism but I view almost everything through that lense so don't ask me?? anyway, not for the faint of heart! I will definitely check out more from this author.
January 31, 2023
This is one of those books that left me with so many questions and a universe I really want to know more about. I loved how well we were introduced to all of the characters and how realistic and relatable the main character and Kasey were! I just need to know what happened with Lisa and Austin! Is Austin really dead? What did Lisa do that was so bad? Did Harold kill himself or did he kill Lisa? Did he know what was going on the whole time or did he purposely keep himself out of the noise so he wouldn’t feel guilty?
So many questions and I really love how inquisitive Mr. Prunty’s books make me! Once I start one of his books, I generally end of reading the next one on my shelf or rereading all the books he’s written that I have in my possession! I can’t wait to own the whole collection one day - it’s on my bucket list!
Just a very great and curious piece of fiction. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. Fantastic escalation.
So many questions and I really love how inquisitive Mr. Prunty’s books make me! Once I start one of his books, I generally end of reading the next one on my shelf or rereading all the books he’s written that I have in my possession! I can’t wait to own the whole collection one day - it’s on my bucket list!
Just a very great and curious piece of fiction. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. Fantastic escalation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2024
I thought I would have been the target audience for this book as someone who loves vapour wave aesthetic, grind house movies and revenge plots but I was so very wrong.
The main character is a rueful asshole with his head so far up his ass in his own grief and self pity. So much so that himself and his revenge (more like spite) plot becomes completely irredeemable. To add insult to injury, the ending falls flat and is absolutely boring.
2 stars because there were some interesting moments and characters and the cover art is cool. But otherwise a resounding "meh."
TW's for those that need include abuse, dead animals, SA, drug addiction, torture.
The main character is a rueful asshole with his head so far up his ass in his own grief and self pity. So much so that himself and his revenge (more like spite) plot becomes completely irredeemable. To add insult to injury, the ending falls flat and is absolutely boring.
2 stars because there were some interesting moments and characters and the cover art is cool. But otherwise a resounding "meh."
TW's for those that need include abuse, dead animals, SA, drug addiction, torture.
May 4, 2020
This is a twisted revenge tale with an absurdist sense of humour that is as funny as it is dark. A man kidnaps a drug dealer's daughter as revenge for the death of his daughter from a drug overdose, but that is merely the tip of the iceberg.
This one isn't for the faint of heart, but it comes with some hilarious asides and lines right from the off:
"Or maybe Ann could see that if we went into our marriage as a threesome she'd probably be the bride I paid least attention to. At least in the long run. Drinking doesn't make any demands. It would have been the quiet wife. The good listener. The one you told all your problems to."
Really enjoyed this from Prunty and thankfully there is a helluva a lot more to catch up on.
This one isn't for the faint of heart, but it comes with some hilarious asides and lines right from the off:
"Or maybe Ann could see that if we went into our marriage as a threesome she'd probably be the bride I paid least attention to. At least in the long run. Drinking doesn't make any demands. It would have been the quiet wife. The good listener. The one you told all your problems to."
Really enjoyed this from Prunty and thankfully there is a helluva a lot more to catch up on.
June 5, 2023
🔪 𝙉𝙚𝙤𝙣 𝘿𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝘼𝙩 𝘿𝙖𝙬𝙣
I love a good revenge horror…how could you not?!? 🤷🏼♀️ This one is a brutal crime story full of darkness and depravity, sprinkled with some deeply disturbing moments verging on bizarro (but not quite). 🫣 Even so, the characters are relatable, sometimes humorous, and always full of moral ambiguity.
This quick, odd read does a great job of encapsulating the human urge for revenge when someone you live has been brutally taken from you. This was my first Prunty read, but I doubt it will be my last.
🖤🖤🖤🖤/5
I love a good revenge horror…how could you not?!? 🤷🏼♀️ This one is a brutal crime story full of darkness and depravity, sprinkled with some deeply disturbing moments verging on bizarro (but not quite). 🫣 Even so, the characters are relatable, sometimes humorous, and always full of moral ambiguity.
This quick, odd read does a great job of encapsulating the human urge for revenge when someone you live has been brutally taken from you. This was my first Prunty read, but I doubt it will be my last.
🖤🖤🖤🖤/5
October 24, 2019
One man motivated by grief infiltrates the dregs of Society seeking payback
Well narrated and full of despair this is one of my favourite Andersen prunty tales
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
Well narrated and full of despair this is one of my favourite Andersen prunty tales
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
November 14, 2019
Part Chuck Palahniuk nihilism, part David Lynch weirdness and all Anderson Prunty poignant darkness. The story of a man who is driven to the darkest depths by grief and the need for vengeance!
May 1, 2020
Ah, so that's why my dad is obsessed with bowl movements. Learn something new about my childhood every day.
July 9, 2022
This book was honestly more heartbreaking than horrifying. Like yeah there was fucked up moments, but I personally feel that the narrator’s grief outweighed those.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews