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Earworm
Earworm [eer-wurm]
noun
1. A catchy song or tune that runs continually through a person's mind
Ripley awakes with an earworm in his head. It starts with the songs, but now, it’s talking to him. "Call me Bogart," the voice informs him. "And we’ve got a lot of work to do."
2. An ancient parasite that uses humans as host
Ripley and his earworm, Bogart, are now in a race against time to save his family from the murderous clutches of an ancient alien race bent on enslaving mankind
After being diagnosed with a degenerative brain disease, losing his wife, and being deterred from visiting his only daughter, Ripley McCain doesn’t want anything more from life except to dull the pain until he finally dies. The universe, however, has a different plan for him. If the recent voice in his head is correct, Ripley has one more chance to be a father and husband, not to mention save mankind from a fate worse than death. Or perhaps he’s simply hallucinating, and this is all just symptoms of his medical condition. Either way, he’s going out with a bang.
Both horrific and heartwarming, Earworm is a bizarre tale of consciousness, ancient aliens, conspiracies, and a whole lot more!
noun
1. A catchy song or tune that runs continually through a person's mind
Ripley awakes with an earworm in his head. It starts with the songs, but now, it’s talking to him. "Call me Bogart," the voice informs him. "And we’ve got a lot of work to do."
2. An ancient parasite that uses humans as host
Ripley and his earworm, Bogart, are now in a race against time to save his family from the murderous clutches of an ancient alien race bent on enslaving mankind
After being diagnosed with a degenerative brain disease, losing his wife, and being deterred from visiting his only daughter, Ripley McCain doesn’t want anything more from life except to dull the pain until he finally dies. The universe, however, has a different plan for him. If the recent voice in his head is correct, Ripley has one more chance to be a father and husband, not to mention save mankind from a fate worse than death. Or perhaps he’s simply hallucinating, and this is all just symptoms of his medical condition. Either way, he’s going out with a bang.
Both horrific and heartwarming, Earworm is a bizarre tale of consciousness, ancient aliens, conspiracies, and a whole lot more!
188 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 26, 2024
WOW This book is something special. I loved it!
It is heart-warming, funny and a bit gross in spots, the writing is smooth and very easy to read, so much so It felt more like a close friend just telling you a story, the characters are likeable and well developed, with lots of relatable pop culture references that I loved.
It has a very similar feel to Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton, or if you prefer a movie comparison, Stand By Me from 1986.
I highly recommend this book, It's brilliant and it deserves to be known.
It is heart-warming, funny and a bit gross in spots, the writing is smooth and very easy to read, so much so It felt more like a close friend just telling you a story, the characters are likeable and well developed, with lots of relatable pop culture references that I loved.
It has a very similar feel to Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton, or if you prefer a movie comparison, Stand By Me from 1986.
I highly recommend this book, It's brilliant and it deserves to be known.
December 26, 2023
Got this book for review on netgally.
It was definitely a weird story but unfortunately not really working for me. It was interesting but it just felt off somehow and I couldn't really get invested. It was around 2.5 stars rounded up.
It was definitely a weird story but unfortunately not really working for me. It was interesting but it just felt off somehow and I couldn't really get invested. It was around 2.5 stars rounded up.
February 9, 2022
Ok this book has stolen my heart. It's funny, a little gross, got some cosmic horror going, an unlikely friendship and the best characters. I don't know where this book has been my whole life but I'm so happy that I've read it.
April 15, 2019
“To a hammer, everything looks like a nail.”
I’m not exactly sure wtf happened here. For a while it was a pleasant experience and then I really didn’t know what the hell was going on and then I sort of did and then it came back around a bit. Several laugh out loud moments and some amusing goings on but still felt a wee scattered in parts.
Dr. Phil and Freud puffing on penis cigars, sexy sweet and sour chicken farts, brain raping alien spider-roaches, watertight dolphin butthole, massive deuce drops, raw oyster polish sausage death and running backward through a field full of dicks.
This one had a bit of everything and I dug that about it. I’d give a better synopsis, but I would either screw it up or get too spoilery. Or both. So…
“Pineapple!”
I’m not exactly sure wtf happened here. For a while it was a pleasant experience and then I really didn’t know what the hell was going on and then I sort of did and then it came back around a bit. Several laugh out loud moments and some amusing goings on but still felt a wee scattered in parts.
Dr. Phil and Freud puffing on penis cigars, sexy sweet and sour chicken farts, brain raping alien spider-roaches, watertight dolphin butthole, massive deuce drops, raw oyster polish sausage death and running backward through a field full of dicks.
This one had a bit of everything and I dug that about it. I’d give a better synopsis, but I would either screw it up or get too spoilery. Or both. So…
“Pineapple!”
December 13, 2021
*Disclaimer: I was sent a free copy in exchange for an honest review.*
Have you ever had a stupid ass song stuck in your head? No? Liar.
Well, Ripley does and he has Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease or “mad cow disease for humans”. What a shit way to die with holes forming in your brain. That’s not the worst of it, believe it or not. His wife may be cheating, she kicked him out of the mansion her family owns and he is now a full time resident of the pool house, and can only see his daughter once a week for dinner.
This STILL isn’t the worst part of his life. Ripley goes to perform pest control at the man who he believes is banging his wife but something isn’t right with the whole situation. He ends up becoming best friends with Bogart, a … you know, I’m not going to ruin it. Just know Bogart isn’t leaving anytime soon and hilarity ensues… and possibly the end of the human race.
Poor Ripley, he just can’t catch a break.
People, I don’t know why this isn’t getting more attention! It is riddled with fun pop culture references, is a quick read, funny AF, and just a blast to read. Aaron has something special here and I need more people to read it so we can talk about it.
Earworm is a gotdamn treat. The last half is a edge of your seat wild ride with plenty of perfect one liners to keep you laughing. I could not stop reading it last night.
Available from Blood Bound Books, this is one you need to get immediately.
Have you ever had a stupid ass song stuck in your head? No? Liar.
Well, Ripley does and he has Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease or “mad cow disease for humans”. What a shit way to die with holes forming in your brain. That’s not the worst of it, believe it or not. His wife may be cheating, she kicked him out of the mansion her family owns and he is now a full time resident of the pool house, and can only see his daughter once a week for dinner.
This STILL isn’t the worst part of his life. Ripley goes to perform pest control at the man who he believes is banging his wife but something isn’t right with the whole situation. He ends up becoming best friends with Bogart, a … you know, I’m not going to ruin it. Just know Bogart isn’t leaving anytime soon and hilarity ensues… and possibly the end of the human race.
Poor Ripley, he just can’t catch a break.
People, I don’t know why this isn’t getting more attention! It is riddled with fun pop culture references, is a quick read, funny AF, and just a blast to read. Aaron has something special here and I need more people to read it so we can talk about it.
Earworm is a gotdamn treat. The last half is a edge of your seat wild ride with plenty of perfect one liners to keep you laughing. I could not stop reading it last night.
Available from Blood Bound Books, this is one you need to get immediately.
April 3, 2022
Ripley is in a bad state...he's a recovering alcoholic working a unrewarding job as an exterminator, his wife has him on the back burner and has relegated him to living in the pool house, he's partially estranged from his daughter thanks to his wife AND he's most recently been diagnosed with a terminal brain disease. Not a lot going for him...until he stumbles upon a dead guy while fumigating an apartment and his life changes forever.
This is a very unusual book, I can honestly say I have never read anything like it. You root for this guy, he's likable and sincere. Trying to deal with parasitic ancient alien life forces that are hellbent on starting a final Race War would be hard for any of us to process, yet he doesn't have much choice in the matter and handles it like a champ.
This is a heartwarming bizarro story, one that is well written and keeps your interest throughout. If you are looking to read something different, then give this one a shot. Thanks go to Bloodbound Books for bestowing upon me this physical copy for an honest review.
This is a very unusual book, I can honestly say I have never read anything like it. You root for this guy, he's likable and sincere. Trying to deal with parasitic ancient alien life forces that are hellbent on starting a final Race War would be hard for any of us to process, yet he doesn't have much choice in the matter and handles it like a champ.
This is a heartwarming bizarro story, one that is well written and keeps your interest throughout. If you are looking to read something different, then give this one a shot. Thanks go to Bloodbound Books for bestowing upon me this physical copy for an honest review.
January 27, 2023
"I should have known by the smell that there was a dead guy in apartment 24, but there was no way I could have guessed it was the same douche I feared was doing my wife."
This was hands down one of the best horror books i got my hands on in a while!
That first sentence hooked me straight away and i struggled to put it down to be honest.
I was amazed at the writing style, it was smart and witty, flowing perfectly, a real joy to read. It is rare i come across writing as effortless as this.
The story (cosmic horror i think?) is fascinating, a great idea where i could not guess what to expect next. There was some gore and horror, but i often snorted through it as the wry humour just tickled me something shocking.
The only thing i don't like about it is literally the book cover. I mean, really? There were no better ideas available?
My suggestion is, go get this book. It's brilliant and it deserves to be known.
Many thanks to S.C. at Blood Bound Books for the digital arc and i promise this is an absolutely honest review.
This was hands down one of the best horror books i got my hands on in a while!
That first sentence hooked me straight away and i struggled to put it down to be honest.
I was amazed at the writing style, it was smart and witty, flowing perfectly, a real joy to read. It is rare i come across writing as effortless as this.
The story (cosmic horror i think?) is fascinating, a great idea where i could not guess what to expect next. There was some gore and horror, but i often snorted through it as the wry humour just tickled me something shocking.
The only thing i don't like about it is literally the book cover. I mean, really? There were no better ideas available?
My suggestion is, go get this book. It's brilliant and it deserves to be known.
Many thanks to S.C. at Blood Bound Books for the digital arc and i promise this is an absolutely honest review.
February 1, 2023
What a fun, bizarro, what the hell is happening read! I LOVED the humour in this book, I laughed out loud multiple times. I also love the bizarro genre so it had me invested even though I sometimes lost track of what in the world was going on.
Overall, fantastic and fun read!
Overall, fantastic and fun read!
July 3, 2019
Maybe 2.5*
Review to come!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review to come!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 22, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance reader copy of this book!
This was an interesting read. A different take on the horror genre than most recent offerings, Earworm deals with eldritch horrors but gives them a comedic tilt. The political ins and outs of said eldritch horrors sound really interesting, but aren't explored quite as thoroughly as they could be.
The book is absolutely a fun ride, and has highlights - Bogart in particular is a great character and I found him highly entertaining. With that said, I do feel like this book was missing something in terms of fleshing out the story and the connection between the two main characters.
There was a lot to be found here in terms of jokes and humour that is a little bit crass too - and it is definitely a fun ride. It definitely falls more as comedy than horror, but is definitely well worth a look, particularly for fans of Grady Hendrix and the like.
This was an interesting read. A different take on the horror genre than most recent offerings, Earworm deals with eldritch horrors but gives them a comedic tilt. The political ins and outs of said eldritch horrors sound really interesting, but aren't explored quite as thoroughly as they could be.
The book is absolutely a fun ride, and has highlights - Bogart in particular is a great character and I found him highly entertaining. With that said, I do feel like this book was missing something in terms of fleshing out the story and the connection between the two main characters.
There was a lot to be found here in terms of jokes and humour that is a little bit crass too - and it is definitely a fun ride. It definitely falls more as comedy than horror, but is definitely well worth a look, particularly for fans of Grady Hendrix and the like.
February 14, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC, in exchange for an honest review!
This book was very weird, but in a good way. It reminded me a lot of ‘Liarmouth’ by John Waters; if you liked that one chances are high that you’ll like this one! It kept my interest throughout and I was very entertained. The one downside was that some parts seemed rushed. I would’ve liked a bit more detail or story at these parts. The ending also seemed abrupt, but overall I’m happy that I gave it a short! It was a short, fun read.
This book was very weird, but in a good way. It reminded me a lot of ‘Liarmouth’ by John Waters; if you liked that one chances are high that you’ll like this one! It kept my interest throughout and I was very entertained. The one downside was that some parts seemed rushed. I would’ve liked a bit more detail or story at these parts. The ending also seemed abrupt, but overall I’m happy that I gave it a short! It was a short, fun read.
December 23, 2023
This is definitely the most unusual book I’ve read this year! I found parts of this book hard to relate to and was not very invested at the start. I did however enjoy the rest of the novel a lot more and the humorous parts along the way. I would recommend this if you are looking for something different and unexpected that I found aligned more with a sci-fi than horror genre like what I was expecting.
January 9, 2024
A huge thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Blood Bound Books for providing this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
An interesting concept with the idea that all of human history and beliefs are actually one single entity that is attempting to take over the world. A very cosmic horror tale where you can't trust anyone, and need to watch your back from everyone.
The concept for this novel was fascinating, and I think overall the plot was well-done. Unfortunately, I did not like our main male character, nor did I like how every chapter randomly ended with a stanza from a song with no warning.
I understand this novel is called “earworm” but I don’t think this gimmick was necessary, as we already have multiple chapters where our main character is already spending the entire chapter with a song in his head. Also, many times it was hard to tell where the chapter ended and the song began, and it greatly disrupted the flow of my reading. There was also an irritating part where our main character gets the song “You Got a Friend in Me” stuck in his head, and instead of just a line or two we get a whole random paragraph of the entire song. Unnecessary.
Ripley was not a character I particularly liked, which isn’t necessary for me to like a book. However, many times it felt like the author was begging me to like him based on how “good” of a person he “really” was. There were multiple instances where Ripley would mentally go “I’m a feminist” or “I’m not sexist” or xyz before describing a woman in the most blatant sexist offensive terms ever. And to be honest, this wouldn’t have bothered me if it wasn’t POINTED OUT to me as a way of self-acknowledgement from him that he just HAS to describe this woman in this way, really, it’s nothing to do with sexism. Personally, I’d have rather he just be sexist than to read “I’m a feminist, so this isn’t being sexist, but *describes a woman in unnecessarily rude terms* but it’s okay, I’m married to a woman and thought another woman was attractive. It’s just a personal gripe of mine, but I feel I’d rather he be a flawed character with some sexist characteristics rather than a sexist character who keeps insisting he’s not “because he’s a feminist.”
In the same tune, I also didn’t like Bogart for many similar reasons. There’s an entire conversation between the two about him having sex with Ripley’s wife in VERY unflattering terms, and I was just like “really? Is this what I’m reading right now?” Also, he very much ruined a soft moment between him and Ripley where Bogart is trying to help Ripley’s self-esteem by going full “but no-homo” on him. Overall, I felt the two characters were kind of surface level with many jokes and exchanges that fell flat.
Complaints aside, the overall plot was short and sweet enough to give us a glimpse into this world with these parasites, and how humanity can try to defeat them. This was very much a cosmic horror novel, and it accomplishes its goal fairly well. If you were looking for a short cosmic horror novel and are fine with some cringy internal dialogue then I think this novel would work for you.
An interesting concept with the idea that all of human history and beliefs are actually one single entity that is attempting to take over the world. A very cosmic horror tale where you can't trust anyone, and need to watch your back from everyone.
The concept for this novel was fascinating, and I think overall the plot was well-done. Unfortunately, I did not like our main male character, nor did I like how every chapter randomly ended with a stanza from a song with no warning.
I understand this novel is called “earworm” but I don’t think this gimmick was necessary, as we already have multiple chapters where our main character is already spending the entire chapter with a song in his head. Also, many times it was hard to tell where the chapter ended and the song began, and it greatly disrupted the flow of my reading. There was also an irritating part where our main character gets the song “You Got a Friend in Me” stuck in his head, and instead of just a line or two we get a whole random paragraph of the entire song. Unnecessary.
Ripley was not a character I particularly liked, which isn’t necessary for me to like a book. However, many times it felt like the author was begging me to like him based on how “good” of a person he “really” was. There were multiple instances where Ripley would mentally go “I’m a feminist” or “I’m not sexist” or xyz before describing a woman in the most blatant sexist offensive terms ever. And to be honest, this wouldn’t have bothered me if it wasn’t POINTED OUT to me as a way of self-acknowledgement from him that he just HAS to describe this woman in this way, really, it’s nothing to do with sexism. Personally, I’d have rather he just be sexist than to read “I’m a feminist, so this isn’t being sexist, but *describes a woman in unnecessarily rude terms* but it’s okay, I’m married to a woman and thought another woman was attractive. It’s just a personal gripe of mine, but I feel I’d rather he be a flawed character with some sexist characteristics rather than a sexist character who keeps insisting he’s not “because he’s a feminist.”
In the same tune, I also didn’t like Bogart for many similar reasons. There’s an entire conversation between the two about him having sex with Ripley’s wife in VERY unflattering terms, and I was just like “really? Is this what I’m reading right now?” Also, he very much ruined a soft moment between him and Ripley where Bogart is trying to help Ripley’s self-esteem by going full “but no-homo” on him. Overall, I felt the two characters were kind of surface level with many jokes and exchanges that fell flat.
Complaints aside, the overall plot was short and sweet enough to give us a glimpse into this world with these parasites, and how humanity can try to defeat them. This was very much a cosmic horror novel, and it accomplishes its goal fairly well. If you were looking for a short cosmic horror novel and are fine with some cringy internal dialogue then I think this novel would work for you.
April 8, 2019
“Ear Worm” by Aaron Thomas Milstead (Bloodbound Books) ISBN: 97-1-940250-34-2
This is a highly polished reflective gem of a book, as black as Whitby jet, which, as any recent visitor to the town will know, has become synonymous with all things gothic including the horror of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Of course horror has many shapes and is constantly present through life. If you think this not so then reflect on the toll for road kill, or disease and famine, terrorism and war. Not to mention old age, physical decline, senility and death. If that lot does not add up to horror I cannot imagine what does. However, the horror presented in “Ear Worm” is different to all afore mentioned in that it is amusing in form. From the first score or so pages onward it provoked in me, frequent spontaneous outbursts of mirth.
This is because the entire work is dripping with dark dead pan humour which debunks myth and legend, pokes fun at vampires, werewolves and zombies but in so doing creates a new horror, a shadow world occupied by an ancient, species of aliens wholly dedicated to wiping mankind from the face of the Earth. Yet, this newly created horror is hilarious itself.
In addition, humanity, human society in general, is presented in comic form. The book’s lead character, Ripley is suffering truly horrific torments both physical and mental, the worst of them being early stage Creutzfeldt - Jakob disease. There are few things more horrific than that. Yet such is Ripley’s nature and such are his mannerisms and outlook that rather than feeling sorrow or sympathy the reader is likely to collapse in laughter at the man’s plight. As for the nature of the lesser characters that surround him, all are shallow, facile, and risible. They are creatures rather than people worthy of nothing other than being dismissed with mirth and contempt which point takes me back to road kill and the rest.
Were we but to reflect in depth on this multitude of threats to our all too precarious existence we should surely curl up in terror and refuse to set foot from the door. But we do not. We simply do not think about them and if we do we do not take them seriously. We shrug. We laugh them off and this is surely thebase theme of the book, a reflection on the frailty of life and a celebration of that most precious facet of human nature: laughter without which, I suspect, like lemmings, we should be leaping from cliffs in wholesale suicide, driven so by the horrors that surround us and hound us through life.
“Ear Worm” by Aaron Thomas Milstead: a highly polished, reflective gem of a book. I’d give it six stars if I could.
D. A. Barker (author of “Killing for Christmas,” “What am I” and, in composition, “Suzanne”
This is a highly polished reflective gem of a book, as black as Whitby jet, which, as any recent visitor to the town will know, has become synonymous with all things gothic including the horror of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Of course horror has many shapes and is constantly present through life. If you think this not so then reflect on the toll for road kill, or disease and famine, terrorism and war. Not to mention old age, physical decline, senility and death. If that lot does not add up to horror I cannot imagine what does. However, the horror presented in “Ear Worm” is different to all afore mentioned in that it is amusing in form. From the first score or so pages onward it provoked in me, frequent spontaneous outbursts of mirth.
This is because the entire work is dripping with dark dead pan humour which debunks myth and legend, pokes fun at vampires, werewolves and zombies but in so doing creates a new horror, a shadow world occupied by an ancient, species of aliens wholly dedicated to wiping mankind from the face of the Earth. Yet, this newly created horror is hilarious itself.
In addition, humanity, human society in general, is presented in comic form. The book’s lead character, Ripley is suffering truly horrific torments both physical and mental, the worst of them being early stage Creutzfeldt - Jakob disease. There are few things more horrific than that. Yet such is Ripley’s nature and such are his mannerisms and outlook that rather than feeling sorrow or sympathy the reader is likely to collapse in laughter at the man’s plight. As for the nature of the lesser characters that surround him, all are shallow, facile, and risible. They are creatures rather than people worthy of nothing other than being dismissed with mirth and contempt which point takes me back to road kill and the rest.
Were we but to reflect in depth on this multitude of threats to our all too precarious existence we should surely curl up in terror and refuse to set foot from the door. But we do not. We simply do not think about them and if we do we do not take them seriously. We shrug. We laugh them off and this is surely thebase theme of the book, a reflection on the frailty of life and a celebration of that most precious facet of human nature: laughter without which, I suspect, like lemmings, we should be leaping from cliffs in wholesale suicide, driven so by the horrors that surround us and hound us through life.
“Ear Worm” by Aaron Thomas Milstead: a highly polished, reflective gem of a book. I’d give it six stars if I could.
D. A. Barker (author of “Killing for Christmas,” “What am I” and, in composition, “Suzanne”
January 16, 2024
An ‘earworm’ is loosely defined as an annoying pop song you hate and loathe, but somehow the damn thing gets stuck in your head and keeps boinging around. Example: Taylor Swift’s entire catalogue. (I make no apologies to Swift fans) In Earworm, it’s a bit more: an actual annoying voice (or is it?) that talks and responds to you. For protagonist Ripley McCain, he had better listen, since he might need to help save the human race, as well as himself.
Earworm is a good horror/thriller read, with some surprising emotional depth in places, there are a few spots where readers might start sniffling and reach for a tissue, pages 104-106 especially. Ripley is an excellent lead character, it’s impossible not to like him, due to his struggles. He does everything he can to win back his wife, overcomes the bottle…and finds out he has six months to live. Fate intervenes in the form of the earworm. Important: it’s a symbiote, not a parasite. For readers that flunked Biology 101, that means each creature feeds off the other, to the mutual benefit of both. These aren’t Star Trek 2’s brainworms. However, Ripley’s earworm does have a task for him: protecting the worm from certain other worms that want to destroy it, and destroy all people as well.
The story is a nice split between Ripely’s actions to stop the evil earworms of the world, and the dialogue with his own worm. Their conversations are always entertaining, the worm is certainly not a formal voice of wisdom, more like his new best friend, for a guy that desperately needs friends. The emotional part comes from Ripley’s scenes with his wife and daughter as they try to settle things, and some of the dialogue with the earworm. These parts are very well done, and raise the story above the standard horror novel. It helps to get readers invested in Ripley’s character, and they will cheer him on till the end.
That being said, there’s still plenty of action along the way: walking corpses, tentacles blasting out of people, and possessed chickens. The supporting cast helps move the action along and provides nice contrast, the doctor who knows the secret of the earworms stands out, and Ripley’s drunken sort-of friend who is along for the ride helps the story also.
The only drawback to the writing is too many analogies to pop culture, 80’s and later. They are useful tools in moderation, but there are simply too many of them here. They detract from what is good writing, and should have been whittled down to a manageable number.
Earworm is worth the read, it’s entertaining and unusual enough that most people will enjoy it. Bonus: you get an interesting discussion on how on Gilligan’s Island, they can’t escape because they are actually in hell. Recommended.
Earworm is a good horror/thriller read, with some surprising emotional depth in places, there are a few spots where readers might start sniffling and reach for a tissue, pages 104-106 especially. Ripley is an excellent lead character, it’s impossible not to like him, due to his struggles. He does everything he can to win back his wife, overcomes the bottle…and finds out he has six months to live. Fate intervenes in the form of the earworm. Important: it’s a symbiote, not a parasite. For readers that flunked Biology 101, that means each creature feeds off the other, to the mutual benefit of both. These aren’t Star Trek 2’s brainworms. However, Ripley’s earworm does have a task for him: protecting the worm from certain other worms that want to destroy it, and destroy all people as well.
The story is a nice split between Ripely’s actions to stop the evil earworms of the world, and the dialogue with his own worm. Their conversations are always entertaining, the worm is certainly not a formal voice of wisdom, more like his new best friend, for a guy that desperately needs friends. The emotional part comes from Ripley’s scenes with his wife and daughter as they try to settle things, and some of the dialogue with the earworm. These parts are very well done, and raise the story above the standard horror novel. It helps to get readers invested in Ripley’s character, and they will cheer him on till the end.
That being said, there’s still plenty of action along the way: walking corpses, tentacles blasting out of people, and possessed chickens. The supporting cast helps move the action along and provides nice contrast, the doctor who knows the secret of the earworms stands out, and Ripley’s drunken sort-of friend who is along for the ride helps the story also.
The only drawback to the writing is too many analogies to pop culture, 80’s and later. They are useful tools in moderation, but there are simply too many of them here. They detract from what is good writing, and should have been whittled down to a manageable number.
Earworm is worth the read, it’s entertaining and unusual enough that most people will enjoy it. Bonus: you get an interesting discussion on how on Gilligan’s Island, they can’t escape because they are actually in hell. Recommended.
March 6, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Blood Bound Books for the e-copy. This review is my honest opinion.
Well this was a ride. An enjoyable one but I can see this is not for everybody.
One thing that I'm going to say immediately is that this is stockfull of pop culture references, especially in the first half. So many actor names referenced with other pop culture icons such as Sauron. There are also snippets of songs present - not surprising considering the earworm theme.
Now this is a dark comedy with its crass moments and the protagonist is not the most... sensitive in his choice of words. In fact, the first few chapters I was getting disappointed and not enjoying it that much but it got better. Though the descriptions... look I'm just going to quote one or two that I think exemplified exactly what we are dealing with:
«She stared at me and her fat, wrinkled face contorted like an elephant's prolapsed anus and I saw something that will haunt me until the day I die.
My mother-in-law smiled.
The mighty eye of Sauron would have wept.»
And another:
«Clearly, he was still very, very dead, but somehow he's had the decency to put on pants." The whole book is written like this, full of unexpected humorous sentences to contrast with what's truly happening. And stereotypes if you can't tell by the MIL section.
Don't expect character development out of anyone but the main character (mostly because it's forced) as the rest of the characters are essentially shallow pieces there for the plot. Nothing wrong with it, this is not the type of book where the characters are supposed to be fully developed - though it would help in certain scenes a bit more as the author wants us the reader to go "aww they care" but gave us barely anything but a few words said between them.
Also remember when I said dark? Yes, despite the comedic there are scenes that have body horror. Also the whole parasite that controls humans situation is central to the plot - I do wish there had been more space to explore the concept though, more fleshed out.
All in all though I liked it, worth a read and, if you are like me and didn't appreciate the first couple of chapters, it's worth to prevail for a few more but if you read those sections and dislike them, this book is not for you.
Well this was a ride. An enjoyable one but I can see this is not for everybody.
One thing that I'm going to say immediately is that this is stockfull of pop culture references, especially in the first half. So many actor names referenced with other pop culture icons such as Sauron. There are also snippets of songs present - not surprising considering the earworm theme.
Now this is a dark comedy with its crass moments and the protagonist is not the most... sensitive in his choice of words. In fact, the first few chapters I was getting disappointed and not enjoying it that much but it got better. Though the descriptions... look I'm just going to quote one or two that I think exemplified exactly what we are dealing with:
«She stared at me and her fat, wrinkled face contorted like an elephant's prolapsed anus and I saw something that will haunt me until the day I die.
My mother-in-law smiled.
The mighty eye of Sauron would have wept.»
And another:
«Clearly, he was still very, very dead, but somehow he's had the decency to put on pants." The whole book is written like this, full of unexpected humorous sentences to contrast with what's truly happening. And stereotypes if you can't tell by the MIL section.
Don't expect character development out of anyone but the main character (mostly because it's forced) as the rest of the characters are essentially shallow pieces there for the plot. Nothing wrong with it, this is not the type of book where the characters are supposed to be fully developed - though it would help in certain scenes a bit more as the author wants us the reader to go "aww they care" but gave us barely anything but a few words said between them.
Also remember when I said dark? Yes, despite the comedic there are scenes that have body horror. Also the whole parasite that controls humans situation is central to the plot - I do wish there had been more space to explore the concept though, more fleshed out.
All in all though I liked it, worth a read and, if you are like me and didn't appreciate the first couple of chapters, it's worth to prevail for a few more but if you read those sections and dislike them, this book is not for you.
October 7, 2023
Bibliophilia Templum Review
https://bibliophiliatemplum.wordpress.com/2023/10/07/earworm/
Earworm by Aaron Thomas Milstead is a story that defies the boundaries of horror subgenre labels. It’s a story with heart and soul, horrors and humor, a bizarro-cosmic-sci-fi-psychological horror tale unlike any other. The synopsis simply doesn’t do it justice, nor does the creative cover, though the cover is also wonderfully symbolic and appropriate.
Milstead’s characters are vivid, engaging, and supremely entertaining—all of them, even the minor ones―and the character interaction is everything. Riley is a regular guy with real world problems who gets thrust into a bizarre situation, and his uncertainty at times makes him very relatable. Bogart is a bit enigmatic, as he should be, but he will still make you both laugh and curse. And the dynamic between those two characters is brilliant.
The story itself is a wild ride, so hang on to your knickers. The combination of horror and humor and social mirroring can make your head spin. But no detail is unimportant; things circle back around when you least expect it. Most importantly, the story is entertaining, suspenseful, unpredictable, a real page-turner. The plot is spectacular and the storytelling fantastic.
Earworm is a complex tale that will make you laugh and snicker, cringe and scowl, gasp and exclaim out loud. It’s a story with something to say and a highly recommended read.
https://bibliophiliatemplum.wordpress.com/2023/10/07/earworm/
Earworm by Aaron Thomas Milstead is a story that defies the boundaries of horror subgenre labels. It’s a story with heart and soul, horrors and humor, a bizarro-cosmic-sci-fi-psychological horror tale unlike any other. The synopsis simply doesn’t do it justice, nor does the creative cover, though the cover is also wonderfully symbolic and appropriate.
Milstead’s characters are vivid, engaging, and supremely entertaining—all of them, even the minor ones―and the character interaction is everything. Riley is a regular guy with real world problems who gets thrust into a bizarre situation, and his uncertainty at times makes him very relatable. Bogart is a bit enigmatic, as he should be, but he will still make you both laugh and curse. And the dynamic between those two characters is brilliant.
The story itself is a wild ride, so hang on to your knickers. The combination of horror and humor and social mirroring can make your head spin. But no detail is unimportant; things circle back around when you least expect it. Most importantly, the story is entertaining, suspenseful, unpredictable, a real page-turner. The plot is spectacular and the storytelling fantastic.
Earworm is a complex tale that will make you laugh and snicker, cringe and scowl, gasp and exclaim out loud. It’s a story with something to say and a highly recommended read.
December 24, 2023
This is a wildly entertaining, funny, and dark novella about a man and his alien parasite who lives in his brain.
Our protagonist has been dealt a bad hand in life. He's separated from his wife and daughter, he works in pest control, and he's found out that he has a very rare brain disease that will leave him in pain and agony until he dies (which could only be days to weeks away).
Through a series of events, he "meets" Bogart, an alien creature who enters through his ear and bonds with his brain. And Bogart tells him there's going to be a race of big nasty aliens who will wipe out the human race.
Yes, this sounds like a "b" sci-fi movie but it's really a great story that serves its dark narrative with a tremendous helping of humor and heart along the way. The relationship between our protagonist and Bogart is shaky at first but it becomes apparent that Bogart might be his only true friend when it's all said and done.
It's easy to root for the protagonist here. He's a sympathetic character whose life has taken a severe downturn. His observations and insights are ones a lot of people will recognize and he does this with a sense of self depreciation and willingness to place the blame on himself when necessary.
This is the sort of horror weirdness I love and have a fondness for and I highly recommend this novella if you're looking for something sharp, funny, and different.
I received a copy of this book with no consideration. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
Our protagonist has been dealt a bad hand in life. He's separated from his wife and daughter, he works in pest control, and he's found out that he has a very rare brain disease that will leave him in pain and agony until he dies (which could only be days to weeks away).
Through a series of events, he "meets" Bogart, an alien creature who enters through his ear and bonds with his brain. And Bogart tells him there's going to be a race of big nasty aliens who will wipe out the human race.
Yes, this sounds like a "b" sci-fi movie but it's really a great story that serves its dark narrative with a tremendous helping of humor and heart along the way. The relationship between our protagonist and Bogart is shaky at first but it becomes apparent that Bogart might be his only true friend when it's all said and done.
It's easy to root for the protagonist here. He's a sympathetic character whose life has taken a severe downturn. His observations and insights are ones a lot of people will recognize and he does this with a sense of self depreciation and willingness to place the blame on himself when necessary.
This is the sort of horror weirdness I love and have a fondness for and I highly recommend this novella if you're looking for something sharp, funny, and different.
I received a copy of this book with no consideration. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
April 14, 2026
There’s something deeply unsettling about a story that blurs the line between internal thought and external control and Earworm thrives in that uneasy space. What begins as a familiar concept, a voice in one’s head quickly evolves into a layered exploration of identity, agency, and survival.
Ripley McCain is not your typical protagonist. He’s weary, fractured, and already confronting the slow erosion of himself through illness. That context makes the arrival of “Bogart,” the voice in his mind, all the more ambiguous. Is this salvation? Madness? Or something far more sinister? The brilliance of Milstead’s writing lies in how long he allows that question to linger.
The pacing is deliberate but never stagnant. Each revelation feels earned, particularly as the narrative expands from personal struggle to something much larger an ancient, parasitic threat with implications that stretch far beyond Ripley’s life. The horror here isn’t just in the external menace, but in the loss of autonomy, the creeping suspicion that your thoughts may not be your own.
What elevates Earworm is its emotional grounding. Beneath the science fiction and horror elements is a deeply human story about regret, second chances, and the desperate hope to reconnect with loved ones before it’s too late.
If there’s a minor drawback, it’s that the conceptual density may feel overwhelming at times. But for readers willing to engage with its ideas, this is a rewarding and haunting read.
Ripley McCain is not your typical protagonist. He’s weary, fractured, and already confronting the slow erosion of himself through illness. That context makes the arrival of “Bogart,” the voice in his mind, all the more ambiguous. Is this salvation? Madness? Or something far more sinister? The brilliance of Milstead’s writing lies in how long he allows that question to linger.
The pacing is deliberate but never stagnant. Each revelation feels earned, particularly as the narrative expands from personal struggle to something much larger an ancient, parasitic threat with implications that stretch far beyond Ripley’s life. The horror here isn’t just in the external menace, but in the loss of autonomy, the creeping suspicion that your thoughts may not be your own.
What elevates Earworm is its emotional grounding. Beneath the science fiction and horror elements is a deeply human story about regret, second chances, and the desperate hope to reconnect with loved ones before it’s too late.
If there’s a minor drawback, it’s that the conceptual density may feel overwhelming at times. But for readers willing to engage with its ideas, this is a rewarding and haunting read.
May 31, 2024
This was a fast-paced novella with a fun concept. I didn’t find it too well executed, unfortunately. The idea of a war between the elder and younger of the strange earworm beings is pretty epic, but the story felt quite small scale.
After a good start that intrigued me, I found it slowed down and started to lose me for a while. Fortunately, it did pick up again, with only a couple of slower moments.
Honestly, I skipped most of the poorly written ‘garlic’ article the MC reads. I assume the writing style was that bad on purpose, to show the type of online conspiracy theorist writing it, but unfortunately I found it overly long and irritating.
The description of chicken farming was also difficult to read, for different reasons, and I don’t think it was necessary to the story.
I liked the use of the earworm songs as storytelling devices and clues about what was to come, but wasn’t too keen on the song lyrics at the end of each chapter. These seemed to bleed into the text and I was often halfway into the lyrics before realising the chapter was over and it wasn’t part of the story.
This was an interesting read, something I can imagine fans of 80s horror (think Brain Damage, or The Deadly Spawn) enjoying. It was a fun way to pass a couple of hours.
My thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with a copy to review.
After a good start that intrigued me, I found it slowed down and started to lose me for a while. Fortunately, it did pick up again, with only a couple of slower moments.
Honestly, I skipped most of the poorly written ‘garlic’ article the MC reads. I assume the writing style was that bad on purpose, to show the type of online conspiracy theorist writing it, but unfortunately I found it overly long and irritating.
The description of chicken farming was also difficult to read, for different reasons, and I don’t think it was necessary to the story.
I liked the use of the earworm songs as storytelling devices and clues about what was to come, but wasn’t too keen on the song lyrics at the end of each chapter. These seemed to bleed into the text and I was often halfway into the lyrics before realising the chapter was over and it wasn’t part of the story.
This was an interesting read, something I can imagine fans of 80s horror (think Brain Damage, or The Deadly Spawn) enjoying. It was a fun way to pass a couple of hours.
My thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with a copy to review.
January 3, 2024
This is a weird book to review. The tone is blunt and snarky. It walks a very thin line between being acceptable vs offensive (especially early in the book). The main character is a bit of jerk, not lovable, but also not irredeemable. And the target audience for this book is definitely male. ...And yet, despite all this, I was unable to put the book down. And the longer I read it, the more it grew on me.
There was a surprising amount to love about this book. It has a compelling story, with tension, action and intrigue. The secondary character is one of the most unique that I've come across. I couldn't help but love him, despite his very unusual (and not entirely healthy) relationship with the main character. And, something which I found equally delightful, is that this book has some very intriguing and obscure points of knowledge that tie in nicely with the plot of the book. You get a bit of esoteric education to go along with the pure entertainment value of the book.
All in all, this one was a winner.
There was a surprising amount to love about this book. It has a compelling story, with tension, action and intrigue. The secondary character is one of the most unique that I've come across. I couldn't help but love him, despite his very unusual (and not entirely healthy) relationship with the main character. And, something which I found equally delightful, is that this book has some very intriguing and obscure points of knowledge that tie in nicely with the plot of the book. You get a bit of esoteric education to go along with the pure entertainment value of the book.
All in all, this one was a winner.
March 7, 2024
Many thanks to NetGalley and Blood Bound Books for providing me with an eARC of Earworm in exchange for my honest review!
What a bizarrely amusing and charming blend of cosmic horror and dark comedy this book is. It sets up its lens of black humor right from the grisly opening scene, then pulls me into the strange and endearing dynamic that builds up between Ripley and his new earworm buddy Bogart. This could have been quite a cringey experience, considering how much of an obnoxious, covertly bigoted, and cynical human being Ripley can be. But I end up getting invested in him and Bogart as they embark on the twists and turns of their ridiculous and vulgar tale. The banter elicits plenty of laughter from me, too. And when this reaches its third act, I'm able to click with its satisfyingly bittersweet conclusion.
Overall, I'm officially rating Earworm four out of five stars, and I'd love to explore more of Aaron Thomas Milstead's work.
What a bizarrely amusing and charming blend of cosmic horror and dark comedy this book is. It sets up its lens of black humor right from the grisly opening scene, then pulls me into the strange and endearing dynamic that builds up between Ripley and his new earworm buddy Bogart. This could have been quite a cringey experience, considering how much of an obnoxious, covertly bigoted, and cynical human being Ripley can be. But I end up getting invested in him and Bogart as they embark on the twists and turns of their ridiculous and vulgar tale. The banter elicits plenty of laughter from me, too. And when this reaches its third act, I'm able to click with its satisfyingly bittersweet conclusion.
Overall, I'm officially rating Earworm four out of five stars, and I'd love to explore more of Aaron Thomas Milstead's work.
April 6, 2022
I was sent a copy of Earworm by Aaron Thomas Milstead courtesy of @bloodboundbooks in exchange for an honest review. This has been one of my favorite reads of this year! Ripley’s brain is affected by a chronic condition in which his doctors have only allotted him months to live. Ripley lives a meager lifestyle as a pest control technician- all while he is separating from his wife who has banished him to the pool house. Ripley’s life changes drastically when he is on a work call and becomes “infected” with the Earworm, or symbiote. He insists on being called Bogart. There were so many relatable pop culture references. Although I would consider this a horror with some sci fi components, it also had elements of a psychological thriller. This was definitely a page-turner. Sans spoilers, a lot of the plot is also up to interpretation.
March 15, 2024
After being diagnosed with a terminal brain disease, and then separating from his wife, Ripley feels he's hit rock bottom. However, a voice in his head has other plans for him when it tells him about a race of ancient parasites that use humans as hosts. Has Ripley gone crazy or is the voice telling the truth?
This book had the feel of The Troop by Nick Cutter and a more adult version of The Host by Stephanie Meyer. There's some minor body horror but i didn't find it disturbing. Ripley is a pop culture geek so there are a lot of references to movies, video games, and television throughout the book. He's very quirky and I loved his inner monologue. At only 222 pages this was a quick read that I got through in 2 sittings. Thoroughly entertaining and a fun read for those into the creature feature genre.
Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read and review this book.
This book had the feel of The Troop by Nick Cutter and a more adult version of The Host by Stephanie Meyer. There's some minor body horror but i didn't find it disturbing. Ripley is a pop culture geek so there are a lot of references to movies, video games, and television throughout the book. He's very quirky and I loved his inner monologue. At only 222 pages this was a quick read that I got through in 2 sittings. Thoroughly entertaining and a fun read for those into the creature feature genre.
Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read and review this book.
October 19, 2024
After a certain point, what hurts so much about reading Earworm is that you can see glimpses of the book this could've been, had an editor taken even a glance at it for more than five minutes. Earworm's biggest problem is that there is a very specific voice that keeps plopping into the narrative that would really like you to know how cool he is because he's seen this film, and this is just exactly like that! Instead we get this cringey shorthand that appears every few pages with references that not only completely miss the point of the original scene, it actively derails any scene taking place, and makes the reader cringe so badly that I started wondering if I was having an out of body experience at several points throughout. There's a solid alien parasite story here, the problem is that you hate the main character so much that you start rooting for the brain disease to please act quicker and save you from this godforsaken hellscape. The rape jokes stopped being funny in the 90s. But hey now, we're all stars, go put this down and pick up literally anything else in your life, it will have more redeeming value than this Ready Player One wannabe ass book. Really, the best thing I can compare it to is any American remake of a European horror film that completely misses the point and is utterly insufferable as they gleefully and willfully leave the point several states back.
February 5, 2024
I… have mixed feeling about this book.
On one hand, the plot was entertaining at times and I enjoyed the ending. The characterisation felt sort of like watching a collision: you know what's going to happen and you know you can't stop it, but you're shocked and disappointed when it does happen all the same.
On the other, it read like a novel written two decades ago that did not age well. Like, I could not get over the over-use of the word “rape” in a colloquial context. What is this, a schoolyard in 2003?
Overall, I didn't hate it and I didn't love it, and I don't think I'd recommend it to others. I'd give it 2.5 stars, but rounding down to 2.
I was provided an ARC of this book by Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
On one hand, the plot was entertaining at times and I enjoyed the ending. The characterisation felt sort of like watching a collision: you know what's going to happen and you know you can't stop it, but you're shocked and disappointed when it does happen all the same.
On the other, it read like a novel written two decades ago that did not age well. Like, I could not get over the over-use of the word “rape” in a colloquial context. What is this, a schoolyard in 2003?
Overall, I didn't hate it and I didn't love it, and I don't think I'd recommend it to others. I'd give it 2.5 stars, but rounding down to 2.
I was provided an ARC of this book by Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
July 7, 2023
Earworm is a fantastic read. It ironically is stuck in my brain. The writing style is very humorous and moves the story along quickly.
The main character waffles between being sympathetic and being a little obnoxious, which made him feel like a real person. His anxieties and struggles were very relatable.
From the very first sentence, we know what kind of book we're getting, and I was very interested in where it would go. Along the way, I cringed, I laughed, I wanted to cry. The ending was perfect.
I'd recommend this book to anyone, assuming of course they're okay with feeling a little squeamish.
The main character waffles between being sympathetic and being a little obnoxious, which made him feel like a real person. His anxieties and struggles were very relatable.
From the very first sentence, we know what kind of book we're getting, and I was very interested in where it would go. Along the way, I cringed, I laughed, I wanted to cry. The ending was perfect.
I'd recommend this book to anyone, assuming of course they're okay with feeling a little squeamish.
January 8, 2024
Well, this was fun. Ripley, our protagonist, is at the end of his life and just wants to go out in a high note with his estranged wife. Enter Bogart, his new companion/parasite. The relationship between those two comes with some fun banter and a good amount of snark. And even though this novel didn’t initially grab my attention from the get-go, it picked up quickly and brings you right into the fight for humanity. I liked Ripley. He’s likable, and the reader finds themselves rooting for him to believe in himself; his has pretty low self-esteem at the start of the book. He has a nice character arc and ultimately fulfilling journey. Bogart is the sidekick we all hope for, and is a devoted “friend” to Ripley. The monsters are hideous, the secondary characters are a beneficial addition, and the book, as a whole, is written well and cohesively. An enjoyable book overall.
January 11, 2024
Initially while reading this books I was uncertain if I was going to like it. But as the story progressed I became more and more enraptured with it.
I loved all the pop culture references and how of the time the references made the novel feel.
The culmination of Ripley dying but not really made me love the book even more
My only negatives were some parts were definitely written more for the male perspective and it was what made me question if I would enjoy the book or not as well some sections were a little choppy in structure and I found myself rereading parts to get the timeline straight in my head.
Overall a really good concept and a very fun read
I loved all the pop culture references and how of the time the references made the novel feel.
The culmination of Ripley dying but not really made me love the book even more
My only negatives were some parts were definitely written more for the male perspective and it was what made me question if I would enjoy the book or not as well some sections were a little choppy in structure and I found myself rereading parts to get the timeline straight in my head.
Overall a really good concept and a very fun read
February 25, 2024
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!
I went into this one not knowing much, so I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but BOY did this one deliver!! The whole story felt like you were listening to someone telling you a story of all these crazy things that happened to them. So well written!!
The story itself was super fun! It felt like a mix of sci-fi vibes, a little humor, a little gore... all blended together seamlessly! The writing was great, I loved the MC and his 'passenger', I loved the ending! There is nothing about this book that I didn't enjoy! Highly recommend to anyone who loves the slightly weird stuff like I do!
It's definitely my favorite read of the month!!
I went into this one not knowing much, so I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but BOY did this one deliver!! The whole story felt like you were listening to someone telling you a story of all these crazy things that happened to them. So well written!!
The story itself was super fun! It felt like a mix of sci-fi vibes, a little humor, a little gore... all blended together seamlessly! The writing was great, I loved the MC and his 'passenger', I loved the ending! There is nothing about this book that I didn't enjoy! Highly recommend to anyone who loves the slightly weird stuff like I do!
It's definitely my favorite read of the month!!
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