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Five Novellas
In many ways, a novella is the perfect length for a tale of horror. Enough room for story and character development, yet short enough to get straight to the bloody point! This book from Bram Stoker Award-nominee Jeff Strand contains five of his macabre tales, collected together for the first time. You'll find nerve-wracking suspense, insane humor, a cute dog, and plenty of weirdness, especially in the last one.
STALKING YOU NOW - The reprehensible man in the restaurant doesn’t know that somebody at another table is watching him. Somebody filled with hatred. Somebody waiting for him to be alone. Somebody with duct tape and a gun. It’s a night for vengeance. And a hell of a lot more.
AN APOCALYPSE OF OUR OWN – Missy and Kevin are friends. Just friends. But now people are leaking blood from their eyeballs and turning into homicidal oozing mutants. Fortunately, Kevin has access to an underground shelter, but now they’re trapped down there. Can the Friend Zone survive the end of the world?
FAINT OF HEART – Rebecca's husband doesn't return from his weekend camping trip. And when somebody shows up at the house, it’s not him. At gunpoint, Rebecca learns what has happened. Two men have kidnapped Gary. He went through a weekend of pure hell. They’ll give him back to her, but first, Rebecca has to relive his entire experience, step by horrific step…and survive…
KUTTER - Charlie Stanlon is a serial killer. A ghastly, vicious sociopath who chains women to a table in his basement and tortures them to death. He has no friends. He has no family. He despises his co-workers. His only pleasure in life is to cause pain and terror. Until the day he finds an adorable Boston Terrier and takes it home…
FACIAL - Greg has just killed the man he hired to kill one of his wife’s many lovers. He’s now got a dead body in his office. Carlton, Greg’s brother, desperately needs a dead body. It’s kind of related to the lion corpse that he found in his basement. This is the normal part of the story...
STALKING YOU NOW - The reprehensible man in the restaurant doesn’t know that somebody at another table is watching him. Somebody filled with hatred. Somebody waiting for him to be alone. Somebody with duct tape and a gun. It’s a night for vengeance. And a hell of a lot more.
AN APOCALYPSE OF OUR OWN – Missy and Kevin are friends. Just friends. But now people are leaking blood from their eyeballs and turning into homicidal oozing mutants. Fortunately, Kevin has access to an underground shelter, but now they’re trapped down there. Can the Friend Zone survive the end of the world?
FAINT OF HEART – Rebecca's husband doesn't return from his weekend camping trip. And when somebody shows up at the house, it’s not him. At gunpoint, Rebecca learns what has happened. Two men have kidnapped Gary. He went through a weekend of pure hell. They’ll give him back to her, but first, Rebecca has to relive his entire experience, step by horrific step…and survive…
KUTTER - Charlie Stanlon is a serial killer. A ghastly, vicious sociopath who chains women to a table in his basement and tortures them to death. He has no friends. He has no family. He despises his co-workers. His only pleasure in life is to cause pain and terror. Until the day he finds an adorable Boston Terrier and takes it home…
FACIAL - Greg has just killed the man he hired to kill one of his wife’s many lovers. He’s now got a dead body in his office. Carlton, Greg’s brother, desperately needs a dead body. It’s kind of related to the lion corpse that he found in his basement. This is the normal part of the story...
422 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2019
188 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Strand
229 books2,212 followersBram Stoker Award-winning author of a bunch of demented books, including PRESSURE, DWELLER, CLOWNS VS. SPIDERS, AUTUMN BLEEDS INTO WINTER, MY PRETTIES, the official novelization of ATTACK OF THE KILLER TOMATOES, and lots of others!
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 6, 2024
Five Novellas.
Can you imagine a writer being capable of writing horror and adding a touch of humor? I enjoyed four of the stories but the last not so much.
I’ll probably read another book by Jeff Strand. Yes, I’m sure I will.
Can you imagine a writer being capable of writing horror and adding a touch of humor? I enjoyed four of the stories but the last not so much.
I’ll probably read another book by Jeff Strand. Yes, I’m sure I will.
February 2, 2022
4.6 stars! Because I'm being all mathematical and stuff.
Yeah, yeah. You all know I love Jeff Strand. This is not news. So I'll just get on with the the review. Here is the breakdown of the stories and what I liked about each of them:
Stalking You Now - 4 stars - I loved the beginning of this creepy little revenge story. And I really loved the end. There were a couple sections in the middle where it got a little bogged down, but still a fun, clever read.
An Apocalypse of Our Own - 4 stars - There are parts of this story that are laugh-out-loud funny. And parts that are soooo gross. The conclusion bummed me out a bit though. Still...if you love dark humor, this story is epic!
Faint of Heart - 5 stars - I loved this story! I didn't want to put my Kindle down. Jeff's thrillers clearly work for me, and FAINT OF HEART is most assuredly a first-class thriller.
Kutter - 5 stars - If you love serial killers, dogs, lots of humor, and redemption...this is absolutely the tale for you. What a great frickin' story!
Facial - 5 stars - And Jeff steps into the world of bizarro! I'll admit, I wasn't expecting to like this story as much as I did. It was definitely weird. But it was funny and smart and the many different point of views worked really well. Also, it's pervy. And that's okay with me!
If you've been wondering whether or not Strand was the author for you, Five Novellas might be a nice little toe dip into his work, as this book offers a wide variety of just what he does so very well.
Definitely recommended!
Available on Amazon.
Yeah, yeah. You all know I love Jeff Strand. This is not news. So I'll just get on with the the review. Here is the breakdown of the stories and what I liked about each of them:
Stalking You Now - 4 stars - I loved the beginning of this creepy little revenge story. And I really loved the end. There were a couple sections in the middle where it got a little bogged down, but still a fun, clever read.
An Apocalypse of Our Own - 4 stars - There are parts of this story that are laugh-out-loud funny. And parts that are soooo gross. The conclusion bummed me out a bit though. Still...if you love dark humor, this story is epic!
Faint of Heart - 5 stars - I loved this story! I didn't want to put my Kindle down. Jeff's thrillers clearly work for me, and FAINT OF HEART is most assuredly a first-class thriller.
Kutter - 5 stars - If you love serial killers, dogs, lots of humor, and redemption...this is absolutely the tale for you. What a great frickin' story!
Facial - 5 stars - And Jeff steps into the world of bizarro! I'll admit, I wasn't expecting to like this story as much as I did. It was definitely weird. But it was funny and smart and the many different point of views worked really well. Also, it's pervy. And that's okay with me!
If you've been wondering whether or not Strand was the author for you, Five Novellas might be a nice little toe dip into his work, as this book offers a wide variety of just what he does so very well.
Definitely recommended!
Available on Amazon.
February 21, 2021
Great collection of Novellas. I love Jeff Strands writing. All 5 Novellas were 4 stars. Faint Of Heart reminded me of a Richard Laymon story. A must read for any Horror fan.
September 28, 2020
As the title implies, what we have here are 5 novellas under one roof. I find this to be a great idea, because I'm a print book guy, and most authors I like release novellas on a regular basis, usually for about $1o a pop in paperback. It's a little steep, considering I can read most of these mini novels in one sitting. Mr. Strand has 5 novellas in a big, beautiful paperback for $15, I'm in!
I won't go in depth for every one of these novellas, except for "Kutter". If you are a fan of Strand, you will be happy with everything in this collection. If you haven't read Strand before, your mileage may vary with every novella in this book EXCEPT for "Kutter".
"Kutter" is an incredibly harrowing read. Easily one of the best things I have read this year. I would recommend this novella to anyone, not just horror fans. I read the entire 120 pages of "Kutter" in one sitting. One of the most suspenseful, effective pieces of writing I have ever come across.
The other novellas in this collection are a bit of a mixed bag, but the collection gets 5 stars overall for including "Kutter".
I won't go in depth for every one of these novellas, except for "Kutter". If you are a fan of Strand, you will be happy with everything in this collection. If you haven't read Strand before, your mileage may vary with every novella in this book EXCEPT for "Kutter".
"Kutter" is an incredibly harrowing read. Easily one of the best things I have read this year. I would recommend this novella to anyone, not just horror fans. I read the entire 120 pages of "Kutter" in one sitting. One of the most suspenseful, effective pieces of writing I have ever come across.
The other novellas in this collection are a bit of a mixed bag, but the collection gets 5 stars overall for including "Kutter".
August 10, 2019
I really enjoyed this seemingly random compilation of stories by Jeff Strand. He’s my favorite contemporary horror author and I love when he adds humor to his characters’ dialogs.
January 29, 2021
Overall: 4 stars
Stalking You Now - 4
An Apocalypse of Our Own - 4
Faint of Heart - 4
Kutter - 4
Facial - 3.5
Stalking You Now - 4
An Apocalypse of Our Own - 4
Faint of Heart - 4
Kutter - 4
Facial - 3.5
April 15, 2020
Some of the novella I already read, some are gems, some are meh.
STALKING YOU NOW is think is pretty meh. It was weird and dumb but mehhh..
AN APOCALYPSE OF OUR OWN get me lol-ing tear-eyed at my dinner table. lol
FAINT OF HEART this one also pretty meh I think. I hate the bad guys, and wish torture upon them, but I did not get that. sad :(
KUTTER i think this is the best story here. The hero(?) is a serial killer who like to torture people for days.. and I straight of hate him. it pretty hard to read about a character that you hate, but after a few chapters, he kinda grow on me too. I even got a little sad at the end :(
FACIAL read this before. it was DUMB and WACKY and I LIKE IT
STALKING YOU NOW is think is pretty meh. It was weird and dumb but mehhh..
AN APOCALYPSE OF OUR OWN get me lol-ing tear-eyed at my dinner table. lol
FAINT OF HEART this one also pretty meh I think. I hate the bad guys, and wish torture upon them, but I did not get that. sad :(
KUTTER i think this is the best story here. The hero(?) is a serial killer who like to torture people for days.. and I straight of hate him. it pretty hard to read about a character that you hate, but after a few chapters, he kinda grow on me too. I even got a little sad at the end :(
FACIAL read this before. it was DUMB and WACKY and I LIKE IT
March 14, 2022
not the best but not the worst
I don't like making negative reviews, it's not all negative but......
Interesting stories but the typos and errors in the book were really annoying and distracting!
One of the stories (Apocalypse of our own) it clearly stated one of the main characters parents only had a landline not a mobile so she couldn't just text them, then towards the end of the book she spoke to her mum on the phone and the mum replied with something along the lines of when your settled text me??
But apart from that I did enjoy the other stories although did feel the last one in the book dragged on and didn't really make a lot of sense
I don't like making negative reviews, it's not all negative but......
Interesting stories but the typos and errors in the book were really annoying and distracting!
One of the stories (Apocalypse of our own) it clearly stated one of the main characters parents only had a landline not a mobile so she couldn't just text them, then towards the end of the book she spoke to her mum on the phone and the mum replied with something along the lines of when your settled text me??
But apart from that I did enjoy the other stories although did feel the last one in the book dragged on and didn't really make a lot of sense
February 16, 2020
This is the first of Strand’s books that I’ve read, and definitely won’t be the last. Strand reminds me a little of Richard Laymon, someone I haven’t read in years.
The stories were fast-paced, and at times absolutely hilarious. This was the most enjoyable horror I’ve read in a very long time.
The stories were fast-paced, and at times absolutely hilarious. This was the most enjoyable horror I’ve read in a very long time.
April 22, 2020
OK, not my favorite by Strand but alright. The one I liked the least was "An Apocalypse of Our Own" - just couldn't get into it.
Think it is time for another break from Strand's books - reading this many in a row makes them all blur together which takes the mystery out of the next one, if that makes sense.
Think it is time for another break from Strand's books - reading this many in a row makes them all blur together which takes the mystery out of the next one, if that makes sense.
March 2, 2020
Well Written Darkest Humor
I really enjoyed Strands writing. Quippy, quick super dark humor in horrific situations, kept me reading until I couldn’t keep my eyes open at night and every break at work! I recommend definitely
I really enjoyed Strands writing. Quippy, quick super dark humor in horrific situations, kept me reading until I couldn’t keep my eyes open at night and every break at work! I recommend definitely
August 3, 2020
Wonderful
I have not read any of your other stores yet but I will stop . Thank you for giving me something different tell you what you keep writing them and I'll keep reading them sincerely Christine Dunne.Harlingen tx
I have not read any of your other stores yet but I will stop . Thank you for giving me something different tell you what you keep writing them and I'll keep reading them sincerely Christine Dunne.Harlingen tx
June 4, 2022
Loved it
I really b love reading anything by this author. His stories never disappoints and I love the way he ends a story.
I really b love reading anything by this author. His stories never disappoints and I love the way he ends a story.
January 16, 2020
If you’ve read Jeff Strand before, you get it. He is an author that you only recommend to certain people. Not for the faint of heart, not for the the people that can’t do gore, and definitely not people that are sensitive. His writing style is constantly challenging you to see if you say, “Ewww!!!” Or you laugh. All of these novelettes are well-written and entertaining. Kutter is a work of art....if you like Jeff Strand.
September 16, 2019
Jeff Strand’s book Five Novellas is just that: a collection of five of his novellas. If one has not read any (or all) of the novellas collected therein, this book is an amazing deal. Even if one has read them, the book is a vital part of one’s Jeff Strand collection as well as one’s horror collection. This collection is horror humor gold!
And bonus content if you collect physical books: each story is preceded by a black and white of its original cover art. You really do get it all in one volume!
Now let us look at the novellas individually, shall we?
Stalking You Now is a horror suspense story twisted with dark humor. This one is an excellent example of Jeff Strand’s unique, irreverent style. Having had the pleasure of hearing Strand read excerpts of his work at Killercon, my mind converted this first-person treasure into Jeff’s voice reading it. It was exquisite.
An Apocalypse of Our Own is quirky, funny, and grotesque to the point of being apocalypse satire. The mind-boggling combination of character banter, plot twists, and dry, dark humor make this singular apocalypse story enjoyable to read even if apocalypse stories are not your thing. And I say that with confidence because apocalypse stories are not really my thing, and I enjoyed this one.
Faint of Heart is the most serious and disturbing of the novellas, in my opinion. This story is a horror thriller, flowing with suspense and fear and violence as well as Strand’s trademark colorful characters. It is a page-turner, building and building, pulling the reader along without resistance. The ending was not what I expected, and I mean that in a good way.
Kutter is a twisted masterpiece of horror, humor, and wrenching depth. Yes, depth. I could write at length about the underlying psychological and sociological implications presented in this novella, but I cannot do so without giving too much away. I may present my thoughts on that later as a separate post with a spoiler alert warning. For now, deep thoughts aside, Kutter is a brilliantly written story, entertaining, impactful, bloody, graphic, wholly engaging.
Facial is warped, irreverent horror fun. The novella is in first-person, and the chapters switch between characters telling the tale, making it a true mental rollercoaster. Hold on tight. Now, don’t let that put you off. Jeff does this with ingenuity and skill. It’s highly entertaining! I loved this story right up to the mind fornication ending. Yes, the ending will fornicate your mind. Thanks, Jeff. Maybe buy a girl a coffee first next time.
Horrifying and humorous, Five Novellas is a highly-recommended, shelf-worthy tome.
And bonus content if you collect physical books: each story is preceded by a black and white of its original cover art. You really do get it all in one volume!
Now let us look at the novellas individually, shall we?
Stalking You Now is a horror suspense story twisted with dark humor. This one is an excellent example of Jeff Strand’s unique, irreverent style. Having had the pleasure of hearing Strand read excerpts of his work at Killercon, my mind converted this first-person treasure into Jeff’s voice reading it. It was exquisite.
An Apocalypse of Our Own is quirky, funny, and grotesque to the point of being apocalypse satire. The mind-boggling combination of character banter, plot twists, and dry, dark humor make this singular apocalypse story enjoyable to read even if apocalypse stories are not your thing. And I say that with confidence because apocalypse stories are not really my thing, and I enjoyed this one.
Faint of Heart is the most serious and disturbing of the novellas, in my opinion. This story is a horror thriller, flowing with suspense and fear and violence as well as Strand’s trademark colorful characters. It is a page-turner, building and building, pulling the reader along without resistance. The ending was not what I expected, and I mean that in a good way.
Kutter is a twisted masterpiece of horror, humor, and wrenching depth. Yes, depth. I could write at length about the underlying psychological and sociological implications presented in this novella, but I cannot do so without giving too much away. I may present my thoughts on that later as a separate post with a spoiler alert warning. For now, deep thoughts aside, Kutter is a brilliantly written story, entertaining, impactful, bloody, graphic, wholly engaging.
Facial is warped, irreverent horror fun. The novella is in first-person, and the chapters switch between characters telling the tale, making it a true mental rollercoaster. Hold on tight. Now, don’t let that put you off. Jeff does this with ingenuity and skill. It’s highly entertaining! I loved this story right up to the mind fornication ending. Yes, the ending will fornicate your mind. Thanks, Jeff. Maybe buy a girl a coffee first next time.
Horrifying and humorous, Five Novellas is a highly-recommended, shelf-worthy tome.
January 10, 2020
Perfect!
I am new to Jeff Strand, but this will be the first of many must read and finish at the expense of my daily chores, his story lines tread the perfect trail between horror with the right amount of gore, sex and mystery!
I am new to Jeff Strand, but this will be the first of many must read and finish at the expense of my daily chores, his story lines tread the perfect trail between horror with the right amount of gore, sex and mystery!
December 27, 2019
Straight up, TWISTED!
Mr. Strand you have outdone yourself with these! I wasn't sure what to expect going into this collection, but I was definitely NOT disappointed. This was packed with far more blood and guts, depravity, insanity, and laughs than I would have guessed.
Keep up the great work, Mr. Strand!
For those who haven't read Jeff's work yet.... What are you waiting for?!?!? If you're not reading Jeff Strand, you ABSOLUTELY should be!
Mr. Strand you have outdone yourself with these! I wasn't sure what to expect going into this collection, but I was definitely NOT disappointed. This was packed with far more blood and guts, depravity, insanity, and laughs than I would have guessed.
Keep up the great work, Mr. Strand!
For those who haven't read Jeff's work yet.... What are you waiting for?!?!? If you're not reading Jeff Strand, you ABSOLUTELY should be!
December 23, 2019
Awesome
Laughter,tears (from said laughter), inventive,soul searching,chest grabbing,horrifying,strong characters,amazing plots,and many more reasons to grab a Jeff Strand book and buckle up!
Laughter,tears (from said laughter), inventive,soul searching,chest grabbing,horrifying,strong characters,amazing plots,and many more reasons to grab a Jeff Strand book and buckle up!
September 29, 2019
New twists from his others
Different from other Strand books I’ve read. Loved several of these stories. He even dabbles a bit in bizarro fiction. Well, off to read Clowns vs Spiders!
Different from other Strand books I’ve read. Loved several of these stories. He even dabbles a bit in bizarro fiction. Well, off to read Clowns vs Spiders!
October 18, 2019
Another Blockbuster !!!
A series of super stories mixing outrageous comedy, the macabre, and very enjoyable reading!!! Hopefully some of these novellas will be expanded on to rate books of their own!
A series of super stories mixing outrageous comedy, the macabre, and very enjoyable reading!!! Hopefully some of these novellas will be expanded on to rate books of their own!
December 21, 2019
Odd book
Enjoyed reading this book because it contained 5 different stories. Some where funny and some just plain old odd.
Still, it was fun to read.
Enjoyed reading this book because it contained 5 different stories. Some where funny and some just plain old odd.
Still, it was fun to read.
July 24, 2019
review
This book had a very good opening book but did not care for the rest. Did not finish all of them but I am ready to turn book back in!
This book had a very good opening book but did not care for the rest. Did not finish all of them but I am ready to turn book back in!
August 16, 2019
A couple of good stories in this book.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews