Potter's Field Blues

by Michael Tyree

Plunge into a universe of Armani clad apex predators and infernal bureaucrats. A dark metropolis of Cajun serial killers and goddesses of unsettled debts. A world dripping with venom, where forgotten sins lay you to rest beneath monuments of decay. Welcome, to the beginning of all things to end. ... a strong collection with plenty to enjoy for horror fans. ...this thing doesn’t hold back. Combining realistic horror with paranormal terror, it sets a mood that’ll make you question each new character on the page. Near hallucinogenic episodes allow us to fall into the stupor of unbelievability just in time for the terror to strike. But it’s not only a collection that makes you look over your shoulder—it also does a strong job of discussing the dynamics of the people who hold power in our lives. With subtle links to the other stories throughout the collection, author Michael Tyree builds a world rife with fear and strong characters fighting to escape. Joe Walters - Independent Book Review Potter's Field Blues was the first Indie book I've read and it didn't disappoint. Michael Tyree writes on the level of any professional author from major publishing houses. His prose was easy to read and some of his buildups had me on the edge of my sofa. The content in his short stories brought me the feeling of nostalgia from when I lived in the southeastern part of the United States. Some of the scenes described brought me back to my youth, whether it was a concert or a shoreline. To say the least, his stories were very American and captured the older Millenial/Gen-X age groups nicely. I hope to see more from this author in the future. Favorite tale- The Department of Acquisitions - Nicholas Gravel - Author of The Knavish Road Michael Tyree’s Potter’s Field Blues is an eclectic and nightmarish collection that lingers long after you finish it. One of my favorite collections of 2020, with Daydreamers being a personal fave. - Robert P. Ottone, author of Her Infernal Name & Other Nightmares

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2020

About the author

Michael Tyree is an author of horror, dark fantasy, and crime. He is heavily influenced by Zdzisław Beksiński, Clive Barker, Thomas Ligotti, and other surreal artists. He has published two collections of novellas and short fiction, POTTER’S FIELD BLUES and THE PALE HORSE with his third book and debut novel, IF THESE BONES COULD TALK due out in Summer 2024.
He lives in Amherst, Virginia with his wife, Morgan, their son, Keilan, five cats, two dogs, and one unmotivated poltergeist. When not writing or spending time with his family, Michael enjoys rescuing stray cats, collecting overpriced toys from his childhood, plotting ways to destroy his homeowner’s association, and communing with the dark forces who gather behind Denny’s.

Reviews

[Alana K. Drex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyree has crafted, yes CRAFTED a collection of tales woven with the finest turns of phrases. Seriously, expect a reading soon!Because who knew blood and guts could be startling in its vivid beauty in such a way..aannndd it's been a LONG time since I've read these things described with such reverence to detail. There's nothing extra to trim though, don't get me wrong. This book contains 5 morbid tales of complete and utter despair. They're like walking nightmares you can't wake up from, but here you won't want to!

My fave
DAYDREAMERS: I know this was my fave because after reading I couldn't jump into the next right away. This one is about seniors on a spring vacation who make a malevolent discovery. Tyree was able to blur the lines so much i didn't know what was happening in their real world and what was internal. I won't give away any more details, just read this! That ending is gonna get you too!

I enjoyed all 5 of this collection and that isn't always the case. In a collection I always expect there to be one that lacks a bit. NOT HERE. I urge you to get this one right now!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A masterful intertwining of stories written like some of the best in the horror genre today, Michael Tyree brings the goods to the table. Consisting of five short stories Michael Tyree gives the reader a small taste of what he is capable of and with each story, I was left wanting more. His stories alone in this collection were creative, original and an absolute blast to read. My only complaint or “cons” are simple issues that every indie author, I think, faces. A good grammar clean-up would do wonders and some stories really had the juice to be great but the ability to have that full character depth wasn’t quite there. Not to say it wasn’t there at all but there is definitely room to grow. Potter’s Fields Blues is something special, proving that Michael Tyree has something special and I look forward to what he brings to readers in the future. 4.5/5 stars
Favorite Story: Daydreamers

[DA · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like quicksand. You'll step inside these stories and slowly drown in the terror, emotional turmoil and brutality. While every story took my breath away, two of them stood out.
Daydreamers will have you second guessing yourself on what you think is going on. The ending will punched me in the gut.
The Department of Acquisition was everything I could want in a story. A little humorous, a little gruesome, some mystery, fun characters and an ending that will horrify you and possibly make you giggle a little. I actually adored the character of Donnie even though he was the "bad guy".
This book is easily in my top reads of this year.

[Emily Lorié · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found a new favorite!
Potter’s Field Blues by Michael Tyree brings all the dark grit and thought provoking horror my twisted heart desires.
This short story collection contains five tales that stand firm on their own while complementing each other beautifully.
Michael is a master at his craft, offering stunning prose, gripping plots, and thrilling Easter eggs in his stories.

This is one collection you must add to your shelves.

[Ctgt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid collection with sharp writing although I didn't enjoy the stories as much as Pale Horse.

6/10

[Robert Ottone · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a collection this friggin’ good, where does one start?

My favorite in the entire collection is Daydreamers, which I won’t spoil here, but if you’re a fan of visceral, trippy horror, as I am, you’ll be very pleased.

My second favorite would have to be The Swansong of William Delacroix. What starts off incredibly dark takes a rapid nosedive into far darker territory that I truly, did not, see coming.

It’s hard writing a review of a collection when you’ve enjoyed every freaking story. Did I enjoy some more than others? Sure, but that’s the name of the game, right?

This collection is an embarrassment of riches, and a worthy addition to anyone’s shelves.

[N. R. Gravel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Potter's Field Blues was the first Indie book I've read and it didn't disappoint. Michael Tyree writes on the level of any professional author from major publishing houses. His prose was easy to read and some of his buildups had me on the edge of my sofa.

The content in his short stories brought me the feeling of nostalgia from when I lived in the southeastern part of the United States. Some of the scenes described brought me back to my youth, whether it was a concert or a shoreline. To say the least, his stories were very American and captured the older Millenial/Gen-X age groups nicely. I hope to see more from this author in the future.

Favorite tale- The Department of Acquisitions